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SMART SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTHY DIETS

PROFESSIONALS EVENT16 OCTOBER 2020

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What are the most important challenges and opportunities in achieving SDG2 by 2030?

“Reports show that in 2019 an estimated 690 million people were affected by hunger and malnutrition and that num-ber is only increasing. We have to be realistic about the major challenges that prevent us from reaching zero hunger.

Food is unevenly distributed around the world. The increasing world popu-lation cultivates this, as well as the gap between rich and poor. Rapid urbanisa-tion causes logistical challenges in food production and distribution, and we are dealing with climate-related challenges, such as salinisation and depleted natural resources. At the same time, the world has made significant progress in redu-

BACK ON TRACK FOR REACHING ZERO HUNGER September 1st 2020, Myrtille Danse started as the first director of the Netherlands Food Partnership. She starts in a tumultuous year with serious consequences. “The COVID crisis has made it more evident than ever that we need food systems that are inclusive and resilient and that provide sustainable and healthy diets for all. We can only achieve this by joining forces.” In the run-up to World Food Day, we spoke to her about the Netherlands Food Partnership and Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by 2030.

cing extreme hunger and malnutrition. We have more and more smart solutions available every day that provide oppor-tunities for healthy diets.”

What should we do to get on track for reaching Zero Hunger?

We need to find innovative ways of col-laborating and we need to make smar-ter use of existing experience to change the food system. By re-examining the way we produce and consume food and by recalibrating the power relations in value chains, we can tackle the bott-lenecks in our food systems. Everyone needs to step up: governments should provide enabling and inclusive food policies with the help of civil society organisations and the private sector. Knowledge institutes have to make their knowledge and research more fit for purpose and the private sector should focus on local production and distributi-on and adjust its business models to the local context. But in the end, collabora-tion between all actors and a joint vision is needed to reach scale.”

Which role should the Netherlands and the Netherlands Food Partnership take?

“The Netherlands is recognised world-wide for its knowledge and experience in the field of agri-food. We have shown our innovative power and focus on sus-tainability. I am proud of this, but at the same time I am frustrated that millions of people still starve while others die from obesity. The Netherlands can contribute to developing solutions and generate opportunities: everyone eats, so the world is our market. The NFP can help simplify the landscape of actors and ini-tiatives, and can help link organizations to one another.

We build on years of experience and existing networks, both in the Netherlands and in multiple countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. We can take succesful pilots off the shelf and take them to the next level; fit them to local context with local ownership. The NFP is already actively supporting several coalitions.

“The Netherlands has shown its innovativepower and focus on sustainability. I am proud of this, but at the same time I am frustrated that millions of people still starve while others die from obesity.”

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10.00 – 10.30Log-in all participants

10.30 – 12.30Morning programmeEngage with several key speakersContribute to a round table discussion with contributions from private sector, government, civil society and knowledge institutes

12.30 – 13.00Networking Break

13.00 – 14.00Smart Solution Sessions

14.10 – 15.00Kicking off Food Systems Dialogue Closing of World Food Day Professionals Event

TIME SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

For example, we collaborate with key horticulture companies to promote capacity development in horticulture in Africa, we facilitate a post COVID-19 response group and are involved in promoting agroecology amongst youth in Eastern Africa. We actively work on more private sector involvement and on creating knowledge for impact. In the new year we will kickstart five or six new initiatives and coalitions .” How is the Netherlands Food Partnership involved in World Food Day and what can participants expect?

“International days like these are impor-tant for putting global issues in the spot-light. The NFP ensures that key initiatives are showcased and provides a stage for important partners, such as youth representatives, authorities like Simon Groot - winer of the 2019 World Food Prize - and Kitty van der Heijden - Direc-

torate-General for International Coope-ration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At WFD, guests will be inspired by smart solutions for SDG2 and can connect with other experts. We want everyone to go home with an action perspective on a personal level. What can I do from tomorrow onwards that helps achieve Zero Hunger by 2030?”

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MORNING PROGRAMME: 10.30 – 12.30hIn the plenary morning programme, key speakers will set the tone for the day: they will provide insight on our progress on SDG2 and the Dutch ambitions towards this goal.

PROGRAMME

Carola Schouten: Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food QualityMinister Carola Schouten will open the day and highlight the importance of World Food Day

Kitty van der Heijden: Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS) at the Ministry of Foreign AffairsKitty van der Heijden will present the progress and ambitions on SDG2 from a Dutch perspective, putting on the table what we need to do to accelerate our progress on SDG2.

Jackline Owili: Student at United Community of African Students (UCAS), Wageningen University & Research Representative World Food Day Youth EventJackline Owili will provide the viewpoint of young people and will talk about the need to ensure equal opportunities for both (young) men and women in promoting sustainable development.

Myrtille Danse: Executive Director Netherlands Food PartnershipMyrtille Danse will discuss how boosting transformative approaches for sustainable food systems and healthy diets in Low and Middle Income Countries will create opportunities for scaling and more impact on SDG2.

Hadassah de Boer: presenterHadassah de Boer is the moderator of the day.

Ikenna Azuike: TV presenter of What’s Up Africa (BBC) and The Post-Racist Planet (VPRO)Ikenna Azuike will ensure we are all up to date on the urgency of SDG2 and the need for smart solutions for healthy diets.

Simon Groot: Founder and Honorary Chairman of East-West Seed, 2019 World Food Prize laureateSimon Groot will be interviewed on how a Dutch vegetable seedsman won the World Food Prize, and how better vegetable seeds, training and market development can fight poverty and reduce hunger and malnutrition in the tropics.

Bram Wits: Agricultural Counsellor for West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire) at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the NetherlandsBram Wits will elaborate on bringing policy to practice from his role as agricultural counsellor. Calling in live from Ghana.

Eva Koffeman: Youth representative biodiversity and food for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food QualityEva Koffeman will highlight the importance of the connection between youth and policy in reaching SDG2.

Suzanne van Tilburg: Global Head Food & Agri Networks RabobankSuzanne van Tilburg brings in the financial and business perspective on global challenges related to food systems.

Carol Gribnau: Program Director Green Society at HivosCarol Gribnau will illustrate how the involvement of smallholders and marginalised groups in decision making processes and in collaboration with local government lead to inclusive, more sustainable food systems.

Jack van der Vorst: Member of the Board of Directors of Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands and General Director of the Social Sciences GroupJack van der Vorst will elaborate on the added value and challenges of the food systems approach in achieving SDG2 and how the Netherlands is contributing to increase the impact of this approach on SDG2.

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NETWORKING BREAK: 12.30 – 13.00hUse the small break to connect with other professionals with the World Food Day networking app. Available for download for all registered participants.

SMART SOLUTION SESSIONS: 13.00 – 14.00hIn the Smart Solution Sessions participants will take a 60-minute action-oriented deep dive into one of the five smart solutions they would like to learn more about. Together with other professionals working on SDG2 they will discuss different aspects of the solution; how to work with different stakeholders to overcome challenges and how to scale it for the desired and necessary impact.

KICKING OFF FOOD SYSTEMS DIALOGUE: 14.10 – 15.00h To conclude this Professionals Event, all participants are invited to join the Nether-lands Food Partnership in a plenary dialogue on the preparations and contributions in the run-up to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit (FSS). The Netherlands Food Partnership and its Food Security Policy Coalition facilitate a dialogue with Dutch Diamond Stakeholders to gather input on the international preparation process and contribute to a well-informed Dutch position. This session is meant as a kick-off for this process that will have several follow-up actions into 2021. During this dialo-gue on World Food Day, we will talk to leading experts and the Dutch government about what to expect and what is at stake. Participants will get the opportunity to share how they would like to get involved in the dialogue and which questions and proposals they would like to bring up regarding the content and the preparation process towards the FSS.

PROGRAMME SESSIONS

TRANSFORMING FOOD SYSTEM GOVERNANCEJoin Hivos in a session that opens the the dialogue about inclusive food sys-tem governance interventions. They will show how successful examples of the Hivos Food Change Labs provide smart solutions for healthy diets. Listen to the inspiring first hand experiences of the local partners in Uganda and Zambia. In Additionally, Wageningen Universi-ty & Research and KIT Royal Tropical Institute will share their experiences in the use of their Food Systems Analysis Tool . Co me and listen to these inspiring stories and share your own!

ASSESSING FOOD SYSTEMS IN TIMES OF COVID-19Join Wageningen University & Research in this session to discuss using a food systems approach as a smart solution for healthy diets in times of system shocks such as COVID. Together with participants they will explore ways to ensure local ownership in conducting such assessments. Join this session to share your insights and to ensure these assessments translate into structural impact in an inclusive way.

SMART BUSINESS SOLUTIONS IN HORTICULTUREJoin Topsector Horticulture & Starting Materials in this session to learn which smart solutions the Dutch horticulture sector has for healthy diets. They will present examples from the perspective of scaling, innovative partnerships and inclusiveness. Together with partners including Topsector Horticulture & Starting Materials and RijkZwaan we invite you to actively contribute in this session and seek opportunities for joint action.

DAIRY AS MOTOR FOR NUTRITIONJoin Yoba4Life, SNV Uganda and the Netherlands Food Partnership in a discussion on the role of dairy as a smart solution in the development of healthy diets. How can dairy contribute to nutritious and healthy diets? A panel with Fredrick Kizito (TIDE SNV Uganda), Nieke Westrik (Yoba4Life) and Yvonne Mtumbi (APF Zambia) will discuss these important questions. You are invited to join this session and parti-cipate by sending your questions and comments to the panel.

DESIGN, HORTICULTURE AND THE CHALLENGES OF URBANISATIONJoin the Design Academy in a session in which they want to discuss the potential added value(s) designers could bring to the (dinner) table that stretch beyond the design of its chairs or silverware. We will explore the useful conceptual and strategic support design could offer in light of our shared SDGs.

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Many private companies, civil society organisations, knowledge institutions and governments have already taken action to work towards more resilient and inclusive food systems. On the following pages, we tell the story of several smart solutions related to the theme of World Food Day 2020. Each case makes unique contributions to

healthy diets in low and middle income countries by focusing on the long term goal. How do these initiatives try to reach scale? How do the actors work together in innovative ways? And how do they make sure food systems are inclusive, serving the needs of everyone equally? Read on, find the answers and get inspired.

The COVID crisis has made the work we still have to do clearer than ever: we need urgent action combined with scalable solutions to deal with crises and challenges in our food systems. Therefore this year’s World Food Day focuses on smart solutions for healthy diets, adaptable to times of crisis.

SMART SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTHY DIETS

CASE STUDIES

PARTNERSWorld Food Day is organised by the Netherlands Food Partnership in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

PROGRAMME PARTNERSThe programme of World Food Day is developed with the support and cooperation of our programme partners.

PARTNERS

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Stimulating both supply and demand

From 2013 till March 2020, a total of 2743 workers and lead farmers have been trained on good agricultural practices. The implementation of the project faced many challenges, such as unpredictable weather conditions, cultural differences, and the presence of middlemen offering low prices to the farmers. Nevertheless, Bos is positive. “Our strength is that we stimulate not only the supply side, but also the demand side by educating consumers on the importance of vegetables in a healthy diet. We reach them through community cooking demonstrations and broadcasting messages through radio, for example.” Most farmers who took part in the project say it is eye-opening to see the positive impact small changes on their farms can make. “Relatively small interventions such as more efficient water management and the combination of quality hybrid seeds and better crop management, leads to producing more quantity and quality”, says Bos. How your business can contribute to ending hunger

In some of the communities which the project was active, a mindset change with in regard to consuming vegetables was established. Consumers reported an increased frequency of consuming vegetables and there is evidence to suggest that people who consume these vegetables also have increased nutrition intake. Bos encourages other companies to step out of their comfort zone and learn: “It’s not a quick win, but if you have a clear goal and are patient, your business can contribute to ending hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture, while making a profit.”

They are dependent on rain-fed farming and face challenges like post-harvest losses. Only a small part of the vege-tables produced actually reaches the regional markets. Moreover, consumers are not fully aware of the need to include vegetables in a balanced diet. As a consequence, the region is characterised by high levels of stunting, anemia and iron deficiency. A stepwise approach to increase the consumption of vegetables The Vegetables for All project, of which Dutch seed company Rijk Zwaan is the

main responsible partner, addresses these issues. The project is supported by the Dutch government and driven by a coalition of seven private sector parties, NGOs, and knowledge institutes. Their clear and common goal is to increase the dietary diversity and micronutrient intake of poor consumers through an increased consumption of fresh and dried vegetables. “The project looks at the whole value chain and uses a stepwise approach in sharing know-ledge and providing intensive guidance to smallholder farmers”, says Heleen Bos, responsible for Foreign Develop-ment Projects at Rijk Zwaan.

Like in many parts of rural Africa, the availability of vegetables in north-eastern Tanzania highly depends on the season. The few farmers who can afford quality inputs and irrigation can produce vegetables all year round. For most smallholder farmers however, the reality is different.

VEGETABLES FOR ALL; GUIDING FARMERS, EDUCATING CONSUMERS

CASE STUDY

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strong point towards policy makers.” In Uganda, lab research showed that many low-income consumers rely on street vendors for their daily nutritional intake, even though street vending is prohibited. The local lab helped rede-fine the relation ship between vendors and city law enforcement officers. “After both parties saw the important role of street vending in the local food system, vendors organised themselves and officials provided water and street lighting.” From short-term results to long-term goals

In Zambia, the Food Change Lab cre-ated public awareness about healthy, balanced diets, while simultaneously

The labs work with a stepwise approach. After collective intention setting, participants explore the issue and come up with solutions together. These are prototyped and if successful, unleashed. “Having different actors in the room helps them understand each other and generate ideas together that are beneficial for everyone.” The labs are currently active in Uganda, Bolivia

discussing with local authorities how they can support diverse diets by creating a suitable market infrastructu-re and promoting diverse production. Although the results are promising, achieving systemic change is a tough process. “The external evaluation confirmed that the 5-year time frame was too short for achieving change on a large scale.” The lack of involvement from larger commercial actors is also proving difficult. “We connect very well with SMEs and the informal sector, but we need to change the stakes involved in the current food policy.” Neverthe-less, Mechielsen is optimistic. “Part-ners are able to continue the labs. We achieve short-term results and keep participants motivated, while continuo-usly working on long-term goals.”

and Zambia, with 30-100 participants in each lab session. Citizen-generated evidence to make a point towards policy makers

The Food Change Labs proved par-ticularly successful in collecting evidence. “Especially with citizen- generated evidence we can make a

In its Food Change Labs, Hivos convenes actors from all throughout the food system to initiate systemic social innovation. “We especially inclu-de actors whose needs are often overlooked in policy decisions, such as low-income consumers, producers, traders, processors and vendors”, says Frank Mechielsen, Senior Programme Manager at Hivos.

FOOD CHANGE LABS; SYSTEMIC CHANGE THROUGH INCLUSIVE FOOD POLICIES

CASE STUDY

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BeNu was founded by Betty Lakew, a Food and Nutrition MSc graduate from Ethiopia, and her business partner Amen Temesgen. “During my research I noticed that nutritious food is beco-ming this fancy thing that only a few people can have because they have money. At BeNu, we aim to make nutri-tious products available for everyone.” Focus on school feeding programmes

What makes BeNu Foods unique, is their ‘one for one’ business model. For every product sold, another product is handed out to a child who needs it.

The company started in 2013, when nutrient testing was complex and expensive, making it inaccessible to small farmers. The soil scanner gives an instant report with soil status and fertilisation advice. This allows farmers to make an informed decision on the fertiliser needed for their land. Double profit per hectare

Currently over 300 scanners are being used in 20 countries. And they show their worth. 100,000 farmers had their soil tested. 90% of those farmers reported yield increase, leading to 39% average income increase and double profit per hectare. Nevertheless, scanners perform less than 500 scans per year on average, while they could complete 30 per day. This is not enough for a systemic change, which is what AgroCares aims for. “To make scale, we need institutional buy-in”, Van Beek says.

At the moment, BeNu is focussing on a school feeding programme. “The current school feeding programme is provided by the government. This diet however, is not nutritious enough for the children and contains high amounts of sugar. We want to give the children a whole grain product that will boost their immune system. One packet of our biscuits provides them with 50% of the nutritional values they need per day.” Making a difference with nutritious food for children

BeNu Foods received a nationwide award for social entrepreneurship. “The aspiration of BeNu is being recognised now, but we had to risk a lot when starting BeNu”, says Lakew. “We were young and hard-working, but also inexperienced and without money, so the chances of success were not too great. We are proud to say that we are successful now.” Having been raised in a slum area, Lakew is driven to help out others. “I think I can make a change and contribute to this country, because I know from personal experience the difference it makes when children are provided with nutritious foods.”

Reaching two million farmers by 2030

In search for higher grounds, AgroCa-res looks at multinationals like Yara, one of the biggest producers of chemical fertiliser. Should AgroCares team up with a fertiliser giant, whose business affects climate change? “We want to focus on the opportunity rather than the dilemma. The bottom line is, also for those fertiliser giants: balanced fertilisation is better for everyone, for people and planet.” The business is not break even yet, but the ambition for 2030 is to reach at least two million farmers who use the scans to make informed decisions about inputs and fertilisers. Van Beek is positive they can achieve this. ”What I love the most is hearing from our clients and partners about their struggles and wins. To see that our product really impacts lives, makes me proud”.

BeNu Foods is an Ethiopian social enterprise that produces nutritious biscuits at an affordable price. “Affordability is an issue with these foods, but we managed to find a way to produce the biscuits at a very low rate”, says Betty Lakew.

Healthy, fertile soil is the starting point for sustainable food security: that is the firm belief of AgroCares. This innovative tech company provides farmers with an easy-to-use scanner that can test their soil. “You need to use the fertiliser that feeds your soil”, says Christy van Beek, Chief Agronomist at AgroCares.

ONE FOR ONE BISCUITS; MAKE NUTRITIOUS PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE AGROCARES;

PRECISION FARMING WITH GLOBAL IMPACT

CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY

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YOUTH WORLD FOOD DAY October 16th 2020 – 11:00–17:00 – World Food Centre, Ede and online

How can we work together globally towards shorter food chains and produce and consume more local food? That’s the Food Chain Challenge. Youth participate in a challenge and discuss their solutions with a professional jury from the agri-food sector. The best idea will be executed. Additionally, there are presentations and debates to inspire and activate the participants.

Location: World Food Centre, Ede and online Organisers: I4NATURE

Register and find more information on: youthworldfoodday.com

The involvement of youth is crucial in working towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems. The Netherlands Food Partnership and it’s partners host various events that put youth at the centre, on World Food Day and beyond.

THE FUTURE OF OUR FOOD; UPCOMING EVENTS FOCUSED ON ENGAGING YOUTH

WORLD FOOD DAY YOUTH EVENT October 16th 14.00–17.00 – online, hosted at WUR

This event focuses on the future of African agriculture: opportunities of digitalization to meet African youth challenges in the agri-food sector. Objectives of this event are:● Bringing together experts to share inspiring ideas for agricultural development

in Africa, specifically regarding the digital transformation of agriculture.● Enabling and leveraging meaningful youth engagement● Connecting the (African) youth with experts and people in the field.

Location: online, hosted at Wageningen University & ResearchOrganisers: FoodFirst, United Community of African Students (UCAS) and WUR

Check out the FoodFIRST website for more information on the event or follow UCAS on Facebook

YALTA YOUTH AND AGROECOLOGY NATIONAL SUMMITSBetween October 6th and 22th 2020

The Youth in Agroecology and Business Learning Track Africa initiative (YALTA) has the ambition to realize the transition towards sustainable food systems for youth. NFP supported coalitions in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda will host Youth and Agroecology National Summits between October 6th and 22th 2020. Objectives: ● Form coalitions to support youth in agroecology ● Link youth to market opportunities in agroecology ● Create networks of youth and agroecology professionals

Check out the YALTA Facebook page for all the online and offline events and register.

YOUTH AT HEART VIRTUAL FORUM 2020: YOUTH PARTICIPATION, EDUCATION AND WORKNovember 2nd 13:00 – 17:30 – online

Engagement of youth is vital to building inclusive and sustainable societies. The forum brings youth from around the world together with policy makers, CEO’s and ministers to address issues affecting youth. Like the crisis resulting from the current pandemic.

Co-organisers: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and partners (Unicef, Generation Unlimited, ILO, FMO, IFAD, Palladium/ CFYE, Save the Children/ War Child, GPE, VOICE, Orange Corners, Tribeless Youth)

Register and find more information at www.youthatheart.nl

http://youthworldfoodday.comhttp://www.foodfirst.eu/events/world-food-day/https://www.facebook.com/United-Community-of-African-Students-UCAS-WUR-The-Netherlands-538111799558365/https://www.facebook.com/YALTA.Initiativehttp://www.youthatheart.nl

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This year two big World Food Day events are organised in the Netherlands. In addition to this professionals event we organise the World Food Day Show, aimed at a broad Dutch public. It’s an inspiring online liveshow with chefs, changemakers, experts and three tasty food films.

The secretariat of the FSS has called for national dialogues to be held. Govern-ments are waiting for guidelines for the dialogues from the secretariat. These will be shared October 12th 2020. Meanwhile Netherlands Food Partner-

ship (NFP) and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) facilitate pre-summit events and dialogues. To support the international preparation process and to enable participation of different stake-holders across the food system.

The UN convenes a Food Systems Summit (FSS) in 2021 to promote global awareness, commitments and actions as an important stepping stone in transforming our food systems.

TRANSFORMING FOOD SYSTEMS; UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE WAY TO THE UN FOOD SYSTEMS SUMMIT 2021

NETHERLANDS FOOD PARTNERSHIP - FOOD SYSTEM DIALOGUEOctober 16th 2020 – 14.00 – 15.00 – online

NFP will facilitate a plenary dialogue on the preparations and contributions in the run up to the FSS. Participants are Dutch Diamond stakeholders including representatives from the Dutch government. Topics for this informative and engaging sessions are:● Understanding the Food Systems Summit: What is at stake, what are the

ingredients, which questions are central? ● What are the planned steps towards the summit; who is taking which role?● How to be involved, which initiatives could be started for synergy?

NFP will facilitate several follow up actions in 2021 JOIN US AND WATCH THE SHOW ON OCTOBER 16TH, AT 4PM!Discover the programme and sign up for free at www.worldfoodday.nl

BOLD ACTIONS FOR FOOD AS A FORCE FOR GOOD - PRE-EVENT IN SUPPORT OF THE FOOD SYSTEMS SUMMIT.November 23rd and 24th 2020 – online, hosted in Wageningen

Objectives are: ● Agree to an initital set of science-based principles to change food systems ● Identify a set of ‘game changer’ initiatives ● Create a global network of leaders at all levels

Location: All regions across the globe, hosted in Wageningen Co-organisers: Wageningen UR, World Economic Forum, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, WBCSD, Unilever, Rabobank, DSM, World Farmers Organisation, One Young World

THE WORLD FOOD DAY SHOW IS AN INITIATIVE OF

PROGRAMME PARTNERS

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SMART SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTHY DIETS