Science is like the news media: it is attracted by trendy concepts, and it loves catchwords. Why? Because like journalists, scholars need to draw people’s attention to their own work. So, scientists use buzzwords such as ‘resilience’, ‘sustainability’ or ‘food systems’. One of the most recent buzzwords in the scientific literature is ‘food systems transformation’. Everyone is using it! In
Participants included representatives from government ministries, private sector organizations, and research institutions from Zambia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Additionally, delegates from various continental and regional institutions were present, including the African Union Commission (AUC), the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), the Southern
While intergovernmental organizations such as the European Union develop policies to curb deforestation, farmers’ experiences on the ground suggest that these can have unintended negative impacts both on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and on the upscaling of farming methods that restore and conserve forest health. Behind a cup of deforestation-free coffee Rio Frío, Honduras: José Darío Enamorado stands
Vegetables are essential to a balanced diet, offering a wide range of essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and more. Therefore, regular consumption of a variety of vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and others. While most of us have heard of carrots, spinach, or potatoes, the vegetable world is vast and diverse,
Raising children’s awareness of local food crops – particularly neglected and underutilized species (NUS) – and protecting agrobiodiversity is essential for the future of our food systems and the environment. Local crops are often neglected in favor of commercial varieties, yet they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy diets, supporting local economies and building resilient landscapes in the face
Food and nutrition insecurity pose major challenges in Senegal, particularly in rural areas where adverse climatic conditions and limited access to essential information. To address these challenges, the AVENIR project (“Adaptation and Valorization of Entrepreneurship in Irrigated Agriculture”) offers innovative solutions. Led by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in collaboration with the Alliance and funded by Global Affairs Canada (AMC), this
LYANAGINGA VILLAGE OF VIGULU, Kenya – First-time visitors to this small community in Vihiga County are usually marveled by how the farming community works the hilly landscape. Tree-lined trails wind around massive boulders, connecting one tiny plot – about 0.16 hectares on average – and farmers’ homes. The setting, including tiny vegetable gardens set atop the boulders, sharply contrasts with
Colombia has been a pioneer in adopting ambitious policies that seek to meet its climate commitments, such as a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. These goals are especially relevant in regions such as Caquetá, the region with the third-highest greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock and cacao are important value chains in this region of the