Opportunities for higher education institutions to develop sustainable food systems in Africa

An African Vice-Chancellors' Regional Food Systems Dialogue was hosted with the aim to provide a multi-stakeholder platform for stakeholders explore various existing and emerging approaches that have potential deliver sustainable solutions at scale encourage collaborative actions directly transform Africa's agriculture food systems. Various system experts leaders from policy research institutions, universities, other participated. A lack of coherent linkages among stakeholders, youth restlessness, silos within between higher education institutions were some challenges identified hindering much needed transformation. Poor links ministries political red tape, inadequate programme funding capital coping rising input costs, as well unsustainable resource mobilization also reported having negative effect. To address these, must embrace collaboration transdisciplinary practices, mobilize resources, harness partnerships greater leverage. In addition, systems-thinking approach dealing complex issues should be adopted, while partners co-design co-create initiatives. Information Communications Technology (ICT) Big Data key enablers can ensure relevant appropriate translation into practice maintaining quality excellence. This research—together society-relevant curriculums emphasis on agricultural sciences practical on-farm skills—must inform policies practice. Higher committed driving transformation agenda in partnership stakeholders. Institutions forefront reimagining sector's role when it comes knowledge co-creation aimed strengthening continent's agro-food