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[…]

The value of delinking African food systems from foreign currency A major lesson for African leaders from the Russia-Ukraine conflict is that they should accelerate the development of food systems that have no direct link with foreign currency. African agriculture has remained thinly defined for decades as shown by how agricultural policies focus on less Read more about The value of delinking African food systems from foreign currency[…]

The only market where knowledge exchange is part customer experience What differentiates African food markets from the rest is that they do not just sell commodities but educate consumers. Where the majority of workers in formal markets like supermarkets focus only on selling commodities, traders in African food markets are always ready to educate consumers Read more about The only market where knowledge exchange is part customer experience[…]

Unfair trading practices have continued to characterize African agriculture and food systems for decades. Determining and setting prices for agricultural commodities remains a big challenge in most African countries including local markets where the majority of farmers, traders and consumers depend for their food and income. There have not been convincing answers to questions like: Read more about Addressing unfair trade is a key step in transforming African food systems[…]

The knowledge economy is redefining the meaning of agricultural extension When there is nothing new to train farmers, the onus is on agricultural extension services departments to re-imagine how else they can remain relevant.  This is what is happening in many African countries where farmers have either been over-trained or they have mastered enough skills Read more about The knowledge economy is redefining the meaning of agricultural extension[…]