Leaders have been urged to enhance funding and innovation to transform food systems in Africa.
Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President of Africa Programs at Heifer International, emphasized the need for global leaders, innovators, and the private sector to collaborate in developing resilient and equitable food systems.
During a panel discussion at the World Food Forum 2024, Ifedi pointed out the importance of increased collaboration between development organizations, innovators, and funding partners to sustainably scale solutions that address agricultural challenges and unlock new opportunities.
“We have worked alongside smallholder farmers globally for 80 years, and in Africa for 50 years,” Ifedi said.
“This experience has shown us how to bring and sustain innovation, especially in fragile and under-resourced environments.”
She noted that in recent years, her organization has begun operating as "innovation brokers," facilitating the introduction of innovations, supporting their integration into communities, and gathering feedback.
“This helps in rethinking, redesigning, and adapting innovations before scaling them up,” she explained.
“We cannot innovate in silos. The entire ecosystem must connect. This requires extensive partnerships because the real world operates systemically. Innovation needs to seek collaboration and leverage opportunities, especially in resource-constrained settings.”Ifedi said.
The World Food Forum 2024, hosted by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), brought together scientists, innovation experts, policymakers, and small-scale producers, including Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and representatives from the private sector, to encourage diverse perspectives based on scientific insights.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, in his opening address said science, technology, and innovation are key accelerators of agrifood systems transformation, but they must be inclusive to ensure that the transition is just and equitable.
He noted the need to prioritize the participation and access of small-scale producers, women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples to context-specific technologies to enhance food security.
“Strong political will and good governance are equally critical if we want to reap the benefits of science, technology, and innovation,” he added.