Rethinking Food Markets for Inclusion and Sustainability: Science, Innovation and Policy Symposium

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the Symposium is to present the key findings of the CGIAR research Initiative on
Rethinking Food Markets for Inclusion and Sustainability (RFM). CGIAR researchers, partners and food
system stakeholders will showcase innovations and policies that were found to improve income and
employment opportunities in food value chains, enhance market efficiency, and reduce the
environmental footprints of food production and distribution.
The event will provide an opportunity for CGIAR researchers and partners to present and contrast
findings from related research, as well as for food system operators to discuss what is needed to
address obstacles to adoption of innovations and policymakers to identify options for policy support
promoting scaling of improved practices and addressing trade-offs.
Furthermore, several policy and innovation guidance documents will be launched during the two-day
event. The guidance notes will serve to actively involve and motivate key stakeholders within the food
supply chain to identify actionable approaches for adopting the inclusive and sustainable food system
innovations and feasible options for policy support. The event will also serve to identify directions for
further actionable research. 

Click here to access the full program and join the SIP symposium online.

PARTICIPANTS

The symposium will include the following groups in person:
• Rethinking Food Markets initiative researchers and partners
• Non-CGIAR researchers and policy analysts of agrifood markets and value chains
• Food system operators and other stakeholders, including representatives of agri-food
businesses, NGOs, policy makers, donors and development partners.

CONTENT

The event will revolve around presentations of the initiative’s main research findings of piloted
innovations and supportive interventions in five country contexts and comparisons with experiences
in other contexts. Participants will also engage in discussions regarding the scalability of food system
innovations and what support policies are needed for impact at scale. 

PRESENTATION THEMES

• Improved logistics to reduce food losses and improve value chain efficiency – emphasizes the
importance of efficient logistics systems in minimizing food loss and preserving product
quality throughout the supply chain.
• Digital innovations for tracing products and making market information accessible –
highlights the role of technology in enhancing transparency and traceability in the food
industry, providing valuable information to consumers and businesses.
 • Product quality upgrading and food standard certification – focuses on making standards and
certification schemes for food quality and sustainability work for improving market access and
income opportunities for smallholders and small-scale producers.
 • Strengthening coordination and vertical integration within global value chains –focuses on
innovative forms of inclusive value chain contracting arrangements and solutions to
coordination failures in export-oriented food value chains.
 • Innovations in inclusive mechanisms for e-finance – mechanisms include mobile input
finance mechanisms accessible to smallholders, women and youth

Click here to access the full program and join the SIP symposium online.