Mechanizing value chain nodes could make a difference in African food systems The seasonal nature of African food systems implies there are times when particular food commodities are out of season and other times when so much some food is abundant that preservation or semi-processing would increase shelf life by several months. While absence of Read more about Mechanizing value chain nodes could make a difference in African food systems[…]

Where does agriculture begin and end? Natural Ecosystems have Rights too! That food systems are more than agriculture is no longer debatable. However, what is worrying in most countries that depend on agriculture is the extent to which biodiversity and natural ecosystems are being destroyed in favor of agriculture. Conversely, the past few years have Read more about Where does agriculture begin and end? Natural Ecosystems have Rights too![…]

Income streams have different flavors – Wisdom from African food markets Every income stream associated with African food commodities has unique socio-economic flavors, according to farmers and traders who have been participating in African mass food markets for many years. Farmers and elders with different sources of income tend to have diverse tastes and fulfilment Read more about Income streams have different flavors – Wisdom from African food markets[…]

What makes African food African – Some of the Unique Characteristics The best way of defining any food system is to examine its characteristics because it is characteristics that distinguish one food system from another. Characteristics also provide a unique selling proposition for each food system. Countries in the Global North have managed to define Read more about What makes African food African – Some of the Unique Characteristics[…]

Stewarding knowledge on African food systems – beyond collecting statistics When African policy makers talk about food systems, they are often only interested in estimating national requirements of maize, wheat and other few commodities considered more strategic. Although it is known that everybody needs a good stew, there is no policy interest in understanding the Read more about Stewarding knowledge on African food systems – beyond collecting statistics[…]

Mass food markets – the Facebook of African food systems When you want to understand African food systems, visit African mass food markets in big cities. This is where most food commodities are mobilized from diverse parts of each country.  While every community may have its own local market, commodities in that market are not Read more about Mass food markets – the Facebook of African food systems[…]

African food systems continue to be shaped by urban consumption patterns While rural areas produce most of the food in Africa, urban consumption patterns have been shaping African food systems for decades. Commodities from diverse production zones are aggregated and sorted in big urban markets as informed by choices from urban consumer purchasing patterns. The Read more about African food systems continue to be shaped by urban consumption patterns[…]

Building pathways for home grown African financial systems Developing countries are still struggling to domesticate western financial systems so that they suit local contexts. The fact that most financial institutions in Africa have Western roots has resulted in Western founders of the financial system continue to influence the extent to which financial systems can be Read more about <strong>Building pathways for home grown African financial systems</strong>[…]

Toward indigenous ways of recognizing knowledge and wisdom When you start talking to people in any African community, you become surprised about the amount and diversity of knowledge and wisdom held by ordinary people. As the conversation progresses, most communities can even suggest viable solutions to their challenges. If only policy makers and development agencies Read more about Toward indigenous ways of recognizing knowledge and wisdom[…]

Investing in agricultural infrastructure should be informed by the market Besides consuming a lot of money and other resources, many water bodies like dams are under-utilized across Africa. Several dams that were built to support food production have ended up being used for recreational purposes and touristic ventures which do not benefit the majority. Before Read more about Investing in agricultural infrastructure should be informed by the market[…]