Transforming Africa’s food systems: recognize, engage and invest in the informal food sector

Informal sector representatives from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa discuss experiences and the challenges they face in the informal food sector. [PHOTO: Patrick Brenda-ILRI]

From 10 to 12 June 2024, the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) held the first consultative workshop to review informal food sector guidelines being developed for the continent. This landmark event brought together key stakeholders from Africa’s informal food sector to review and refine the draft guidelines developed by national food safety and technical experts in September 2023.

The workshop aimed to ensure that the guidelines reflect the diverse challenges and realities faced by the informal food sector across the continent. It marked a significant step towards recognizing, engaging and investing in the informal food sector to enhance food safety, nutrition and livelihoods in Africa.

‘This gathering was a pivotal moment as it marked the first time that informal food sector actors were actively engaged in developing guidelines that recognize their vital role in the food system,’ said Silvia Alonso, principal scientist at ILRI, who is leading this project work. ‘It underscored our ongoing efforts to raise awareness among stakeholders and policymakers about the crucial contributions of the informal food sector to food safety and security.’

Africa’s informal food sector, which accounts for 80% of the continent’s food trade, encompasses businesses engaged in food production and sales that often operate with minimal recognition, engagement or investment from governments and other stakeholders. Its main players include street vendors, sellers in traditional wet markets and small-scale subsistence farmers. Despite being the primary source of income and nutrient-rich food for many of the continent’s producers and consumers, this vital sector is often overlooked in food policy decisions.

During the workshop, 25 informal sector representatives from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa shared their experiences and the challenges they face in the informal food sector. They highlighted common issues such as limited and often repressive government engagement, insufficient investment, excessive taxation, conflicting, absent and/or restrictive policies, and poor infrastructure. These hurdles hinder their ability to thrive and contribute fully to the continent’s food system.

Drawing from their diverse experiences, the participants proposed strategies to be included in the guidelines to tackle these challenges, including:

1. Revamp urban and rural business centres to accommodate informal food markets.

2. Collaborate with governments to craft regulations, policies and bylaws that govern the operations of the informal food sector.
3. Establish stronger public-private partnerships to attract long- and short-term investments.

1. Enhance access to credit for individuals in the informal sector through programs run by finance ministries and insurance firms.
2. Through advocacy, elevate awareness and support for local food systems at the national, regional and continental levels.

6. Implement mentorship programs to build capacities, spearheaded by cooperative and market associations along with trade and commerce ministries.
7. Improve food market infrastructure in urban and rural areas with innovative financing overseen by finance ministries, trade authorities and institutions such as the African Development Bank.

These solutions align with the Food Safety Strategy for Africa (FSSA), which aims to reduce foodborne diseases and enhance confidence in food quality, supporting the Malabo Declaration’s goal of boosting agricultural trade and improving livelihoods.

John Oppong-Otto, food safety specialist at AU-IBAR, noted, ‘Involving the informal food sector is critical in ensuring availability of accessible and affordable nutritious food for most Africans, particularly vulnerable communities. Their involvement is especially important as Africa charts its post-Malabo Agenda, given that this sector feeds over 70% of Africa’s population.’

Participants also emphasized the need for inclusivity and representation in policymaking to ensure that the diverse needs of informal food sector players are represented. Oppong-Otto called for modernizing Africa’s food safety system ‘to better protect the health of consumers and safeguard economies of member states’.

Richard Dobson, a representative from South Africa, added that ‘infrastructure investment and recognizing informal workers’ contributions in strategies for a sustainable food system can make the informal food sector better’.

Insights from this consultation will be integrated into the draft guidelines, which will be finalized through a series of continent-wide consultations involving multiple stakeholders, including government representatives, regional economic communities, farmers’ unions, civil society and the private sector. The refined guidelines will be presented to the Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Commission Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture Rural Development, Water and Environment (STC-ARDWE) in 2023. Once approved, these guidelines will provide a comprehensive roadmap for including the informal food sector in national, regional and continental food systems. They will serve as a crucial tool to support African Union member states in building sustainable and inclusive food systems.

For more information on food safety and informal markets:

Tackling food safety challenges in informal markets: New approaches are needed

Informal food markets: What it takes to make them safer

ILRI marks World Food Safety Day 2023 with the launch of a report on improving food safety in informal markets

Authors: Patrick Brenda, Intern, Communication & Knowledge Management (ILRI), Terry Mwenda, Communication Officer (ILRI), Cynthia Mugo, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Advisor (ILRI), & Martha Awinoh- Senior Communication Specialist (CIP)