The Steering Committee of the African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems (The Collaborative) recently concluded a successful meeting in Accra, Ghana, from September 23-27, 2024. The convening aimed to review the progress of the Collaborative’s 2022-2024 strategic priorities, the Nutritional African Foods Initiative (NAFI) project, and develop strategic directions for the next three years.
Key discussions during the meeting focused on the Collaborative’s achievements and challenges, organizational development, the NAFI project, rural women’s rights, field trips, and strategic direction for 2025-2027. The Steering Committee assessed the progress made in promoting healthy food systems, food security, and food sovereignty in Africa and discussed ways to strengthen the Collaborative’s governance, enhance communication, and improve efficiency.
The NAFI project, which aims to promote the production and consumption of nutritious African foods, was a major focus of the meeting. Country representatives, partner journalists, nutritionists, and researchers shared their experiences and challenges in implementing the project. The Steering Committee also addressed issues related to women’s access to land, finance, and credit for agroecological farming.
To gain insights into industry practices and inform Collaborative members on the nutritional value of local food plants and alternative food preservation methods, the Steering Committee visited two renowned research institutions in Ghana, Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Food Research Institute and Noguchi Memorial Institute. These institutions agreed to partner with the Collaborative on NAFI and future projects to promote agroecology and healthy food consumption.
Looking ahead, the Collaborative has set three key targets for the next three years: expanding the NAFI project to other countries and regions, developing tools and information for advocacy about Healthy Food Systems, and maintaining and improving the financial and fundraising systems.
The convening was a significant milestone for the African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems, fostering stronger solidarity among members and deepening understanding of women’s rights, food movements, and opportunities available to women farmers.
