StEPPFoS is a Horizon Europe-funded coordination and support action that enhances evidence-based policymaking for sustainable food systems and food security in Africa. The project strengthens the interface between science and policy to support informed decision-making for agri-policy and sustainable food system transformation.
The project aims to reduce fragmentation of policy initiatives, improve integration of scientific evidence into policymaking, and address food systems challenges through participatory monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
StEPPFoS is delivered by consortium members from Ghana, Belgium, The Netherlands, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Benin, Spain, Senegal, Germany, and Italy. The ACU is a task lead in work packages 3 and 5, contributing expertise in developing and implementing participatory monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks, and data collection and impact analysis systems.
The programme commenced in January 2024 and spans 48 months. It operates through eight distinct work packages focusing on capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and evaluation.
StEPPFoS benefits multiple Commonwealth countries and extends its impact across Africa and Europe, leveraging digital technologies and information systems to integrate research findings into actionable policies.
StEPPFoS and the ACU
StEPPFoS could be of particular interest to ACU members, as the programme:
- Enables ACU members to contribute to and benefit from evidence-based policy development in food systems, a critical area for sustainable development.
- Facilitates capacity building and knowledge sharing for ACU-affiliated researchers, academics, and policymakers.
- Strengthens research networks and provides opportunities for members to engage with international partners in the AU-EU dialogue.
- Enhances the visibility of ACU member institutions in leading global initiatives addressing food security and sustainable agriculture.
This project and Consortium Europe-Africa for Research and Innovation on Food Systems Transformation (CEA-FIRST) are both financed through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Horizon Europe Guarantee Extension scheme.
Please contact Nadia Somani or Beate Knight for more information, or visit the project website.
