SNV at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024
Join SNV at the AFSF 2024 as we delve into food systems transformation in a digital and climate era.
Our objectives
Fast changing circumstances necessitate a rapid transformation of our global agri-food systems. In Africa in particular, population growth, urbanisation, climate change, shifting consumption patterns, human-induced conflicts and limited resources such as water, land and labour demand immediate re-evaluation and re-organisation of agri-food systems to ensure sustainable and equitable food production and distribution within our planetary boundaries.
Join SNV at the AFS Forum 2024, where we will work together to strengthen collaboration for a sustainable and resilient agri-food system. Our goal is to ensure food security and adequate nutrition for people in all their diversity, while safeguarding the economic, social and environmental foundations for future generations.
Our priority actions include:
Empowering youth and advocating for youth-centric and inclusive agricultural policies
Understanding and taking the complexity and diversity of farmers, farming systems and agricultural food systems as a starting point for any change
Using the principles of Regenerative Agriculture to develop and facilitate implementation of innovative and context-specific practices which integrate scientific evidence, practical experiences and local knowledge – across farm, landscape and agri-food system level
Focusing on the following change areas: (i) regenerating soils, (ii) improving biodiversity and ecosystems, (iii) optimum use of resources and inputs, (iv) facilitating the use of renewable energy (v) developing inclusive market systems, (vi) recycling and reducing food loss and waste (vii) enabling healthy diets and sustainable consumption
Where you'll find us
Through engaging sessions and panel discussions, SNV will share its commitment to empowering smallholder farmers, promoting entrepreneurship among women and youth, and fostering collaboration for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Side event: Meaningful youth engagement in agripreneurship
Monday, September 2, at 15:00 - 16:30 CAT, Youth Dome
It will be an inspiring session dedicated to nurturing a deep passion for agriculture and innovation among young leaders. Through compelling showcases of cutting-edge farming technologies and sustainable practices, participants will envision their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. Engaging in discussions will empower them to advocate for youth-centric and inclusive agricultural policies, ensuring their voices influence decision-making processes.
The session will also spotlight opportunities for active involvement in local and global agricultural initiatives, fostering leadership within the community. Practical support mechanisms, including mentorship, coaching, and resources, will be proposed to empower youth to pursue impactful careers in agriculture.
The session will complement the Forum’s goal of building “productive, nutritious, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems that have the power to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.” Researchers, practitioners, and digital innovation experts will get insight into how we work to accelerate progress toward resilient and inclusive food systems.
Side event: Herding Change for Climate-Smart Innovations
Monday, September 2, at 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM, MH4, Kigali Convention Center
While livestock contributes to climate change, it is also crucial for improving livelihoods, healthy diets, building resilience and empowering African women and youth. How can we realise its untapped potential to transform Africa’s food systems while reducing its climate and environmental impact? The key lies in climate-smart innovations and technologies.
These surprising solutions can transform agricultural practices, boost productivity, and mitigate climate impacts, paving the way for a sustainable future for all. This side event will present climate-smart technologies and innovations for livestock that have demonstrated readiness for large-scale adoption. We will highlight practical examples of successful implementation, focusing on their impact on productivity, sustainability and climate resilience.
Panel discussion: Investing in soil health to feed a continent
Thursday, September 5, at 11:15 - 13:00 CAT
Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, and feeding this growing continent is already a major challenge. The business sector plays a pivotal role in land restoration and soil health. Investing in soil health and land restoration can increase crop yields by 6-10% and slow biodiversity loss by 11% by 2050. These are not only environmental triumphs, but also sizeable economic prospects for visionary businesses.
This session will explore innovative soil health solutions for ensuring food security in the future, including sustainable agriculture practices and value chain innovations. Our panel of experts will share their insights and experience on how to create more resilient and sustainable food systems that can feed Africa’s growing population and demand in the next coming years, particularly in countries in fragile contexts, through targeted investments in soil health. Don’t miss this exciting and informative session!
Link to the live stream of the session will be added soon.
Panel discussion: Powering sustainable food systems
Thursday, September 5, at 11:15 - 13:00 (CAT)
Today’s food systems contribute to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. It is thus urgent to develop and implement approaches that prioritize access to clean and efficient energy sources to power food systems, sustainable improvements to living conditions and livelihoods, and the transformation of food systems in Africa.
In the agri-food sector, energy is needed for activities such as mechanization, water pumps, irrigation, fertilizer production, transport, and food processing and storage. African countries have vast solar and wind potential that remains largely untapped. Off-grid renewable energy solutions are particularly important and suitable for improving access to energy in rural areas and smallholder farming. These technologies are deployable in a decentralized and modular manner, can be implemented faster than centralized systems, and are closer to the demand, thus reducing transmission and distribution losses and boosting local economies. Affordable, sustainable energy sources such as solar power (minigrids, solar home systems, etc.) also reduce pressure on forests and emissions, helping countries to meet their NDC targets.
During this session, specialists will share the latest energy technologies and solutions to power and transform food systems across the continent and beyond.
Link to the live stream of the session will be added soon.
Panel discussion: Investing in regenerative food systems
Thursday, September 5, at 11:15 - 13:00 (CAT)
This panel discussion will focus on best practices, lessons learned, and delivery models with proven potential for replication, scale and capacity to produce transformative outcomes through practical regenerative agri-food solutions for global challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation. Speakers will delve into the key principles and practices of regenerative agriculture, a powerful approach that promotes sustainability, resilience, and food security. Engage with farmers, researchers, and practitioners at the forefront of this field as they share their expertise and success stories on practical programs and policies.
Link to the live stream of the session will be added soon.
Panel discussion : Increasing philanthropy investment to accelerate food systems transformation in a context of climate change
Thursday, September 5, at 11:15 - 13:00 (CAT)
It was estimated that the Global philanthropic financing flow towards Africa is consistently rising, exceeding $3.9 billion in 2021. Various coalitions have been established to address investment gap on food systems. Philanthropic-Public-Private Partnerships (PPPPs) could play a key role in attractive more innovative financing on food systems and help address investment gaps particularly on youth but more important to nurture and scale up impactful initiative on the continent. This session will bring Philanthropies, business leaders, and practitioners to share the best practices and initiatives that have proven to be impactful and being scale up through PPPP.
Link to the live stream of the session will be added soon.
Other SNV contributions at the AFSF
GoGettaz Agripreneur Competition Grand Finale 2024 (Youth Thematic Platform)
Tuesday, September 3, at 11:15 – 14:00 (CAT), Youth Dome, on top of the Congress Centre
Witness some of the most promising and innovative agribusinesses led by young entrepreneurs across Africa! As finalists of the GoGettaz competition, these young business leaders will showcase their ventures and pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges and potential investors. The session offers us a unique opportunity to discover and learn about cutting-edge agribusiness solutions, and guarantees an exciting atmosphere for entrepreneurial individuals, investors, and government delegations alike.
Networking Breakfast: Catalysing Climate Adaptation and Investment in Agribusiness
Wednesday, September 4, at 7:30- 9:30 AM (CAT)
The European Business Chamber of Rwanda (EBCR), SNV Rwanda, and TRAIDE Rwanda are pleased to host a Networking Breakfast on 4 September on the sidelines of the Africa Food Systems Summit 2024. This exclusive event, supported by the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) program of SNV, aims to bring together key stakeholders from the agri-business sector for meaningful connections, insightful exchanges, and the exploration of strategic partnerships.
As African nations increasingly emphasize sustainable agricultural practices and food security, investment in agribusiness plays a crucial role in driving climate resilience and inclusive growth. This event offers a unique opportunity to delve into various investment funds and initiatives that support concrete private sector action for agri-SMEs.
The intimate and informal setting is designed to encourage open discussions, where agri-SMEs can share their experiences in navigating the fundraising landscape, while investors provide valuable insights into emerging funding opportunities and investment trends. With a strong focus on networking and collaboration, participants will have ample time to forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for agricultural innovation and growth.
African Youth Position on Food Systems, Policy and Climate – Knowledge Paper Submission
Wednesday, September 4, at 9:00- 10:30 AM (CAT)
This session will present knowledge documents and consolidated voices of African youth, showcasing their contributions and perspectives on food systems, policies and climate action. SNV will present the results of the impact assessment report of the regional programme in Rwanda, Tanzania and Mozambique, funded by the Mastercard Foundation.
Youth employment and entrepreneurship
We collaborate to promote youth engagement as workers and entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on climate adaptation technologies, nature-based solutions, and nutritious food development.
Resilient and productive landscapes
We support the transformation of agriculture and livestock systems to achieve food security, healthy diets, landscape management and restoration, economic participation, and social inclusion.
Healthy diets and sustainable consumption
We promote social and behavioural change interventions in nutrition while enhancing the choice of nutritious diets through a conducive food environment.
Inclusive markets and impact investment
We implement a market-based approach in the agri-food sector, addressing the vulnerabilities faced by smallholder farmers, suppliers, processors, retailers and traders.