Knowledge Portal

This report examined the most up-to-date scientific assessment of the danger humanity faces if present trends continue, with priority being given to food systems in low and middle income countries (LMIC). The potential severity of the combinations of risks to which LMIC food systems are exposed requires a change in their transformation pattern. Since food systems face locally specific combinations of risks, they als have to meet locally specific objectives. »

This working paper demonstrates the ways of catalysing transformation in food systems through policy change from local to global level. Food system transformation demands participation and action from all actors. Policy change can guide and catalyse that action but requires political and public will and a shift in mindsets toward a more collective and shared approach. »

This study examines whether agroecological farming practices can improve food security and dietary diversity in Sub-Saharan Africa. findings indicate that poor, vulnerable farmers can use agroecological methods to effectively improve food and nutritional security in sub-Saharan Africa. The study also highlights how linking agroecology to participatory research approaches that promote farmer experimentation and gender equity also lead to greater health and well-being. »

This article aims to assess political and social outcomes of the formalisation and commercialisation of the seed sector, by comparing maize seed system development in Ethiopia, Malawi and Tanzania, combining policy analysis with quantitative analysis of farmers’ seed use. Climate-smart seed policies and seed system development strategies must be sensitive to differences between farming systems and different groups of farmers if they are to deliver socially fair outcomes. »

The State of the World’s Children 2019 examines children’s malnutrition today and sets an agenda to put children’s nutrition first. Improving children’s nutrition requires food systems to deliver nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable diets for all children. Thereby, food environments are crucial. »

This review examines how to take major, structural steps forward on farmer income by analysis nine high-performing cases. The review exposed three patterns that help explain the succes of these cases: 1) Greatly strenghtening farmer market position. 2) Businesses playing an important role, but not through business as usual. 3) Tapping into growing domestic markets. »