School feeding initiatives, a game-changer for East Africa

by Stella Odhiambo/

School feeding initiatives, a game-changer for East Africa

Stella Odhiambo

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School feeding programs are more than just meals on a plate. When designed well, they create jobs, strengthen local food systems, and support children’s health and education. Yet, despite their potential, investment remains alarmingly low across Africa.

The reality is stark: while governments, NGOs, and development partners have made strides, the scale of the challenge far outweighs current efforts. With school feeding at the intersection of nutrition, local economies, and food security, it is clear that no single organisation can solve this alone.

Wasafiri works with a broad network of partners to convene, coordinate, and unlock solutions that drive systemic change. But time is running out. If we want to make school meals a truly sustainable solution, the world needs to act – and invest – now.

A missed opportunity for food systems actors?

Across East Africa, school meals are often the only reliable source of daily nutrition for millions of children. In Kenya, for example, nearly 4 million children benefit from school feeding programs. Yet these initiatives remain largely dependent on donor funding and food imports, failing to harness the full potential of local economies.

Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) presents an opportunity to shift this paradigm. By sourcing food from local smallholder farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), school feeding programs can:

  • Boost rural economies by creating predictable demand for local produce.
  • Improve food security by strengthening regional food systems.
  • Enhance nutrition by prioritizing diverse, locally available foods.
  • Increase resilience by reducing dependence on external food aid.

Despite these benefits, only a fraction of Africa’s school feeding programs are meaningfully linked to local food systems. A scoping review conducted by Wasafiri found that while 76% of school feeding initiatives claim to support small-scale farmers, only 43% have preferential contracting for them, and a mere 7% have legal frameworks to ensure their inclusion. In other words, the potential of HGSF remains largely untapped.

The question is not whether HGSF works; it does. The question is, why is Africa still struggling to make it the norm rather than the exception?

Unlocking the potential of local farmers and MSMEs

While school feeding should be a win-win for both children and local food producers, smallholder farmers and MSMEs face significant barriers to entry. Wasafiri is involved in CCHeFS, a project funded by IDRC aimed at integrating MSMEs and smallholder farmers into school feeding initiatives. Our research reveals some of their challenges:

  • Market access: Many smallholder farmers lack the scale and consistency required to meet the demands of school feeding programs.
  • Financing constraints: MSMEs and farmer cooperatives struggle to access the credit needed to expand production or invest in better infrastructure.
  • Procurement barriers: Government procurement processes often favour large suppliers, sidelining small-scale producers.
  • Logistical hurdles: Weak supply chain networks mean that even when smallholder farmers can produce sufficient food, getting it to schools efficiently is a challenge.

Wasafiri, alongside its partners, is working to identify practical ways to integrate MSMEs and smallholder farmers into school feeding supply chains. We are exploring financing models, capacity-building programs, and policy shifts that could make HGSF scalable. However, the reality is that these efforts, while necessary, are just a drop in the ocean. What is needed is serious, long-term investment.

Where will the investment come from?

The need for financing in HGSF cannot be overstated. While national governments have made commitments, budget constraints mean that school feeding programs often remain underfunded and inconsistent.

Private-sector engagement is almost non-existent in many cases. Yet, major global players such as impact investors, philanthropic foundations, and large agribusinesses have the resources to fill this gap. Organisations such as the Rockefeller Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have invested heavily in food systems transformation. But school feeding has yet to receive the level of attention (and funding) it deserves.

We believe this must change. The case for investment is clear:

  • Return on investment: Studies show that for every $1 invested in school feeding, there is a $9 return in improved health, education, and productivity.
  • Impact on local economies: Research from the CCHeFS project demonstrates that integrating MSMEs into school feeding programs can create thousands of jobs and increase farmers’ incomes by 30-50%.
  • Climate resilience: Sourcing food locally can reduce the carbon footprint of school meals while promoting climate-smart agriculture.

The question is: who will step up?

A call to action: We must act now

Wasafiri has spent years working to understand the complexities of school feeding in Africa. We have conducted research, convened stakeholders, and supported policy discussions. But we cannot do this alone.

If we are serious about transforming school meals into a tool for systemic change, we must move beyond pilots and fragmented projects. We need:

  • Large-scale investments to support smallholder farmers and MSMEs in becoming viable suppliers.
  • Policy shifts that prioritise local procurement and reduce barriers for small businesses.
  • Multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together governments, donors, and the private sector.

If you are a funder, policymaker, or organisation that cares about the future of school feeding, now is the time to engage. The solutions exist. The question is whether we have the will to implement them at scale.

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African Food Fellowship opens applications for cohort 5, introduces new impact area

by James Anderson/

African Food Fellowship opens applications for cohort 5, introduces new impact area

Jacqueline Kubania

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The African Food Fellowship is delighted to announce that applications are now open for its fifth cohort. The Fellowship is recruiting 80 new Fellows in Rwanda and Kenya, 40 for each country. These are food systems leaders who are passionate about working together to create healthy, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

Interested candidates can submit their applications before the deadline closes on April 25, 2025.

The Fellowship has also updated its impact areas for this round of applications to better reflect a shift in continental priorities. In Rwanda, we are now targeting applicants working in the impact areas of Healthy and Nutritious Foods, Climate Smart Agriculture, or Inclusive Markets and Trade, while in Kenya, we shall be accepting applications from people working in Horticulture for Inclusive Markets, Blue Economy for Food or Agri-finance.

The impact areas are informed by the new Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035 endorsed in January 2025 by 55 African Union member states. The agreement introduced ambitious new targets, including Increasing agricultural productivity by 50%, reducing undernourishment to less than 5%, reducing negative environmental impacts of agriculture by 40%, and increasing the value of processed food exports by 30%. It also aims to integrate over 10 million small-scale farmers into agricultural value chains. These changes show a more holistic approach in how food is produced, processed, and distributed.

Applications now open

“The new Kampala Declaration signed in January this year has inspired us to revise our impact areas to better align with the targets outlined in the agreement. We now have a sharper focus on trade in both countries, as well as a more deliberate inclusion of climate smart agriculture in Rwanda, and an expansion of aquaculture to encompass the blue economy in Kenya. Targeting leaders working in these areas means that we’re able to better support Africa’s food systems transformation agenda,” said African Food Fellowship Director Joost Guijt.

Currently active in Rwanda and Kenya but with ambitions to expand to all Economic Zones in Africa by 2030, the African Food Fellowship is a dynamic network of leaders working together on bold change to make food systems healthy, sustainable, and inclusive. It is dedicated to building the leadership capacity of food systems actors in Africa so they can better respond to challenges and craft sustainable solutions.

“A lot of investments have been made to end hunger, tackle malnutrition, raise productivity, and generally improve food systems in Africa. However, few have focused on building the capacity of the people tasked with delivering these ambitious targets. Africa needs good leaders to deliver healthy, inclusive, and sustainable food systems the African Food Fellowship is investing in these leaders,” said African Food Fellowship Rwanda Lead Anysie Ishimwe.

The Fellowship has built a thriving ecosystem for food systems actors in Africa to connect with their peers and gain essential leadership skills and knowledge to transform food systems. Fellows are co-creators and co-owners of this ecosystem.

Successful applicants will join an impact network of over 230 Fellows in both countries. They will start their journey with the prestigious Food Systems Leadership Programme (FSLP), a world-class 10-month programme  delivered virtually by faculty from Wageningen University & Research and Wasafiri Consulting. During the programme, Fellows acquire shared language, knowledge and tools to unpack food systems, analyze their complexity, and identify opportunities for systemic interventions.

The Fellowship also supports Fellows as they design, implement, and adapt their food systems actions. Fellows identify common goals and work on new pathways that are healthy, inclusive, and sustainable. They exchange ideas, mentor each other, and work together to achieve shared goals.

Current Fellows include government officials, community leaders, entrepreneurs, farmers, scientists, development workers, financiers, educators and journalists. They contribute different perspectives, practical skills and networks to the Fellowship. Collectively, they can shift the power, policies, investments, and incentives that shape food systems. 

“We especially encourage women, farmers, and people living in marginalised areas to apply because they are often left out of leadership opportunities. The Fellowship is a diverse and inclusive space whose members enrich it with different perspectives, experiences and networks. It reflects the wide spectrum of skills, specialisations, and identities in which food systems in Africa operate,” said African Food Fellowship Kenya Lead Brenda Mareri.

The Fellowship charges a fee of USD 1,000 for the Food Systems Leadership Programme, payable in two instalments. A limited number of scholarships are available for those who can demonstrate they need it. We encourage and support participants to seek organisational scholarships.

Originally posted on the African Food Fellowship website.

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Monitoring, learning and evaluation for a complex world

by Kate Simpson/

Monitoring, learning and evaluation for a complex world

Kate Simpson

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Complex problems need dynamic MEL approaches

Systemic approaches to complex change offer the opportunity to tackle our most persistent challenges at scale – like creating climate-resilient food systems, ending child marriage or generating the millions of jobs that Africa’s growing youth population needs.

However, how do we monitor and evaluate the impact of our change efforts? Without ways to do so, we cannot learn what is working (and what is not). And without a true understanding of impact, it is difficult to galvanise the resources of time, effort enthusiasm and money that change at scale will require.

Traditional monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) practices in development have predominantly been built to serve funders keen to ‘prove’ the efficacy of their work and hold partners accountable. They have rarely been designed to serve those who live within the complex world to be changed.

Often, they have been designed for a mythical static and linear world where impact can be attributed to isolated specific activities. Such approaches pay scant regard to the activity (intentional or otherwise) of other actors, and don’t adapt well to the characteristics of complex problems such as emergence, uncertainty and interdependency.

Systems MEL uses traditional tools; but uses them in different ways with different objectives

Learning about the ways systems are changing is not determined by the data collection tools we use, but by the things we pay attention to, the questions we ask how and when, and who we want the learning to serve.

There are several core principles that underpin systems MEL approaches:

  • Serve the problem – MEL approaches designed primarily in service of funders and accountability can be extractive in nature, focused on holding partners accountable and producing learning in forms that are either private or difficult to access. In contrast, MEL-orientated systems change should be useful to a wide audience of people, both those who live with, and those who work on, the issue. It should help people better understand what is going on, how change is happening and where and why efforts are getting stuck.
  • Integrate MEL in strategy and implementation – traditional MEL approaches are often structured around specific reporting milestones, evaluations tend to happen upon completion of program activities or milestones, and M&E managers may operate in isolation from strategy and implementation. One key objective of systems MEL is to produce data and learnings that support real-time decision-making. To achieve this, we need a close and ongoing relationship between strategy, learning and implementation roles and responsibilities.
  • Pay attention to activity and context beyond a single intervention – traditional MEL is often focused on trying to isolate and measure the (expected) impact of a single project or intervention. But when an intervention environment is complex, it means straightforward cause-and-effect relationships are uncommon. Systems change is never the result of a single intervention by a single actor. Therefore, systems-based MEL looks at the context beyond the parameters, trying to capture what is emerging with a focus on both expected and unexpected changes as well as looking at specific interventions and the wider systems context.
  • Reduce asymmetries of information and knowledge – systems that are working poorly for some and well for others typically have strong asymmetries of information. With the most marginalised often having the least access to knowledge about the issues that affect them the most. A MEL approach that compares the efficacy of early flood warning systems across a number of communities may share that information with the providers or funders of those systems but not necessarily the affected communities. Whom, if they had access to that insight, may be able to make their own adjustments to how they use and engage with the early warning systems available to them. Systems MEL holds an open mind to who is a producer and who is a consumer of learning, and therefore intentionally puts learning back into the systems in ways that are accessible to all affected actors and redress rather than exacerbate asymmetries.

Here at Wasafiri we work with a range of clients and partners on systems-based monitoring, evaluation and learning such as the World Economic Forum’s Platform of Global Public Goods (PGPG). We created theories of change and metrics to track progress across various initiatives, from improving ocean health to preventing violent extremism in East Africa.

We also worked with Jobtech Alliance who employed a systems change framework focusing on collaborative behaviours, practical interventions supporting digital platforms, and ecosystem-level influence to create quality jobs in Africa.

We are developing an open-access approach to MEL for systems change based on our own practice. Currently, we are seeking an initial round of feedback from partners and friends. If you would be curious to learn more and offer some friendly advice, please reach out to stella@wasafirihub.com. Once we have further iteration, we will be sharing publicly and running a number of live discussion sessions. So follow us on LinkedIn to sign up when we go live.

Here are some links to other good folks doing good work in this space:

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Building peace in East Africa: A conversation with Wasafiri’s peace and inclusion lead

by Aisha Adan/

Building peace in East Africa: A conversation with Wasafiri’s peace and inclusion lead

stella odhiambo

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From Northern Kenya to Ethiopia, Aisha Adan’s work reflects her belief in local leadership, collaboration, and research that drives action. Her passion for stable, peaceful communities shines through in every project she touches—and serves as a powerful reminder that the solutions to big challenges often start at the grassroots.

When it comes to peace, stability, and inclusion, Aisha believes in practical solutions that put people at the centre. With years of experience tackling governance issues, extremism and conflict in Kenya’s most vulnerable regions, Aisha has seen firsthand what works – and what doesn’t.

From engaging communities to driving research that matters, her approach is clear: meaningful change starts with those closest to the challenges.

I sat down with Aisha to learn more about her work, her reflections on the region, and what excites her about creating solutions that stick.

Can you share a moment when you saw meaningful change happen in a project you were part of? What made it work?

One moment that stands out is our Community-Led Research and Action (CLRA) experimentation initiative with a marginalised community on the Kenyan coast.

This was an intervention designed to let communities take the lead in solving their own problems. They conducted their own research, identified solutions that could work, and took action.

The impact was incredible. We saw individuals develop critical thinking, a stronger sense of belonging, and a real understanding of their own communities.

What made it work? Well the people themselves did. Their lived experiences gave the project its heart and focus, making sure that the solutions were practical and sustainable.

Aisha

In your experience, what’s one small but powerful way communities can promote peace?

It starts with open and inclusive dialogue—creating spaces where everyone, no matter their background, can be heard and respected. Trust grows from these conversations, and from trust comes collective problem-solving and small steps towards changing mindsets.

What do you think is the biggest barrier stopping women and young people in East Africa from influencing decisions about their future?

Structural inequality. Socio-cultural norms hold many women and young people back. They often don’t have the resources, opportunities, or platforms to shape their futures. Without agency and economic independence, they’re stuck on the sidelines.

You’re currently working on a sustainable peace project in Ethiopia. Who will this project benefit, and what excites you most about it?

This project benefits Ethiopian communities most vulnerable to conflict by helping policymakers and local leaders become better at preventing and responding to external threats. It’s all about strengthening Ethiopia’s systems for conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

What excites me most is that Wasafiri is coming in to do the stuff we do well. In this case, our role is to produce timely, action-driven research. We’re leading efforts to create insights that inform the project’s strategy in real time, so our work can respond directly to what’s happening on the ground.

Finally, for someone who’s passionate about making a difference in this space, what advice would you give?

If you’re working on changing the system so that it works better, and for more people, I would say inviting diverse voices and perspectives as part of the decision-making process.

Conflict is inevitable, but violence isn’t. Real, transformational change happens when we work together inclusively.

Why people doing systems change work matter

People like Aisha, who are doing the slow work to shift mindsets and complex systems, amplify lesser-heard voices, and support communities to be more resilient in the face of changing socio-economic challenges, are the backbone of good, lasting change.

Their work reminds us that real transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it happens through sticking it out, building quality networks, and committing to meaningful collaborations and partnerships.

Whether you’re working on creating more inclusive spaces for marginalised youth who are vulnerable to radicalisation, or making Africa’s food systems more resilient to the effects of climate change, your contributions create ripples that lead to a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world.

Photo by Bobby Randu

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The power and practice of impact networks: Lessons from food systems transformation

by Stella Odhiambo/

The power and practice of impact networks: Lessons from food systems transformation

Claudia Piacenza

Claudia Piacenza and

stella odhiambo

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Networks that bring together cross-sector leaders to work on shared problems super charge impact in complex environments.

In Africa, the challenges of hunger and malnutrition remain stark: one in five people – over 282 million – are undernourished (State of Food and Agriculture (FAO 2019)), and 30% of children under five suffer from stunted growth. Despite some progress, these figures highlight how far we are from achieving key nutrition and health targets.

Compounding the issue, Sub-Saharan Africa loses over 30% of its total crop production every year – equivalent to more than USD 4 billion in value. These losses not only strain food security but also undermine efforts to lift millions out of poverty.

Amid these challenges, could the power of networks offer solutions?

Why networks (and not just collaboration) matter

One of the biggest challenges when working on complex problems is adapting to an ever-changing context.

One of the pre-conditions for operating in an adaptive way is dynamic learning. When we approach issues from just one angle, one niche expertise, or one specific or static point of view, we risk falling into the well-known trap of the blind scientist who, touching an elephant’s ear believes that she is touching a fan.

It is only by bringing together diverse perspectives that we can truly see the “big picture” (or in other words, the whole elephant).

Spoiler alert: the “big picture” is not just big – it’s rich and multifaceted.

For example, let’s look at the average age of farmers in Africa. Many organisations are working to engage youth in agriculture, recognising the importance of securing the next generation of farmers.

These efforts rightly focus on making agriculture more attractive for young farmers by lowering barriers to access it, increasing the role of tech and digital tools, and reframing the narrative around entrepreneurial opportunities.

At the recent Kenya Transform Food Festival hosted by the African Food Fellowship, we worked around this very issue – engaging youth in agriculture.

By bringing in different perspectives, the conversation quickly moved beyond traditional business models and the cost of agricultural inputs to collective narratives and educational approaches. Suddenly, we looked at a very familiar problem in an unfamiliar way.

We dived into cultural insight: in many rural areas, schools and families use farm work as punishment for undisciplined children. This shift in focus – from economic barriers to cultural narratives and educational practices – was a revelation to many. Suddenly the problem took on a new dimension, leading us to explore how to reshape perceptions about agriculture and food production, starting with very young children in schools.

While this idea may seem obvious to a sociologist or anthropologist, it was an eye-opener for participants from the private and public sectors.

So why was this breakthrough possible?

It came down to one critical approach that defines how networks work: we placed our shared objective at the centre of our discussion, rather than starting with a particular solution or organisational point of view.

As one of our Fellows once said: “Leave your logos and egos at the door and focus on the common purpose.”

The role of trust in building networks

Of course, for networks to work, we need trust at their core. I’ve heard from many leaders that building trust is the foundation for real collaboration.

Trust allows us to share not just knowledge but resources, shifting from a learning phase to actionable plans. It’s about helping everyone see each other as partners rather than competitors.

In practice, trust takes time and care – it grows as we consistently show up, follow through on commitments, and invite open dialogue. This way, networks become not only strong but safe spaces for everyone involved. We create an environment where funders, local organisations, and practitioners feel comfortable sharing ideas, knowing they’ll be met with respect and openness.

Trust is the foundational pre-condition to move from a competitive approach to a place of collaboration.

When we curate a network that wants to stimulate action (and ultimately deliver impact) we tend to focus on the support provided in the form of grants, technical assistance, facilitation and so on. If we don’t intentionally invest in building trust, our efforts are at high risk of not delivering the expected results.

Systems leadership: The key to lasting impact

Ultimately, networks are a means to an end. The end here is to improve the way people eat, their health and the health of our planet, and their inclusion in economies and societies.

Leading change that transforms our current food systems takes a special kind of leadership. Leadership that drives system transformation requires mastery of complex thinking, adaptive management, and collective action.

A recent study by the African Food Fellowship shows that while technical skills are essential, they are not enough. On top of being agronomists, food safety scientists or nutritionists, food system leaders must embody the qualities of a businessperson, an advocate, a communicator, and an organiser.

Do such leaders exist? And what is the right balance between the skills that we need to develop as individuals versus those we cultivate as part of a collective entity?

How do we know if a network is having an impact?

It’s one thing to build a network, but how do we know it’s truly making a difference? There are two indicators that matter most: network health and impact.

A healthy network is one with active participation, where each member feels valued and connected.

A healthy network provides an opportunity to engage in a variety of ways, based on individual gifts, traits, and life stages.

Impact, on the other hand, is harder to attribute directly to the work of networks. For this reason, we focus more often on contribution and influence.

An invitation to join the journey

Do you want to bring organisations and individuals together around a complex problem? Are you interested in exploring the intersection between network curation and system thinking? Get in touch! Reach out to Claudia on [email protected].

The African Food Fellowship recruits new Fellows every year. We will soon be inviting food systems leaders in Rwanda and Kenya to join the Fellowship, which offers a much-needed community of change-makers, learning opportunities about food systems leadership, and chances to collaborate with others working on similar problems.

Visit the African Food Felowship’s website for more information and keep an eye out for calls for application.

Photo by Francesco Rosati

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African Food Fellowship hosts 3rd annual Kenya Transform Food Festival

by Stella Odhiambo/

African Food Fellowship hosts 3rd annual Kenya Transform Food Festival

Jaqueline Kubania &
Stella Odhiambo

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Happy smiles! Kenya Food Fellows pose for a picture during the Kenya Transform Food Festival.

The African Food Fellowship on 8 November, gathered farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, government officials and other food systems practitioners in Nairobi for the Kenya Transform Food Festival 2024. The festival, now in its third edition, celebrates leadership action as a key catalyst for transforming food systems in Kenya.

It provides opportunities for like-minded individuals who share a passion for food systems to connect, interact and collaborate to create healthy, inclusive and sustainable food systems. This year’s festival was an immersive and inspirational experience showcasing how the Fellowship is championing food systems actions, which are initiatives that address complex problems within food systems and shift the underlying conditions that cause them. 

“Although there is a lot of good work happening in the agricultural sector in Africa, there hasn’t been a great understanding of how to act systemically. The African Food Fellowship was borne of a need to link people already operating within food systems, and get them to ask: how do we collaborate and shift food systems to be good for people and the planet?”, said African Food Fellowship Deputy Director and Wasafiri MD Alex Rees in a keynote speech given at the event.

First Daughter Charlene Ruto (left) and Prof Ruth Oniang’o (right) interact with Kenya Food Fellow Janet Ngombalu during the festival.

Guests included renowned nutrition expert and food systems leader Prof Ruth Oniang’o, and Kenya’s first daughter and founder of SMACHS Foundation, Charlene Ruto, who both lauded the Fellowship for its efforts to nurture leadership in Kenya’s agricultural sector.

During the event, Fellows had an opportunity to showcase their food systems actions and give guests a look at their personal journeys. They invited guests to make the experience their own by asking questions, giving feedback, and even joining in as collaborators.

“I am collaborating with two other Fellows to make school meals more nutritious for children. We want indigenous foods like cassava, omena, and traditional vegetables included in school feeding programmes because these foods are more nutritionally dense and better adapted to adverse weather conditions,” said Sylvia Kuria, an organic farmer who joined the Fellowship in 2022.

Kenya Food Fellows Auleria Apopo (left) and Sylvia Kuria (centre) take guests through their food system action which addresses childhood malnutrition.

Robert Shumari, who is also an African Food Fellow, showcased his efforts to diversify nutrition and livelihoods in arid Kajiado County, where he is running aquaculture learning hubs to teach the pastoralist Maasai community how to rear fish.

“My community loses a lot of livestock during droughts, which leaves them impoverished and unable to meet their families’ nutrition needs. I am teaching them to farm fish in a sustainable way so that they have food and income even during the driest months,” he said. He noted that so far, over 300 people have attended his workshops and almost 200 of them have started farming fish. Among his biggest collaborators are the county government of Kajiado and the local community, whose buy-in and participation is essential for long-term success.

Kenya Food Fellow Apollo Karugah contributes to discussions at the festival.

The festival also featured a live podcast session where economist Sarah Wachekeh and agri-entrepreneur Mutuma Muriuki took guests through the vulnerable art of building collaborations as a path towards Food System Actions. They got candid about the opportunities that collaborations open up (that are not accessible to singular actors), the challenges and tensions they have had to navigate while working with others, and what success looks like when collaborations work.

“The days of working in silos are over,” noted Sarah. “You have to bring on board as many actors as required in order to achieve meaningful impact.”

Kenya Food Fellows Mutuma Muriuki and Sarah Wachekeh on stage during the live podcast recording at the festival.

The African Food Fellowship approach to food system transformation is built on collaborative leadership. By creating an enabling environment for food system actors who work in different parts of Kenya’s food system to collaborate, they are equipped with analytical, methodological and design skills to address familiar issues in unfamiliar ways, focusing on drivers of systemic change. These initiatives provide creative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing food systems today, including climate change, malnutrition and poverty.

African Food Fellowship learning programme lead Riti Herman-Mostert (left) and Kenya Food Fellow Richard Midikira keenly follow proceedings during the festival.

“The Fellowship believes that systemic leadership can be taught. We back people working on systemic change and give them the support they need to do good work,” said Brenda Mareri, African food Fellowship Kenya Dean and Implementation Lead and Wasafiri’s Senior Manager for Food Systems.

Festival guests pose for a group photo.

This article was originally posted on the African Food Fellowship website.

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Return of the hero: Systems leadership needs individuals willing to step up

by Stella Odhiambo/

Return of the hero: Systems leadership needs individuals willing to step up

The idea of leadership as an activity for a heroic few has been well critiqued. But as we confront a climate crisis and growing social polarisation is it time for a rethink?

Kate Simpson

KATE SIMPSON

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For the last decade or so leadership thinking has encouraged us to see ‘leadership as a team sport’.  Collaboration, distributed action, innovation, participation are the sources of power that leadership draws on and unleashes in the many, not the few. And this is undoubtedly a good thing.

However, as we confront a climate and biodiversity crisis; as we wrestle with growing inequality and polarisation; and as we search for new forms of economy, new forms of national and global governance, and if we are to create private firms capable of more than just maximising share holder profit –  maybe we are going to need a few more heroes to show up? 

We will never deal with the complex and ambiguous challenges we face if we just wait for some sort of heroic leader to show up. That is, someone who seems to have more courage, more certainty, more insight, more knowledge, more passion, more hair, just more… than we have. They are not coming. Mostly because they don’t exist. But also because no one person, however brilliant, and well intentioned can tackle complex problems alone. Collective action is the only form of action. 

However, the sort of challenges we face are going to require significant disruption of the status quo. They are going to require businesses to internalise things that they have long externalised – like their impact on their environment, or on the health and wellbeing of staff. Government departments  need to change how they relate to citizens; academic institutions need to take responsibility for both who they educate and who (and why) they exclude. International NGOs will need to let go of some of the resources they control and let others control them if decolonisation and localisation are to be realised. What ever sector you sit in there are deep changes to make in who has power, who is served, who is excluded. And as with all systems level change, there will be resistance. 

Significant shifts in power have never come through consensus. They have been pushed for and demanded and alternatives built to prove what’s possible. And people have taken risks to do these things. Personal risks – with their own careers, assets, popularity, credibility and even their bodies. And this is the sort of heroic leadership we are going to need. The sort where individuals are willing to risk things that matter to them; and to be seen to do so. 

But it is not an either or. We are going to need both heroic leadership acts and mass unleashed, collaborative, participatory, experimental, unstoppable, relentless leadership. So there are a few caveats in my call for a little more heroism: 

 

All heroes need (a lot) of friends

For change to happen a lot of people need to take a lot of actions. When Rosa Parks decided to claim her right to sit on the bus she put her body on the line. She risked her freedom, her physical safety.  The year long Alabama bus protest which followed saw hundreds of people wear their shoes out as they walked to and from work. 

The ensuing dismantlement of the racist Jim Crow Laws was an outcome both of the action of heroes (of which Rosa Parks was one) and of a legion of people who did the long slow personal work of following. Systems change needs both – the individual heroes who stand out and the masses who stand up. Most of us won’t have what it takes, or the opportunity, to be heroes but we can respond to them when they shown up.

The unsung heroes matter

One of the big problems with ‘hero leadership’ is that it tends to just focus on the internal story of the person and not the wider context they were in. Sometimes the same action done by a different person or in a different moment has much less impact. A few months before Rosa Parks there was Collette Colvin – who also claimed her right to sit where she chose on a bus. Her action was the same, her impact was not. 

Perhaps because of who she was (younger, less well connected) perhaps the moment wasn’t quite right. Likewise, Greta Thunberg was not the first person to mount a school strike for the climate. Systems change is a dynamic thing. There are windows of opportunity that are hard to predict till after someone has charged through them. So if we need heroes then we need a lot of them, and only a few will get their stories told. 

Heroic acts not heroic people

The problem with people who do heroic things is that they always turn out to be flawed. If we are going to ask more of ourselves and each other in terms of visibility and boldness then we also have to accept individuals’ abilities to be both wonderfully right and good and also wrong and flawed. This is not some sort of offset scheme where the good and bad are tallied and an average found. Rather it is an acceptance that both will exist in all of us.  

Ultimately, we can not leave the climate crisis, social justice and the building of a more peaceful and equitable world in the hands of the few. It is going to need collective action. But nor can we expect to make a difference without being seen, without being willing to spend some of the things many of us have carefully built – our careers, our popularity, our security, our networks, our perceived competence, our invisibility.

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Wasafiri’s License to Lead programme enters year two

by Aisha Adan/

Wasafiri’s License to Lead programme enters year two

Aisha Adan

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Aisha Adan was the pioneering candidate for Licence to Lead. She sits down with Stella Odhiambo to talk about the DEI initiative that’s advancing leadership development for Wasafiri’s African and Africa-based staff.

Having recently completed the programme, I know that License to Lead (L2L) has benefited me tremendously. So, imagine my excitement when the second candidate was announced! L2L is designed to not only nurture much-needed leadership skills but also to ensure that our leadership reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. It’s a thrilling time as we continue this important work.

In my conversation with Stella, I wanted to understand her motivations and aspirations as she embarks on this journey. Here’s what she shared.

Well, congratulations, Stella! What motivated you to apply for Licence to Lead?

Thank you, Aisha! As Communications Manager at Wasafiri for the past two years I’ve am lucky enough to interact with colleagues and consultants across the business. These are some of the most inspiring, brilliant and passionate people I have ever worked with. 

The more I learn from them and dive into my role which I really enjoy, the more I realise I want to step up my game. L2L feels like the perfect opportunity to do that—to learn, grow, and become a stronger and more capable leader.

What’s the one thing that excites you the most as you begin this programme?

With a background in media, publishing, and communications, I’m looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone, picking up new leadership skills, and getting a taste of what it’s like to be at the helm of strategic decision-making at an organisation like Wasafiri.

L2L is a good next step in my journey. I will not only learn how to navigate challenges confidently but also prepare myself for my future aspirations.

What specific leadership skills are you hoping to develop through L2L?

I’m looking to level up my skills in a few key areas: team management, decision-making, and strategic thinking.

I know that leading a team involves more than just having the answers—it’s about inspiring others to bring their best selves to the table and work toward a shared vision. I’d love to get to the point where I can walk into any situation, make clear and confident decisions, and guide a team without feeling like I’m just figuring it out as I go.
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What three words best describe Stella?

Driven, compassionate, and underestimated.

Who has been your biggest inspiration and influence in life and what lessons have you learnt from them?

I draw immense inspiration from people who come from the most shocking beginnings to not only survive but thrive and surpass all expectations. Actress Viola Davis springs to mind. Look up her story.

Looking ahead what do you hope your legacy to be both personally and professionally?

Personally, I hope to be remembered as someone who brought people together and encoureged others not to sweat the small stuff – someone who infused positivity into every interaction.

Professionally, I want to inspire others to tackle complexity with creativity and passion.

Well, congratulations again, Stella. Enjoy it. I cannot wait to compare notes and see what this does for your growth!

Thank you – neither can I. Watch this space, same time next year.

Aisha was the inaugural candidate for Licence to Lead and is currently Wasafiri’s Peace & Inclusion Senior Manager. Read about her L2L journey here.

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Diversity in leadership: Aisha’s License to Lead journey

by Aisha Adan/

Diversity in leadership: Aisha’s License to Lead journey

Aisha Adan

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Aisha Adan, Wasafiri’s Inclusion and Peace Senior Manager, shares her journey through the License to Lead (L2L) pilot programme. A programme designed to cultivate diverse leadership within Wasafiri.

Introduction

Recently, I had the privilege of completing Wasafiri’s License to Lead (L2L) program, a transformative experience that has significantly impacted my leadership journey.

Designed to equip emerging leaders from Africa with essential management skills, L2L has set a foundation for personal growth and professional impact.

Wasafiri launched the L2L program with a commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our leadership. Recognising the gap in leadership opportunities for Africa-based staff, L2L builds critical skills in strategic decision-making, transfers institutional knowledge, and empowers employees in participatory roles.

This blog reflects on how L2L has impacted me personally and professionally.

Reflections on License to Lead and its Impact

At its core, L2L is about creating a resilient, adaptable team structure that empowers each member to play a participatory role in decision-making. This unique approach felt refreshingly aligned with Wasafiri’s principles of adaptive organisation and responsive leadership.

Through the program, I had the chance to dive into various critical topics: from business strategy to communications. Under Business Strategy, for instance, I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to formulate and execute a strategy within an organisation and how influential leadership can drive that strategy forward. This set the stage for practical discussions on Commercial and Business Development, where I gained insight for business growth and development—skills that are crucial as we seek to make a bigger impact.

Other essential things I learned were foundational knowledge of financial management, something that is critical in project planning and ensuring accuracy in operations, and how teamwork and diverse strengths can elevate project management. Even the Communications sessions covered the art of strategic messaging, helping me align our communications with Wasafiri’s goals to build trust and clarity both internally and externally.

One of the standout aspects of L2L was its emphasis on leadership agility. The program encouraged me to think on my feet, understand various perspectives, and make collaborative decisions.

This training has already made an impact on my role; I’ve taken on complex projects that required adaptive thinking and the ability to balance diverse team dynamics. The positive feedback from colleagues on these projects has been a meaningful reminder of how far I’ve come, as well as how much potential the L2L program has unlocked in me.

Aisha

Personal growth

One of the program’s biggest gifts has been a new sense of confidence. I’ve become more comfortable in navigating complex situations, contributing to strategic discussions, and trusting my instincts in leadership roles. It has fundamentally shifted my mindset to one that is adaptable and resilient, which I believe will serve me in any future role or challenge.

Looking forward, I’m excited to carry these skills with me as I take on greater leadership responsibilities. As someone who aspires to drive impactful, sustainable development, I know that my L2L experience will continue to guide me. As the founder of a nonprofit, the lessons learned here—from strategy development to financial planning—are not only valuable to Wasafiri but are also transferable to any future initiatives I pursue.

I am truly grateful to Wasafiri for this invaluable opportunity and for the strong focus on DEI, which has opened doors for African and Africa-based staff to move into senior roles. I’m also deeply appreciative of the support from my colleagues, especially Alex, Chiara, Stuart, George, and Stella, who encouraged me throughout this journey.

As I look ahead, I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and contributing to initiatives that lead to positive change.

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