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.
