"The Agri-Sector is a Space of Opportunity and Entrepreneurship"

By

An Interview by Jacob Häberli

In Madagascar, the impacts and realities of climate change are not a distant threat but an everyday condition shaping livelihoods, food systems, and political possibilities. Between subsistence and aspiration, agriculture becomes both a necessity and a space of hope. In this interview, Lucky Andrianirina reflects on youth empowerment in the context of climate change, on translating global agendas into local action, and on navigating the social and political barriers that continue to limit meaningful participation.

Lucky Andrianirina speaks during a P4C workshop. © GIZ/ Jil Schütze

Your work connects youth engagement, environmental issues, and food systems. What first drew you personally to questions of agriculture and food security as political and civic questions?
I think the first thing I can say is that food is life. It feels very natural and very obvious to me to say that food matters. A few years ago, however, my main area of engagement was climate change. From there, I increasingly focused on adaptation, and when you speak about adaptation, you inevitably speak about livelihoods, about agriculture, food systems, access to information, capacity building, and related issues.

 

Over the past two years, I also came into contact with GIZ, which invited me to engage with programs around the transformation of food systems. Through that I gradually discovered this field more deeply. That was the moment when I can say that I truly fell in love with food and agriculture, and why I decided to follow this path.

 

Building on this more personal trajectory, I would like to turn now to a broader, structural perspective. What role does agriculture play for young people growing up under current social and environmental conditions in Madagascar?
Madagascar is, in many ways, a very young country. More than 70 per cent of the population is under the age of 35. Another figure that is equally important is that around 80 per cent of the population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. Agriculture therefore plays a particularly central role for young people, since most of those living in the countryside are young and are peasants at the same time.

 

The first role of agriculture is survival. In a country where only a small number of young people have access to education, skills, and decent employment opportunities, agriculture becomes the primary, and often the only, option available. It is one of the few ways for people – especially young people – to ensure their day-to-day survival.

 

The second role is that agriculture also represents a kind of dream. When young people speak about entrepreneurship, about setting up a business or starting an initiative, many of them turn to agriculture and agribusiness. In this sense, agriculture becomes a source of hope for young entrepreneurs. Even under very difficult conditions, it still functions, for some, as an imagined future and a space of possibility.

 

You have worked extensively with youth organizations and currently serve as president of AIKA, which engages with issues of climate, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Where does agriculture fit into this work, and how do young activists connect everyday food production with broader concerns of justice and sustainability?
As I mentioned earlier, one of the major issues in the country is the sheer number of young people. Madagascar has a very young population, but for many of these young people access to education, skills, and decent employment is extremely difficult. The first challenge we face as a civil society and youth-led organization is therefore how to genuinely empower youth organizations and young people themselves.

 

If young people are not given the means to act, it becomes very difficult to connect broader topics. When individuals are primarily focused on survival, it is hard to expect them to engage with cross-cutting issues such as biodiversity, climate change, desertification, or food systems. Our first approach is therefore to empower youth-led organizations so that they can understand and master these topics.

 

The second approach is to raise awareness and to actively connect youth-led organizations with a range of stakeholders, particularly public authorities. We are very aware that within our alliance we do not have all the skills, and we cannot master every field. For this reason, it is essential to build connections across sectors, including the private sector, government institutions, and civil society organizations.

 

This is why we also focus on linking youth-led organizations with actors who have technical expertise as well as financial resources that can help leverage their actions. When young people begin to understand these topics more deeply, they are able to implement concrete activities and to engage in advocacy.

 

For example, over the past year, through our collaboration with GIZ, we trained about one thousand of young people, including around twenty young leaders from our alliance, on the cross-cutting topics. After completing the training, we took time to reflect with them and to assess its effects. It was a very positive surprise to see that some organizations are now raising awareness within local communities around issues such as agroecology, food transformation, and climate justice. Other organizations that were already engaged in food transformation have been able to strengthen their existing activities and to connect with partners such as GIZ and local organizations.

 

To summarize, our approach rests on three elements: empowering youth-led organizations, raising awareness while building connections with other stakeholders, and enabling young people to translate knowledge into concrete action.

 

In food systems and agricultural policy, there is often a gap between global frameworks and local realities. How do young people in Madagascar translate international agendas – such as climate commitments or zero hunger initiatives – into grounded local action?
In Madagascar, as in many countries, we face the challenge of implementing global orientations and approaches discussed in major conventions such as the COP or the UN Food Systems Summit. The first challenge is ensuring that these frameworks are understood by young people and activists on the ground.

 

What young activists often do is translate the complex language of international conventions into accessible terms and into concrete projects. In practice, this means disseminating techniques, ideas, and best practices, and supporting local communities in processes of empowerment. In this sense, activists sometimes become project managers, because implementation is unavoidable.

 

Do you have a concrete example for that?

Well, I think a good one is agroecology. COP decisions often emphasize land restoration and agroecological approaches. One of our member organizations, Avijoro Madagascar, participated in the COP and subsequently developed a training project on agroecology for young people and children in schools. This work follows a learning-by-doing approach and directly translates global commitments into local practice.

 

Some organizations were already active in food transformation or climate action but were not necessarily aware that their work aligned with broader transformation frameworks. Through trainings and awareness sessions, we help them recognize this alignment and access partnerships, governmental policies, and additional resources. Explaining how global and national frameworks are connected is therefore central to making these agendas meaningful and attractive for youth organizations.

 

Agriculture is often closely linked to issues of land, gender, and law. How do youth networks in Madagascar, and particularly AIKA, engage with these challenges, and where do you see the main limits of your work?
Gender and land access are among the most significant challenges. In some parts of the country, ensuring women’s participation in local decision-making processes remains extremely difficult. Access to land is also highly problematic, as many people do not know how to secure land rights, even when land has been passed down through generations.

 

As a youth organization, we do not possess all the expertise needed to address these issues comprehensively. Our strategy is therefore to strengthen our network by engaging with stakeholders who have the relevant knowledge and to transfer this understanding to our members. Poverty remains a major constraint. When people struggle to meet basic needs, issues such as gender equality or climate justice are often perceived as secondary. Our work therefore focuses on building bridges between communities, authorities, ministries, and civil society, to demonstrate how these challenges are interconnected and to offer concrete entry points for action.

 

Looking ahead, what do you need in order to build these bridges more effectively and to achieve the objectives of your youth organization?
What we need most is an enabling ecosystem that recognizes young people and allows them to acquire skills. Poverty places many individuals in survival mode, which makes meaningful engagement difficult. Overcoming this requires structural transformation and political will at both local and national levels.

 

We also need political space that allows for continuous dialogue with decision-makers – not only during consultations, but throughout project implementation and evaluation.

 

Too often, young people are included at the beginning and excluded thereafter. An ecosystem that enables skill-building, combined with genuine political dialogue, is therefore essential.

 

As a final question, when you think about the future of Madagascar’s food systems, what gives you hope, and what still requires urgent attention?
What gives me hope is the engagement of young people. The political movement in Madagascar in September last year demonstrated that young people are deeply committed to change, countering the narrative that they are only active on social media. This engagement is particularly visible in the agri-food sector, which many young people see as a space of opportunity and entrepreneurship.

 

At the same time, there are major challenges. One is purchasing power. Food system transformation must ensure that nutritious and processed food remains affordable. Another challenge is that transformation will reshape livelihoods. Increased production and diversification will require new roles in processing, selling, and distribution, and people must be supported through these transitions.

 

In short, the key challenges are ensuring affordability and accompanying social change. But given the energy and commitment of young people, I remain hopeful.

 

 

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GFFA 2021 focussed on climate and COVID-19

A report by David Sahay (Zeitenspiegel)

110 speakers from 120 countries met virtually at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) to discuss the challenges to global food supply. They asked the question: How can food systems support the health of people and the planet?

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Vibrant scene in Abidjan market with vendors balancing colorful fruits and vegetables on trays amid bustling crowds.
Food market in Abidjan. © GIZ

Reference values: A building block on the road to social equality

A contribution by Friederieke Martin (GIZ)

A quick and cost-effective method calculates living wages and incomes for many different countries. The GIZ together with Fairtrade International and Richard and Martha Anker have developed a tool that companies can use to easily analyse income and wage gaps.

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A man in a white coat examines labeled seed bags on wooden shelves, showcasing a collection of agricultural samples.

Wanted: German investment in African agriculture

Interview with Stefan Liebing

Stefan Liebing is chairman of the Africa Association of German Business. The manager calls for a better structure of African farms. Jan Rübel asked him about small farmers, the opportunities for German start-ups and a new fund.

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A group of women, some wearing green "d.light" shirts, gather for a photo in a well-lit room.

How the self-help approach empowers smallholder women

A report by INEF and Kindernothilfe

Supporting groups of smallholding women substantially contributes to strengthen rural operations economically. The organisation and associated group activities can help to reduce extreme poverty and improve the food situation.

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Four smiling children joyfully eat together at a table, sharing bowls of food in a warm, vibrant setting.

School Feeding: A unique platform to address gender inequalities

A contribution by Carmen Burbano de Lara (WFP)

Besides the well known impacts of Covid19 lockdowns for the adult population, the associated school closures led to 90 percent of the world’s children with no access to schools. However, school meals are in often the only daily meal for children. Without access to this safety net, issues like hunger, poverty and malnutrition are exacerbated for hundreds of millions of children.

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A smiling woman wearing a colorful headscarf stands in a sunlit field, exuding joy and confidence.

Africa's face of agriculture is female

A contribution by Beatrice Gakuba (AWAN-AFRIKA)

Africa has a huge opportunity to make agriculture its economic driver. However, the potential for this is far from being made exhaustive use of, one reason being that women face considerable difficulties in their economic activities. The organisation AWAN Afrika seeks to change this state of affairs.

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Women in Burkina Faso harvest fresh vegetables in a lush, green field, showcasing their agricultural skills.

Gender equality: Essential for food and nutrition security

A contribution by Carsta Neuenroth (BfdW)

The majority of producers in developing countries are women. Although they contribute significantly to the food security of their families, they remain chronically disadvantaged in male-dominated agriculture in terms of access to land, credit, technology and education.

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Women in colorful attire are planting saplings in a training center garden.

Success story allotment garden: Food supply and women's empowerment

A contribution by Nadine Babatounde and Anne Floquet (MISEREOR)

To prevent malnutrition among young children and strengthen the role of women in their communities, Misereor, together with the local non-governmental organisation CEBEDES, is implementing a programme on integrated home gardens in Benin - a series of pictures.

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Four women smile while selling dried fish and seafood in a lively green market setting.

Planetary Health: Recommendations for a Post-Pandemic World

A contribution by Dr. Kathleen Mar and Dr. Nicole de Paula

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, health is receiving unprecedented public and political attention. Yet the fact that climate change is also affecting the environmental and social determinants of health in a profound and far-reaching way deserves further recognition.

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A woman in a vibrant pink dress tends to young rice plants in a lush, green paddy field.

Why organic is a „blessed” method

An Interview by Claudia Jordan

Three female entrepreneurs from Mozambique, Sri Lanka and Uganda tell their stories about starting organic businesses from scratch, now selling Baobab Oil, Gotukola powder and Shea butter in international markets. And they explain why their business is almost 100 percent female.

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A group of men wearing masks engage in a fruit preparation activity, emphasizing that nutrition is not just a woman's concern.

Nutrition is not just a women’s issue

A contribution by GIZ

When women have control over the resources of a household and manage the income, it usually leads to a more balanced and healthier diet for the family. But often the decision-making power lies with the men. How can this gender inequality be addressed? The GIZ global project Food Security and Resilience provides insights into project work on gender-transformative approaches finances by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

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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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Wind turbines stand on a lush rural landscape, harnessing green energy under a cloudy sky.

The rush for green energy shouldn’t undermine rights of pastoralist communities

A contribution by Hussein Tadicha Wario

Africa’s drylands seem to be predestined for generating solar and wind power – especially given the current hype over green hydrogen. However, pastoral communities are often put at a disadvantage in this respect. Our author describes the arising conflicts and what successful coexistence of green energy projects and the communities could look like.

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A woman in a patterned outfit harvests bananas in a lush field, surrounded by tall green plants.

Against all Odds

A Contribution by Claudia Huber

Rose Okello is a Matoke farmer and single mother living in a village near Mbarara, a town in southern Uganda. To ensure that she can pay for her family's food, her children's school fees and other expenses on time, Rose uses various financial services. Her story portrays hurdles but also hope for women in agribusiness.

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A woman in a pink headscarf and floral dress stands confidently in a lush garden. | © Claudia Jordan

Stick together and learn from each other

By Claudia Jordan

During the Women Leadership Programme in May 2024, around 20 women from African countries and Germany met again for a one-week workshop in Bavaria, Germany to become fit for leadership in their organisations. One topic that concerns the women across countries is climate change, but also violence against women and their discrimination in agriculture.

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A diverse group of women joyfully pose together on a rooftop, celebrating female leadership and empowerment.

Female Leadership: A Key Lever for Transformation?

A Conversation with Carmen Torres Ledezma & Oluwaseyi Kehinde-Peters

Female Leadership is vital to the transformation of agriculture and food systems. Therefore, it is so important to advance gender-sensitive approaches to increase the presence of women in leadership positions in agricultural production and to make these systems more equitable, sustainable and resilient.

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A woman in a blue sari arranges white silk cocoons on a woven wall in a rural setting.

Gender-Transformative Approaches – Unlocking Everyone’s Potential

A Contribution by GIZ

Studies show that women often manage agricultural resources more effectively and sustainably. With equal access to production resources, agricultural yields could increase by up tp 30 per cent. But this is about more than just productivity. How can gender-transformative approaches (GTA) drive meaningful change and why are GTA key to sustainable change?

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A woman smiles confidently inside her small shop, surrounded by various goods, symbolizing economic equality and care.

The Gap the Economy cannot afford

A Study by CARE

In a new study, the international humanitarian agency CARE analyses how the economic and social barriers faced by women significantly reduces the global gross domestic product (GDP). At the current rate, it will take 152 years to close the economic gap between women and men – although closing this gap would be extremely profitable from an economic perspective.

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A man collects natural rubber from a tree, holding a container and tapping tool in a lush forest. | © GIZ

From the Tree to the Street: The Story of Natural Rubber

A Contribution by Carlos Castellanos & Yvonne Bielfeld

The shoe manufacturer Cueros Vélez as a good example of private sector responsibility: the photo gallery shows how the bark of the rubber tree becomes a reliable yet deforestation free companion on our roads.

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Illustrated icons highlight six collaborations aimed at creating fair and sustainable supply chains.

Stronger toghether: Six collaborations for fair agricultural supply chains

A Listicle by Yvonne Bielfeld

For everyone in the supply chain to benefit, it is essential that politics and business work together. The measurable successes of such partnerships are demonstrated by the following six projects: they show how cooperation with the business sector can make supply chains fairer, more resilient, and more sustainable step by step.

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A political opportunity to overcome structural barriers for women farmers

A Contribution by Claudia Jordan

The International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), launched by the United Nations for 2026, is more than a symbolic moment. It is a political opportunity – and responsibility – for German development cooperation. This is what the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) emphasised during Grüne Woche trade fair in Berlin.

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Revisited – Julienne’s Success has a System

A Contribution by GIZ

In southern Benin, Julienne processes soybeans into tofu. Rather than relying on subsidies, she has built her own business step by step. Her path shows how local financing, shared risk assessment, and entrepreneurial skills contribute to transforming agrifood systems.

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Two people wearing conical hats are working in a lush green rice field, engaging in a focused discussion.

'The Doors are Open - We Farmers are Ready'

An Interview with Shamika Mone (INOFO) and Elizabeth Nsimadala (EAFF)

At the UN Food Systems Summit, farmers organizations have been represented on the international stage for the first time ever. Two representatives talk about bridging personal aspirations with the representation of regional needs and international negotiations.

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A small green plant grows from a glass filled with coins, symbolizing financial growth and sustainability.

What is Our Food Worth to Us?

A Contribution by the TMG Think Tank for Sustainability

Towards integrated accounting standards in the food and farming sector with the help of True Cost Accounting (TCA).

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A traditional Namibian meal featuring oshifima, roasted meat, and beans is displayed on woven baskets with a colorful cloth.

African Nutrition - 'Try It at Home'!

A Video Series by Agribusiness TV and GIZ

Share in the taste of African Nutrition – Try it at home! The mini-series showcases traditional, nutritious dishes across the African continent.

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Two workers wearing masks fill large sacks with grain in an outdoor storage area.

The lessons learned from the last food crisis - A solution?

A Contribution by Agnes Kalibata

Inadequacy and fragility of food systems becomes more apparent with every food crisis. The question we must answer is “Where do we go from here?”

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Two hands hold a bowl filled with diverse African root vegetables and corn on a dirt background.

What does it take to truly shift the paradigm on food systems?

An Interview by GDPRD

Why are short- and long-term responses important to address current and future global crises? Sebastian Lesch, Head of the Agriculture Division at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provides answers to these and other questions in an interview with the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) and explains how much Germany welcomes all donors pulling together and acting in concert.

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A worker in a green shirt and red hard hat operates a control panel in a rural industrial setting.

"Human capital will play a pivotal role in the transformation of African economies"

A contribution by Ben Leyka

The potential the African food sector holds is still far too strongly associated with the continent’s natural resources, Ben Leyka maintains. He seeks to change this with the African Agri Council.

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Four people engage in a panel discussion at a podium, with a backdrop featuring agricultural imagery.

And a semicolon in the middle

A contribution by Jan Rübel

After a two-year break due to Corona, the doors of the International Green Week (IGW) in Berlin are opening again. From 20th to 29th January, visitors from all over the world can discover, marvel and taste the produce. But the event is not only feasting and fun. The BMZ stand asks questions about where food comes from & where it goes – and in the process becomes a crash test for many habits.

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A panel discusses food system transformation at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture 2023, with a speaker at the podium.

How to govern food systems transformation

A contribution by Daniel Montas and Jan Rübel

The transformation of food systems is regarded as the new magic code, but effective strategies are lacking. A new group of experts discussed the prerequisites for efficiently managing this process. The experts representing politics, youth, civil society, farmers' organizations, private sector, and academia unanimously concluded: transformation is possible, but it needs a strong drive from within.

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Golden hay bales rest on a sunlit stubble field under a clear blue sky, evoking a tranquil rural landscape.

How farmers are facing the crisis

A contribution by GIZ

Russia's war against Ukraine and its impact on food, energy and fertiliser prices is worrying farmers all over the world. Young farmers, farmer organisations and politicians from Kenya, Chad and Ukraine tell their stories and what keeps them in agriculture.

 

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A group of children with backpacks attentively listen to a woman explaining the chocolate-making process at an educational fair.

When sustainability becomes part of the curriculum

A contribution by Jan Rübel

During the trade Grüne Woche, school classes visited the BMZ (German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), Brot für die Welt and Misereor. Each class spends one hour at their stand to learn about the global challenges posed by food systems. A review by Jan Rübel.

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A tugboat guides a massive cargo ship loaded with colorful containers across the ocean, symbolizing David vs Goliath.

David versus Goliath: Consequences of mainstream agricultural export commodities and niche products

An Artikel by the Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains (INA)

A study published by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) examines the differences between globally traded agricultural commodities and domestic niche products in terms of economic, environmental and social impact on the region of origin. The results provide new evidence to make supply chains more sustainable.  

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Visitors enter the Nürnberg Messe 2022 for the BioFach22 event, showcasing organic food and natural beauty products.

Organic certification as an opportunity for developing and emerging countries

An Interview with Dr. Julia Bellinghausen (IPD)

The Import Promotion Desk (IPD) accompanied organic producers from developing and emerging countries to Biofach. In an interview, Dr Julia Bellinghausen, head of the IPD, explains the importance of organic certification in export promotion.

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The chart shows the FAO food price index from 2005 to 2022, highlighting crises and a rise during COVID-19.

COVID-19 and Rising Food Prices: What’s Really Happening?

A Contribution by IFPRI

Taking a look at the data (as of February 11th 2022) what the current price hike means for world hunger and what can be done to prevent from another food crisis.

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Hands hold an open cacao pod displaying the white seeds inside, highlighting the raw chocolate source. | © GIZ Ute Grabowsky

Côte d’Ivoire: Sweet Temptation without a Bitter Taste

A Story by GIZ

Until Easter 2022, GIZ publishes a new episode every fortnight introducing people who are committed to fair and sustainable cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire and Germany.

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Flags of various countries flutter outside the COP27 venue against a clear blue sky.

COP27: Agri-food systems in the focus of the climate discussion

Stephanie Heiland, Project Manager at Sector Project Agriculture and part of this year’s Observer Delegation of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) at COP27, shares her insights on the role of agriculture and food systems at the climate conference. Among other things, she reports from GIZ’s COP27 side event ‘Climate resilient agriculture and food systems in times of multiple crises and fragility’.

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Aerial view of two people guiding oxen across a red, plowed field, highlighting agrifood transformation themes.

BMZ releases video on the transformation of agricultural and food systems

A contribution by GIZ

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has released a video on the transformation of agricultural and food systems. In the video, Federal Minister Svenja Schulze also speaks about the urgent need to combat global hunger and contribute to resilient agricultural and food systems.

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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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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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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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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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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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Vibrant Abidjan market scene with vendors balancing colorful fruits on their heads, creating a lively atmosphere. | © GIZ Toni-Kaatz-Dubberke

Young farmers as custodians of transformation

An Interview with William Madudike

How can rural economies become viable and modern? William Madudike, youth representative of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) and a potato farmer himself, examines this question. He argues that the whole rural economy and actors from producers to consumers need to be considered. An interview on the initiative role of youth.

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Aerial view of a Madagascar landscape showing a patchwork of fields and a dirt road dividing dry and green areas.

Towards Climate Justice: Securing Women’s Land Rights for a Resilient Tomorrow

A Contribution by TMG

In the midst of global climate discussions, a resounding call emerges: Women's land rights must be the cornerstone of our climate actions. They're not just pieces of the puzzle; they form the foundation for true climate resilience. TMG Think Tank for Sustainability reports from the first African Climate Summit.

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A smartphone displays the "Food 4 Transformation" podcast screen, flanked by wireless earbuds on a wooden surface.

New Podcast – Out now!

A Podcast by Food4Transformation

In a world facing crises – from pandemics, armed conflicts, and climate change – how do we ensure everyone has enough food within planetary boundaries? A new podcast by Food4Transformation discover solutions talking to government officials, scientists, NGOs and farmers around the world.

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A woman in a blue headscarf carries freshly harvested onions in a vibrant field, showcasing sustainable solar irrigation.

Learning from Each Other

An Interview with Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi

Partnerships are needed to face the multiple shocks for food systems. This is what Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, president of the Agriculture Council Tanzania (ACT) and CEO of the Tanzanian Horticulture Association (TAHA) states.

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A vibrant display of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, including cacao pods and clusters of red berries in Ecuador. | © GIZ Giacomo Rubini

The common thread is the importance of collaboration

A contribution by Scaling Up Nutrition Movement

It takes the joint efforts of diverse actors to achieve a transformative impact on the global food system. Barbara Rehbinder, Scaling Up Nutrition Movement (SUN), discusses four people-centred principles to get closer to this goal.

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A smiling woman in a green shawl raises her hand enthusiastically during a conference meeting.

Shu Wen Ng, the Clear-Sighted

An Interview with Shu Wen Ng

Shu Wen Ng is a health economist. She knows what is best suited to go on a plate. But how can this be achieved on a mass scale in countries with lower incomes? "The solutions to gett there already exist," she says, "but what is often missing is courageous leadership to implement them."

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A freshly plowed field stretches under a cloudy sky, bordered by trees and distant hills. | © GIZ

Reforming agricultural policies to sustainably transform food systems

A Contribution by IFPRI

Global food systems are confronted with multiple stresses. It is more urgent than ever to make them more resilient, healthier and more sustainable. A key tool in such a transformation is reforming agricultural policies and repurposing agricultural support, as discussed in an online seminar co-organised by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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A diverse group of individuals gathers at the P4C Network Meeting focused on sustainable food transformation.

Sustainable and Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Motion – We’re on it!

A Contribution by Kah Walla

This year's network meeting of the Partners for Change (P4C), a network of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), took place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 26 and 27 June 2024. Kah Walla, moderator of the event and CEO of Strategies!, gives an insight into the key findings and learnings.

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Delegates sit around a large conference table at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture, discussing sustainable practices.

Bioeconomy: Ready for a Joint Take-Off?

A Contribution by GIZ

The bioeconomy movement is fundamentally changing agriculture and food production: through innovative ideas, environmentally friendly approaches and the realization that we need to work together globally to ensure that change truly benefits everyone. At this years’ German Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) focused on this topic.

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A person writes on orange cards during the Partners for Change Conference, surrounded by colorful stationery and notes.

Everything is nothing without Soils

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

The international soil conference ‘Partners for Change - SOILutions for a Food Secure, Resilient, and Sustainable Future’ brought together almost 150 different stakeholders in Berlin from 20 to 22 May. Its aim: to take stock of existing conservation programmes and pave the way for the future.

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A group of five smiling individuals stands in a bakery, showcasing freshly baked goods on metal racks.

With the power of fried bread

A contribution of Jan Rübel and Fabio Rappenecker

With a simple but effective idea to combat malnutrition: in Nairobi, Fabio Rappenecker and his start-up TenX Nutrition produce mandazi, which become a real power biscuit thanks to added micronutrients. The aim is to strengthen food security through local, affordable and healthy food.

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Fishermen in Bangladesh skillfully handle large fishing nets under a clear sky. | © GIZ Ranak Martin

A Menu of Solutions

A Conversation with Shakuntala Thilsted & Andreas Schaumayer

On the sidelines of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025), Andreas Schaumayer, Head of Division at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Shakuntala Thilsted, Senior Nutrition Expert at CGIAR, discussed the crucial role of aquatic foods in nutrition, livelihoods, and climate resilience.

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Participants engage in discussions during the SOILution P4C conference, with speakers addressing the audience from a stage.

Elevating Soil Health for a Sustainable Future

A Contribution by Kah Walla

In May, this year's "Partners for Change – SOILutions for a Food Secure, Resilient, and Sustainable Future" conference took place. Kah Walla, Moderator of the Conference and Director of Strategies!, summarises the discussions and declares that healthy soils are not just the foundation of agriculture, but the cornerstone of a resilient, equitable, and climate-smart future.

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Children sort fish on the ground while a woman carries a blue bucket on her head in a lush outdoor setting. | © F4F GIZ Zambia

Let Me Tell You: How Zambia Uses Comics and Animation to Inspire Healthy Eating

By Jana Anouk Mansour

As part of the “Let Me Tell You” series, children across Zambia are discovering fun stories that teach the importance of good food and healthy habits such as fish. Let’s dive into one of these tales together…

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The white paper cover on a green gradient background discusses financing agrifood systems for sustainable development.

Financing Agrifood Systems for People, Planet and Prosperity

A Contribution by Global Donor Platform for Rural Development

The Global Donor Platform for Rural Development has recently published a new White Paper titled “Financing Agrifood Systems for People, Planet and Prosperity.” It outlines a practical agenda to unlock the capital, partnerships, and innovation required to drive change at scale.

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A farmer waters crops in a lush field, showcasing sustainable agricultural practices under clear blue skies.

Youth as key actors for a transformation of agri-food systems

Five Questions for Anke Oppermann

In October, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) adopted policy recommendations ‘Promoting Youth Engagement and Employment in Agriculture and Food Systems’. Anke Oppermann answers five questions on youth employment in the agricultural sector.

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