Approach
Focus Areas
Sectors
Impact agendas

Food Systems Transformation in Africa

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Transforming food systems and value chains in Africa

Africa is at a pivotal moment. With its population set to double to 2.4 billion by 2050, over 40% unemployment rates among youth in most countries, and urbanization surging, the urgency for sustainable food security and livelihoods has never been greater. Yet, challenges like climate change, land degradation, and limited industrialization continue to hinder progress, leaving millions vulnerable. 

At IDH, we believe the solution lies in a food system approach—a bold, holistic strategy that integrates value chains, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability to drive meaningful change.

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Keeping gender equity front of mind

Gender Equity cuts across all our Impact Agendas – including Food Systems Transformation. Our partnerships increase farming household incomes and create dignified and fulfilling jobs on-farm and off-farm, with a specific focus on job creation for women.

Gender EqualityGender Equality
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Transforming African food systems
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Why a Food Systems Approach?

Food systems is more than just agriculture—it’s a complex network of actors, relationships, and functions spanning production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management. These systems shape and are shaped by climate resilience, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.

Siloed interventions are not enough. By understanding the interactions and drivers within these systems, we can identify and scale transformative solutions that address root causes and seize opportunities to regenerate natural resources and combat climate impacts, boost productivity and value addition for enhanced food security, and create rural jobs and livelihoods that lift millions out of poverty.

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Our Approach

Transforming Food Systems

At IDH, we adopt a systems approach that starts with: 

  • Understanding the context of food systems and their dynamics. 
  • Partnering with change agents to co-create and scale effective interventions. 
  • Driving transformation by convening stakeholders, co-investing, and unlocking financing solutions. 

Our five-step approach ensures we analyze food systems holistically, design impactful programs, and drive systemic change. 

Building Resilient Food Systems Together

IDH transforms international and national markets and local practices through convening, co-creating, and co-investing, and generating insights and unlocking financing. This forms the basis of IDH’s approach to transforming African food systems.

Food Systems in action

Leading Change Across African Value Chains

At the core of food systems are value chains—engines that power production, processing, and market access. Yet, many remain fragmented, limiting opportunities for smallholder farmers and SMEs. 

IDH’s Value Chain Transformation Strategy focuses on making value chains: 

  • Economically viable: Scalable, unsubsidized business models that align with local markets. 
  • Inclusive: Empowering marginalized groups to build equitable systems. 
  • Resilient: Prepared for climate and economic shocks. 
  • Food secure: Increasing the availability of nutritious, safe, and accessible food. 
  • Locally impactful: Creating thriving ecosystems for SMEs, cooperatives, and farmers. 
Discover our flagship initiativesDiscover our flagship initiatives
Program

Grains for Growth

Embracing gender-transformative practices to develop inclusive, and economically viable grain-supply chains in Ghana.

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Initiative

South African Food Systems Alliance

Ensuring a sustainable supply of food hinges on reducing the reliance on imports and increasing the efficiency of local markets in Africa.

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Program

Growing Together

Transforming food markets and boosting food security in Africa by increasing small-scale producers' incomes and scaling up food SMEs.

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Join us to eradicate food insecurity and create local economic value

Are you a company committed to eradicate food insecurity and create local economic value? Let’s collaborate! Our experts can share learnings and help you make headway on your journey.