Between late October and November 2024, the INCiTiS-FOOD project brought the spotlight to its eight African Living Labs by hosting a series of Roadshow events across six countries: Kenya, Ghana, Gabon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon. These events served as a platform to connect diverse stakeholders, emphasise the possibilities the project brings to communities, and inspire local innovations. The Roadshows also showcased the circular agricultural technologies used in the Living Labs and presented details about the Open Call opportunities.
Dynamic Engagement through Structured Events
Each Roadshow followed a dynamic and interactive structure designed to maximise stakeholder engagement and facilitate knowledge exchange. Presentations introduced the INCiTiS-FOOD project and its objectives, while Living Lab partners showcased technological innovations employed in their Living Labs and their progress. The events also included pitching sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on the Open Calls—inviting participants to explore collaboration and innovation opportunities.
The Living Lab partners played a crucial role in explaining the framework of innovative technologies and their applications in addressing real-world challenges. They provided insights into how potential applicants could connect with these technologies to enhance the African city food system. By doing so, the events empowered attendees to see the potential of INCiTiS-FOOD as a catalyst for sustainable food systems.
Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, and Ecosystem Building
Africa’s food systems are as diverse as its regions, each with distinct local contexts, challenges, and opportunities. The Roadshows strategically bridged these gaps by hosting events in eight towns, creating regional ecosystems that fostered dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Stakeholders such as governments, local authorities, innovators, adopters, and NGOs actively participated, reflecting the broad societal impact of INCiTiS-FOOD’s solutions.
A significant focus was placed on showcasing the Living Lab framework during these events. This approach allowed stakeholders to directly engage, understand the processes involved, and identify pathways to participate. Such interactions encouraged the development and adoption of technologies that address the specific needs of African food systems.
Localised Impact and Relevance
Each African country, region, and town has unique needs and challenges regarding food systems. The localised nature of the Roadshows ensured the content was tailored to address these specific contexts. Since the Living Labs operate within these conditions, the events resonated strongly with local stakeholders, increasing their engagement.
Additionally, the Roadshows created opportunities for local innovators and entrepreneurs to connect with the project. Many of these individuals already work on solutions to regional food system challenges but lack access to knowledge, support, or networks. By attending the Roadshows, they gained insights into how INCiTiS-FOOD’s tools, Living Labs, and networks could help scale and refine their ideas. The events also provided a platform for pitching and showcasing solutions, leading to potential partnerships and opportunities for further innovation.
Promoting Future Collaboration and Knowledge Dissemination
The format of the Roadshows—featuring presentations, pitches, and networking sessions—ensured effective dissemination of knowledge. This structured approach allowed attendees to gain a clear understanding of INCiTiS-FOOD’s progress, innovations, and opportunities such as the Open Calls and onboarding processes. Moreover, the events fostered a two-way exchange of ideas, creating a forum for feedback, discussion, and shared learning.
Summary of Roadshow Events Across Africa
Bamenda University of Science and Technology (BUST) Living Lab – Cameroon
The Roadshow at BUST, held on 23rd October 2024, brought together diverse stakeholders, including farmers’ cooperatives, NGOs, Micro finance institutions, BUST Living Lab partners (on-boarded participants and collaborating organizations), local authorities (Mayor and traditional rulers), professional institutions and Universities. The event featured presentations on the INCiTiS-FOOD project and BUST’s progress in establishing its Living Lab. Key highlights were the Open Call Information session and a guest panel discussion on Innovations and Food Security in Africa: Approaches, Challenges and Prospects. Participants were actively engaged through Q&A sessions and networking opportunities, fostering valuable connections for future collaborations.
Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM) Living Lab – Gabon
On 28th October 2024, USTM hosted a hybrid Roadshow event, held both live in Franceville and online. The event featured insightful presentations from INCiTiS-FOOD coordinators, USTM staff, and AFRACA, followed by a tour of the Living Lab. A key highlight was the pitching session, where eight participants presented their projects, including one from a student. The session offered valuable feedback and sparked interest in the Open Call. The event concluded with networking where participants expressed interest in applying for the upcoming Open Call.
Aglobe Development Center (ADC) Living Lab – Nigeria
Held on 13th November 2024 in Lagos, this Roadshow focused on urban food systems innovation, bringing together farmers, SMEs, NGOs, and vegetables and fish farmers. The event featured presentations on the INCiTiS-FOOD project and upcoming Open Calls. A pitching session by SASA-BSF, featuring their project “Safety and Sustainability in Aquaculture using Black Soldier Fly Larvae,” was a key highlight. After the pitch, participants actively engaged in a dynamic Q&A and feedback session, offering valuable insights to refine the proposed ideas.
University of Ibadan (UI) Living Lab – Nigeria
On 14th November 2024, the Roadshow at the University of Ibadan gathered local and national stakeholders to discuss food security and agricultural innovation. The event included presentations on INCiTiS-FOOD technologies and Open Call opportunities, with a pitching session where participants proposed business models around the Living Lab’s minimum viable products. The event also led to the formation of potential local innovation hub consortia, strengthening collaboration among regional stakeholders.
University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab – Ghana
The UDS Roadshow, held on 18th November 2024, engaged participants from government, academia, and NGOs in discussions about the role of food security innovations. Presentations on the INCiTiS-FOOD project, the Open Call, and business proposal development were followed by a pitch session. The event emphasised the importance of collaboration and networking, and participants were encouraged to apply for Open Call.
Njala University Living Lab – Sierra Leone
On 21st November 2024, the NUSL Living Lab hosted a successful Roadshow that attracted university students, government representatives, and NGOs. The event began with opening remarks from university officials, followed by a detailed presentation on the progress of the Njala University Living Lab. Also, participants learned about the Open Call. A pitching session allowed participants to present their ideas, and the event concluded with networking, building relationships that could lead to future collaborations.
Kenyatta University (KU) Living Lab – Kenya
At the event held on 26th November 2024 at Kenyatta University, representatives from various levels were gathered, including the university’s management, as well as representatives from women, youth, and farmers’ groups. Participants discussed innovations in food security and the benefits of technologies available at the KU Living Lab. After a tour of the Living Lab, participants expressed interest in the technologies showcased and Open Calls.
Egerton University (EGE) Living Lab – Kenya
The event held on 27th November 2024 at Egerton University brought together participants from various sectors, including students, farmers, industry representatives, and members of government organisations. During the event, innovative approaches used in the Living Lab were presented. Participants had the chance to visit the Living Lab, where they learned about practical solutions for sustainable food systems. Discussions on the application of these technologies received a positive response, and participants were motivated to engage in the Open Call.
Key Outcomes and Impact
The Roadshows successfully raised the profile of INCiTiS-FOOD, generating significant interest and inquiries about the Open Calls. Some of the notable outcomes included:
- Information Sharing: Disseminating details about the Open Calls and the opportunities they offer.
- Support for Business Development: Helping participants refine business plans and pitches to make future adoptions more accessible and tangible.
- Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging stakeholders to form consortia and build ecosystems around the Living Labs.
- Networking Opportunities: Offering platforms for onboarding to the Synergy Portal (formerly SmartAgriHubs) and engagement with Living Labs.
Shaping the Future of Food Systems
The INCiTiS-FOOD Roadshows highlighted the transformative potential of circular agricultural technologies and community-driven innovations. By fostering collaboration, engaging stakeholders, and addressing localised challenges, the events laid the groundwork for sustainable food systems across Africa.
Add a Comment