The Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), launched by the municipality of Milan in 2015, is a global agreement that brings together cities from across the world in a shared commitment to building food systems that are sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and diverse. At its core, the pact aims to create a lasting platform for cities to exchange knowledge, share good practices, and strengthen their capacity to design and implement effective food policies.
Today, the MUFPP offers a practical framework that helps cities design and implement food policies aimed at ensuring access to healthy, safe, and sustainable food for all. Today, nearly 300 cities across Europe, Africa, South America, North & Central America, Eurasia & South West Asia, and the Asia Pacific region have signed the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, collectively representing over 500 million people worldwide.
The Significance of MUFPP
With over half of the world’s population now living in urban areas, and projections indicating that this number could rise to nearly 70% by 2050, cities play a crucial role in shaping the future of global food systems. The Milan Urban Food Policy Pact recognises this shift and responds with a concrete and actionable framework.
The MUFPP outlines 37 recommended actions grouped into six key areas: governance, sustainable diets and nutrition, social and economic equity, food production, food supply and distribution, and food waste. These guidelines help cities develop tailored strategies that respond to their specific needs, ultimately supporting the creation of more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems.
Shared Goals: MUFPP and the INCiTiS-FOOD Project
INCiTiS-FOOD aligns closely with the goals of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), particularly in its efforts to transform city-region food systems in Africa to be more sustainable, inclusive, and climate resilient. By encouraging participating cities to pre-register with the MUFPP, the project aims to support the development of food policies that are people-centred, reduce food waste, conserve biodiversity, and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Through its Living Labs, INCiTiS-FOOD facilitates collaboration between practitioners and policymakers, helping African municipalities adopt evidence-based urban food policy frameworks and meet MUFPP’s pre-registration criteria.
The project’s approach reflects the understanding that resilient urban food systems must also be equitable. By supporting circular agri-food innovations and creating opportunities for vulnerable groups, INCiTiS-FOOD provides a practical pathway for African cities to align with EU standards and global sustainability goals.
In this way, INCiTiS-FOOD contributes not only to local innovation but also to international ecosystem building, enabling African cities to engage with global food policy networks such as the MUFPP while offering regionally grounded, impactful solutions.
Ibadan Joins the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact
In light of the shared goals of MUFPP and the INCiTiS-FOOD project, we are pleased to announce that the city of Ibadan, home to one of our project’s Living Labs, has officially joined the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact. This milestone reflects the city’s growing commitment to improving its urban food system through sustainable practices and inclusive policies.
The University of Ibadan, partner in the INCiTiS-FOOD project, has played an instrumental role in supporting this development. A notable example of this collaboration occurred during the project’s second General Assembly in February 2024, when discussions with the Oyo State Government emphasised the importance of integrating MUFPP principles into local strategies. A key focus was on equipping urban residents, especially youth and women, with the skills needed for sustainable food production.
Conclusion
Ibadan’s inclusion in the MUFPP marks a significant step toward achieving sustainable urban food systems in Africa. This collaboration exemplifies how global frameworks like the MUFPP can be effectively localised through partnerships with initiatives like INCiTiS-FOOD. As more cities join the pact, sharing knowledge and best practices, we move closer to a future where urban areas are equipped to provide healthy, equitable, and sustainable food for all.
Follow the INCiTiS-FOOD Newsroom for more insights and updates on sustainable urban and peri-urban food systems across Africa.
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