INtegrated and Circular Technologies for Sustainable city region FOOD systems in Africa

Project Information

INCiTiS-FOOD

Grant agreement ID: 101083790

DOI

10.3030/101083790

EC signature date 20 October 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 6 196 897,00

EU contribution

€ 5 999 980,50

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITAET DER BUNDESWEHR MUENCHEN
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - INCiTiS-FOOD (INtegrated and Circular Technologies for Sustainable city region FOOD systems in Africa)

Reporting period: 2024-07-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Food systems involve actors on different levels, interactions on multiple parallel scales, and infrastructure that supports the entire value chain. Understanding the interactions and providing adequate support is relevant in addressing food and nutritional security and environmental sustainability, especially in (peri-) urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, food systems in African city regions are failing to deliver the desired outcomes, as 25% of urban residents are still suffering from food insecurity and malnourishment. Organic waste is expected to increase threefold by 2030, out of which only 10% are recycled presently. Climate change compounds the situation by introducing challenges to food systems and societal structures. Transforming linear production and midstream components of the city region food systems into circular ones poses tangible solutions.
With a circular food system model at the core of the "Integrated and Circular Technologies for Sustainable city region FOOD systems in Africa" project, INCiTiS-FOOD aims to improve food and nutrition security in African city regions. Furthermore, INCiTiS-FOOD aims at reducing the food system-related environmental footprint and empowering vulnerable groups such as women and young adults by opening opportunities in agri-food supply and value chains. This will be achieved through interdisciplinary research, integrated best-fit technologies, stakeholder-led action that involves co-creation and co-development, capacity-building, research-practitioner-policy collaborative engagement, and Europe-African Union partnership.
The circular agri-food technologies explored by INCiTiS-FOOD comprise soilless farming, e.g. hydroponics, bioponics, recirculating aquaculture systems, aquaponics, snail farming, and insect farming. These agri-food technologies are deemed suitable for African cities because they do not require great access to land, water, or wealth. The project is based on a multi-actor approach, involving 8 city region Living Labs in 6 countries from three African regions (Nairobi & Nakuru in Kenya; Tamale in Ghana, Lagos & Ibadan in Nigeria, Moyamba in Sierra Leone; Bamenda in Cameroon; Franceville in Gabon).

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The research and innovation actions of INCiTiS-FOOD focus on African city region food systems. The project began with an analysis of food systems in the eight African cities and towns hosting the partners’ living labs. This analysis detailed the social ecosystem potential for co-creation and knowledge sharing. Results for each location were summarized. To compare INCiTiS-FOOD circular agri-food technologies with conventional ones, micro-level indicators linked to the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus were reviewed, and an inventory of city-region resource streams was conducted to ensure technologies can rely on local resources.

Co-creation and co-development of circular agri-food technologies and business opportunities take place in the living labs. Key technologies include hydroponics, bioponics, recirculating aquaculture systems, aquaponics, snail farming, and insect farming. Progress was driven by tailored implementation plans and on-site capacity building, initially through training-of-trainers and later shared with local innovation actors. All living labs have established at least two technology prototypes, now being advanced into minimum valuable products (MVPs), considering local preferences, gender and youth norms, and market conditions.

Business feasibility is central. Living labs assess MVPs in terms of costs, benefits, and break-even points to reduce adoption risks. Business and financial capacity building, model business cases, plans, and digital business models will support future adopters. The consortium allocated €1 million to a cascade fund for grants to scale circular agri-food and related food system businesses. Open call guidelines and gender- and youth-sensitive capacity building measures are under preparation.

Beyond expected welfare improvements, particularly in food and nutrition security, the project will generate qualitative and quantitative impact evidence. A conceptual framework has been developed to assess policy frameworks in city region food systems. Municipal authorities in Ibadan, Enugu, and Lagos (Nigeria) and Bo (Sierra Leone) have been informed about the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, and nearby living labs are supporting their potential sign-up. This process is ongoing.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The living labs of INCiTiS-FOOD have collaboratively co-designed and co-developed 5 prototypes over the past 18 months, focusing on innovative agricultural practices (i.e. hydroponics, bioponics, aquaponics, recirculating aquaculture systems, insect and snail farming). These prototypes are undergoing co-design iterations with stakeholders towards becoming co-called minimum valuable products that can succeed in a competitive market environment. The living labs serve multiple purposes such as raising awareness, providing training, and building capacity, collectively reaching over 500 individuals. The production outputs, which include fish, vegetables, and benefits related to resource and environmental conservation, have contributed to both local food supply and ecological health. Research and innovation actions in the INCiTiS-FOOD living labs benefited from a comprehensive ethics framework, including e.g. a code of conduct, fish welfare and lab safety guidelines, and a joint data controller agreement.

FSA Nakuru

FSA Lagos

FSA Moyamba

Code of Conduct for Living Labs in English

Infographic INCiTiS-FOOD

FSA Franceville

INCiTiS-FOOD circular system

Poster Fish Welfare

FSA Nairobi

INCiTiS-FOOD Info Poster

FSA Tamale

FSA Ibadan

FSA Bamenda

Brochure for project communication

Poster Lab Safety Rules