The COVID-19 exposed the crippling weak links in status quo food systems: dependence on international logistics in times of lockdown. As a result, a dialogue between FAO, ICLEI and Kisumu revealed obstacles exist in regard to obtaining financing for small-actor local farm initiatives. An additional conclusion was that collaboration between major actors in the food system in Kisumu would need to be facilitated in order to address the regions risk-prone food system.

The goal of the grant programme is to support the small and micro-enterprises already involved in food systems activities for expanding or improving their capacity and performance. The project aims to support development of sustainable urban food systems that are integrated with the surrounding rural food production systems to enhance access to safe, affordable nutritious foods.

The project highlights several levers/obstacles to address in order to support initiatives that enhance sustainable urban production, sustainable processing, packaging and food waste management to promote a circular economy. In addition to impact finance - awareness creation relating to the consumption of nutritious diets within households is critical for food and nutrition security outcomes in Kisumu. For farmers, sensitisation campaigns can also drive transformation towards more sustainable agricultural production practices. It was also suggested that Kisumu’s food system could benefit from a more collaborative governance approach . This should be achieved by building networks and stakeholder groups and creating spaces for dialogues, cooperation, sharing, co-learning and co-creation in a bid to transform Kisumu’s food system

Pic by Nana Kofi Acquah for IMWI