SEED FUNDING JOINT PROGRAMMES

Rwanda

Resilient Food Systems: Enhanced Value Chain and Post Harvest Management

SDG 1 No Poverty SDG 2 Zero Hunger SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 13 Climate Action

PROJECT TITLE	Resilient Food Systems: Enhanced Value Chain and Post Harvest Management
Context	Food systems transformation is embedded in several national policies in Rwanda, including the National Transformation Strategy, the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation, the National Environment and Climate Change Policy. In 2021, Rwanda developed its National Pathway, which highlights four priority areas for the country towards 2030: ensuring food security and nutrition for all, while increasing demand for healthy diets; enhancing the environmental sustainability of food systems; improving livelihoods for farmers and all workers in food systems while building resilience to shocks; promoting inclusion of women and youth in food systems, including through enhanced financial opportunities.
PUNOs	FAO, WFP, IFAD
Contribution to SDGs	SDG 1 No Poverty; SDG 2 Zero Hunger; SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 13 Climate Action
Contribution to other SDG transitions	Decent Jobs and Universal Social Protection; Energy Access and Affordability
Duration	July 2024 – June 2025
Expected financial leverage	$ 3,070,000
Alignment with SG Call to Action	Policy integration; Food systems governance; Research, data, technology and innovation; Inclusive and participatory design; Private sector engagement
Outcomes	The JP leverages on improved post-harvest management as a strategic approach to simultaneously reduce food loss, improve incomes, and boost food availability. The JP promotes the economic integration of youth-led MSMEs and builds linkages with partners and initiatives focused on nutrition and food security to connect the dots between food production, processing and consumption.
Partners	MINAGRI, RAB, RRDB, Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Infrastructure Enable – Belgium Development Agency AGRA Hinga Wunguke USAID
Outputs	Assess suitable post-harvest handling management technologies (e.g. grain mobile dryer machine) Equip youth-led MSMEs with post-harvest technologies and assist them in developing a rental business model, promoting public private partnerships Identify successful business models for potential scale-up Train and raise awareness among youth and farmers on nutritious and safe food, improved grain post-harvest handling and storage, irrigation, marketing, and financial management skills.

Post-harvest management Youth employment Inclusivity

Empowering tomorrow’s food systems leaders in Asia and the Pacific

16/05/2024

Bangkok, Thailand — In collaboration with the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub recently facilitated the second workshop of its Food Systems Youth Leadership Program. From April 22 to 26, this event, facilitated by the Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation, gathered approximately 25 young professionals from 18 countries to empower a new generation of leaders poised to drive transformative changes.

Watch a recap of the workshop

About the program

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Food Systems Youth Leadership Program equips young leaders with the skills needed to implement systems thinking and integrate sustainable food systems strategies into national policies. This initiative aligns with the urgent call in the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Report of the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing the vital role of youth in fostering a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food future. Reinforcing this urgency, the fifth edition of the Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition report reveals that nearly 45% of the region's population cannot afford a healthy diet, highlighting the critical need for transformative changes in the region’s food systems.

Workshop dynamics

Structured around three core modules, the workshop concentrated on enhancing leadership capabilities, encouraging scientific innovation, and sharpening policy advocacy skills. Young professionals participated in a series of in-depth activities to strengthen their abilities to form collective visions and engage effectively in multi-stakeholder environments.

Participant testimonials

Wannika Wutthi (Thailand): "Attending this workshop helped me gain more knowledge about the food system and improve my skills, especially leadership and communication networking skills."

Xinyue Han (China): "The crux of effectively addressing socioeconomic issues...is to transform our existing agri-food systems through multi-sectoral cooperation and collaborative leadership."

Thanh Duong (Vietnam): "The transformation of our food system is impossible without the vibrant energy and innovative ideas of young people."

Alokita Jha (India): "The learning that I have gained here is something that I'm going to put forward to the youth across India and the other youth across the Asia Pacific."

Mawloda Hassas (Afghanistan): "By actively engaging young people in food system transformation, we can ensure that their voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their ideas are implemented, leading to more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems."

Rino Dominic Cabungcal (Philippines): "If this incredible group is any indication, the future of our food systems is bright. We are the ones who will create lasting, positive change."

Experiencing food systems in the field

During a field visit, participants gained firsthand insights into the challenges and innovations within local food systems. The group engaged in a hands-on session entitled “Learning and Visit Aromatic Farm with the Food Systems of Regenerative Organic Coconut Agriculture Practice and Bio-Circular-Green Strategy”. They listened to an entrepreneur in the coconut industry discuss the challenges and opportunities for creating more sustainable supply chains, particularly in waste management. While participants were impressed by the business outcomes, they also recognized the high initial investment capital required, which often poses a significant barrier for youth in low and middle-income countries.

A vibrant new beginning

Equipped with new knowledge, passion, and determination, these young leaders have returned to their communities ready to drive systemic change. The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and its partners remain committed to supporting these visionary leaders as they work to create sustainable and equitable food systems across the region.