Periodic Reporting for period 2 - FoSTA-Health (Food Systems Transformation in Southern Africa for One Health)
Berichtszeitraum: 2024-04-01 bis 2025-03-31
FoSTA-Health is centered around four key transformation agendas: (1) transformations within and out of maize; (2) transformations of land use and irrigation; (3) transformations from domestic to export markets; and (4) diet diversification. In relation to each, we will work with cross-system stakeholder groups and draw on evidence from case study contexts to build an understanding of the complex system dynamics that link food systems transformation to diverse animal, environmental
and human health outcomes. A set of representative transformation pathways (RTPs) describing alternative plausible transformation futures will be outlined, and integrated modelling tools used to collaboratively evaluate the potential these offer for delivering positive One Health outcomes. This will be combined with a mapping and analysis of leverage points of food system transformation at local/landscape, national and regional government, and supply chain scales.
and human health outcomes. A set of representative transformation pathways (RTPs) describing alternative plausible transformation futures will be outlined, and integrated modelling tools used to collaboratively evaluate the potential these offer for delivering positive One Health outcomes. This will be combined with a mapping and analysis of leverage points of food system transformation at local/landscape, national and regional government, and supply chain scales.
Following are the project’s achievements at the 30-month mark:
• Field research and data collection has been completed, data analysis and report writing has begun
During reporting period 2, field research and collection of secondary data was completed under all 11 research themes. Analysis of the collected data is nearly complete in most cases and writing of reports has begun. 8 deliverables were produced during the reporting period based on preliminary findings from the research.
• Food Systems Mapping is close to completion; development of Representative Transformation Pathways (RTPs) is completed. Four country-wise food systems transformation narratives, corresponding to four transformation scenarios, have been completed and delivered.
A food systems map has been developed, which is currently being fine tuned in order to transform it into an interactive, online tool. T The map is based on around 24 mapping sessions involving local, national, and regional level stakeholders in the four countries.
• Engagement and Impact
A regional -level stakeholder consultation was organised in Lilongwe, Malawi, in August 2024, its key outcomes documented in deliverable 1.6. Additionally,through stakeholder consultation, 650 individuals from 267 stakeholder organisations were engaged.
The project’s scientific impact during the reporting period was in the form of 8 deliverables that were produced on the basis of the completed field research, secondary data collection, and preliminary analysis of the data. Societal impact was made through continued provision of inputs to CIUK programmes in the four countries, and by providing inputs to the Zambian health ministry’s efforts to minimize the impact of aflatoxin contamination of maize meal reported in the country in August 2024. Finally, the project’s participatory research methodologies engaged citizens in the research process, thus enhancing the quality of the research as well as advancing a sense of empowerment among them.
• Field research and data collection has been completed, data analysis and report writing has begun
During reporting period 2, field research and collection of secondary data was completed under all 11 research themes. Analysis of the collected data is nearly complete in most cases and writing of reports has begun. 8 deliverables were produced during the reporting period based on preliminary findings from the research.
• Food Systems Mapping is close to completion; development of Representative Transformation Pathways (RTPs) is completed. Four country-wise food systems transformation narratives, corresponding to four transformation scenarios, have been completed and delivered.
A food systems map has been developed, which is currently being fine tuned in order to transform it into an interactive, online tool. T The map is based on around 24 mapping sessions involving local, national, and regional level stakeholders in the four countries.
• Engagement and Impact
A regional -level stakeholder consultation was organised in Lilongwe, Malawi, in August 2024, its key outcomes documented in deliverable 1.6. Additionally,through stakeholder consultation, 650 individuals from 267 stakeholder organisations were engaged.
The project’s scientific impact during the reporting period was in the form of 8 deliverables that were produced on the basis of the completed field research, secondary data collection, and preliminary analysis of the data. Societal impact was made through continued provision of inputs to CIUK programmes in the four countries, and by providing inputs to the Zambian health ministry’s efforts to minimize the impact of aflatoxin contamination of maize meal reported in the country in August 2024. Finally, the project’s participatory research methodologies engaged citizens in the research process, thus enhancing the quality of the research as well as advancing a sense of empowerment among them.
The overarching ambition of FoSTA-Health of contributing to positive One Health outcomes in southern Africa through equitable and sustainable food systems transformation will be achieved through pathways at multiple levels: (1) local/landscape-level, (2) national and regional level, and (3) supply chain level.
During the reporting period, a regional level policy dialogue and sustained engagement with government representatives (equating to meaningful and ongoing dialogue with around 20 government departments across the four countries) is enabling recommendations to be made for national and regional government action to support food system transformation. Policy alternatives, in the form of Representative Transformation Pathways emerging from the stakeholder engagements, will be assessed regionally in a dynamic socio-ecological context using the iFeed model.
At the supply chain level, comprehensive participatory evaluation of regulation and standards across the value chains for spices, pork and beef and fresh fruit and vegetables are supporting the development of an integrated supply chain model and recommendations for supply chain governance to be developed and shared across varied government and industry stakeholders. Adopting a One Health approach to value chain development is an innovative approach being developed within FoSTA-Health, which is set to enhance the state of the art of research and policy in this area.
During the reporting period, a regional level policy dialogue and sustained engagement with government representatives (equating to meaningful and ongoing dialogue with around 20 government departments across the four countries) is enabling recommendations to be made for national and regional government action to support food system transformation. Policy alternatives, in the form of Representative Transformation Pathways emerging from the stakeholder engagements, will be assessed regionally in a dynamic socio-ecological context using the iFeed model.
At the supply chain level, comprehensive participatory evaluation of regulation and standards across the value chains for spices, pork and beef and fresh fruit and vegetables are supporting the development of an integrated supply chain model and recommendations for supply chain governance to be developed and shared across varied government and industry stakeholders. Adopting a One Health approach to value chain development is an innovative approach being developed within FoSTA-Health, which is set to enhance the state of the art of research and policy in this area.