All contributions

A group of smiling young people sit outdoors, engaging in a lively activity with a wooden box.

Stepping into the future: How youth organisations are driving change

A contribution by Felix Chiyenda

Together they are stronger: In many African countries, young men and women are coming together to form youth organisations. These organisations help young people in rural areas to earn a living in the agricultural and food sector, creating prospects for the future in rural areas.

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Handmade signs advertising various services like electrician and hairdresser are attached to a tree trunk.

Mozambique: How informal workers find jobs through an app

A Contribution by Leonie March

There are only about 1 million jobs in the East African country. The majority of the population works in the informal sector, and it can be difficult for them to find customers. Biscate offers a digital solution - without the need for internet, data or smartphones.

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An illustrated map showcases diverse agricultural and food-related activities on a vibrant island setting.

The Agri-Food Map: An interactive map to explore sustainable agri-food systems

A Contribution by GIZ

The complex interrelationships of the sustainable transformation of agricultural and food systems are not always easy to understand - the Agri-Food Map, an interactive online app, makes the comprehensive relations accessible by providing a wide range of comprehensibly prepared information.

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A man waters crops in a sunlit field using a green watering can, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Strengthening the market linkages of smallholders in the face of global supply shocks

A Contribution by Niladri Sekhar Bagchi

The consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have enabled many countries to open up new export markets for their agricultural goods. However, smallholder farms have been largely left out. Drawing on his experience in India, our author gives a brief overview of how this can be changed.

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Attendees engage in a discussion around a large table at the UNFSS event, with colorful decor adorning the wooden walls.

The UNFSS Stocktaking – shadow and a little light

A Contribution by Harry Hoffmann (TMG) & Nathalie Demel (WHH)

At the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda and two years after the UN Food System Summit 2021, a stocktaking moment was held in Rome to analyze the progress of countries on the commitments to action in transforming food systems. Dr Harry Hoffmann, TMG Think Tank, and Nathalie Demel, Welthungerhilfe, were on site and take stock as well.

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Vendors in a bustling Bangladeshi market display vibrant vegetables in circular baskets on the ground.

Agricultural prices and food security – a complex relationship

A Contribution by Dr. Fatima Olanike Kareem and Dr. Olayinka Idowu Kareem

High agricultural prices affect developed and developing countries alike, but the problem is aggravated for the latter through the lack of or inadequate resilience measures. Dr. Fatima Olanike Kareem, AKADEMIYA2063, and Dr. Olayinka Idowu Kareem, University of Hohenheim, explain what can be done to mitigate the negative effects on food security.

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A woman feeds sheep in a rustic pen while a man observes during an agricultural event. | © Apollo Habtamu ILRI

Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for the African livestock sector

A Contribution by ILRI and GIZ

The production of animal-source foods is becoming increasingly difficult due to the impact of climate change on the livestock sector in Africa. Though, Livestock make a crucial contribution to food security in Africa. Three papers by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ, ILRI and World Bank analyze, how Africas future livestock sector can look like.

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Lush green terraced fields curve around a winding river, showcasing nature's intricate patterns in action.

CompensACTION aims to reward farmers for climate performance

A Contribution of the Initiative

The CompensACTION Initiative for food security and a healthy planet, launched by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in 2022, is gaining momentum. It aims to financially compensate smallholder farmers for their contribution to preserving ecosystems. Initial successes have been achieved in Ethiopia, Lesotho and Brazil.

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Icon depicting gender equality with a combined symbol and equal sign on a red background, labeled "Goal 5".

SDG 5 – Leave no women behind

By 2030, all forms of discrimination against women and girls worldwide should be ended, according to SDG 5. However, the involvement of women* is crucial to achieve the goals against poverty and hunger: SDG 1 and SDG 2. Therefore, policies must be designed with women's* empowerment in mind, says Sara Worku, coordinator of the Alliance 2015 in Ethiopia. In an interview with journalist Jan Rübel, she talks about the importance of access and why SDG 5 offers an important space for gender equality.

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The image shows a symbol for clean water and sanitation with a water drop inside a glass on a blue background.

SDG 6 – Water scarcity in agriculture, an accessibility issue?

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) concerns availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. Water and sanitation are essential for sustainable development, providing a range of services which underpin poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Sten Schurer, Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) on the problem of water scarcity and possible solutions for improved access to water.

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Yellow graphic illustrating Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy with a sun and power button symbol.

SDG 7 – How to achieve a succesful energy transition in East Africa?

Everyone should have access to affordable, reliable and modern energy - these are the objectives of SDG7 on energy. But how can an energy transition be achieved that also promotes sustainable agricultural and food systems? An example from East Africa by Kilian Blumenthal, Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) Kenya.

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Infographic of Sustainable Development Goal 12, highlighting responsible consumption and production on a brown background.

Ms von Reden, does SDG12 mean renouncing consumption?

Sustainable Development Goal 12 calls for sustainable production and consumption by 2030, which is what the certification organization Fairtrade Germany is dedicated to. But how far are we from reaching this goal, and what has already been achieved? Bettina von Reden talks about diversity, renunciation and more awareness.

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The image highlights Goal 14, "Life Below Water," with a fish and waves on a blue background.

SDG 14 – Living aquatic resources as part of the food system

Life below water – that’s the title of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14. The aim is to protect this life and its unique ecosystems through the sustainable use of the oceans and their resources. Having healthy oceans, as well as seas and rivers, is fundamental to the livelihoods and balanced diets of millions of people who rely on fish and other aquatic foodstuffs. A stocktacking by Julian Münster, GIZ.

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Four individuals stand together, holding and presenting a large policy document at a "Partners for Change" event.

Partners for change - Network meeting on transforming agricultural and food systems

A Contribution by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

At the network meeting "Partners for change - Transformation to a food secure, resilient and sustainable future", almost 250 participants from over 20 countries came together to exchange experiences and ideas on the transformation of agricultural and food systems. The final product, joint recommendations to transform agricultural and food systems, can now be read online.

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A large audience attentively listens to a panel discussion on "Partnering for Change" in an elegant, arched venue.

Just change starts with listening

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

Halfway through the 2030 Agenda, the BMZ invited participants to a network meeting entitled "Partners for change - Transformation to a food secure, resilient and sustainable future". Experts from around the world developed recommendations in a consultation process and then consolidated them in Berlin. A site visit.

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Aerial view of a lush agricultural landscape in Ethiopia, showcasing neatly arranged crops and a small building. | © GIZ

The Key to Transforming Food Systems Lies in Inclusive Governance

A Contribution by Daniel Montas

Experts from Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Malawi came together to discuss inclusive governance in a workshop entitled "Inclusive Governance of Food Systems Transformation". Daniel Montas, TMG Research, on the findings.

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Lush green hills stretch across the Chunati Wildlife Reserve in Bangladesh, showcasing vibrant natural beauty. | © GIZ

Working with nature for diversity in farming, climate protection and empowerment

Ein Beitrag von Friederike Bauer

Germany joins the international Agroecology Coalition, reinforcing its commitment to fair, sustainable agriculture and ensuring the future viability of rural areas. By adopting a holistic approach, agroecology is helping to address the greatest challenges of our time: protecting the climate, combating hunger and preserving biodiversity.

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Solar panels are installed in a rural area, harnessing renewable energy under a clear blue sky.

Unlocking the potential of agrivoltaics

A contribution by Fraunhofer Institute

Agrivoltaics is a concept that combines photovoltaic electricity generation and agricultural production, providing the opportunity for a more efficient land use and contributing overall to the integration of food, energy and water systems. This can be particularly interesting for countries in the Global South, where rural electrification rates are often low and food security needs to be improved.

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