Emergency solution or silver bullet? National pathways for food system transformation
Welthungerhilfe
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
WWF
Time: Friday, 20. January 2023, 09:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Room: A1
Language: English, German, French
Summary:
The participating experts discussed the elaboration, objectives and implementation of the so-called “National Pathways”, using the examples of Cambodia, Ethiopia and Kenya. In addition, a classification by the scientific community was part of the discussion. The input providers did not only discuss from a regional perspective, but also approached the topic from a sectoral perspective, i.e. from the perspective of the producers (Dr. M`Mailutha), the civil society (Ms. Worku) as well as the governmental – and thus regulatory – institutions (Dr. Sok Silo). During the short first inputs it became clear that there have been successes in the respective “National Pathways”, but that there are still big steps to be taken, especially with regard to the inclusion of marginalized groups. A general strengthening of the targeted exchange between science, state institutions and civil society was also highlighted as a desirable goal, as only in this way can truly holistic solutions be devised and implemented. During the exchange with the audience, various aspects were discussed (e.g. financing of implementation) and underlined by different experts, e.g. from GIZ or the EU Commission. The input of Agatha Thuo and Dr. Marcella D`Souza, both speakers of a thirteen-member expert group, which successfully addressed the issue of governance of food systems in the run-up to the expert panel, deserves special mention.
Panel Guests
He is an expert in agricultural policy development and development economics with specialities in rural development. He has an intimate understanding of the agricultural sector in Kenya and Eastern Africa and is well versed in the role of agriculture in the socio-economic transformation of African countries.
Dr. Mwendah M’Mailutha holds a PhD in International Development Policy and a Master’s in Public Policy from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, United States. Before that, he graduated from Kenya’s Egerton University with a BSc in Agriculture and Human Ecology. He also holds certificates in International Law, Business Administration, Leadership & Management, and Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) for development.
He has a wealth of professional experience, having worked as a field research assistant for Catholic Relief Services in former Sudan (now South Sudan), as a regional coordinator for KENAFF, and as a lecturer at the Kenya School of Government and Egerton University in Kenya. He has also held teaching positions as a graduate student in the USA (2006–2013). Additionally, he co-founded two prosperous enterprises in Kenya and South Sudan that catered to farmers.
Dr. Mwendah M’ Mailutha has a passion for dairy farming and apiculture and practices both in Nakuru County.
Dr. Sok Silo played an important role in the coordination and policies and strategies formulation related to food systems, food security and nutrition in Cambodia. He has actively led the dialogues and consultations in the development of the 2nd National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition 2019-2023, the Cambodia’s Roadmap for Food Systems for Sustainable Development 2030 and the Country Operational Roadmap for the Global Action Plan on Child Wasting and many others.
Sara’s role involves providing strategic intelligence and steering, facilitation, coordination, representation and advocacy competencies to Alliance2015 members in Ethiopia. In terms of advocacy and representation, Sara represents the Alliance in several different key national-level dialogues and for a; for example, the Ethiopia food systems transformation pathway mechanism; and acting as co-chair for the National Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture forum/platform. She is also playing a role to empower the CSO partners who are working with the Alliance2015 members to be more effectively included and access improved pathways to influence, resources and skills and competency building.
Prior to this senior role, Sara has worked in both national and international non-governmental organizations including People In Need covering initiatives in sectors including job creation, women and child empowerment. Sara holds a Master’s degree in Geography and Environmental studies from Addis Ababa university.
Moderation