On 3 August 2023, the INCiTiS-FOOD and UPSCALE projects formalised their cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding, laying the groundwork for knowledge exchange, joint activities and stronger collaboration in Kenya.
Building sustainable and resilient food systems requires collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovative approaches to agricultural production. Recognising the value of working together towards shared goals, the INCiTiS-FOOD and UPSCALE projects have officially established a framework for cooperation.
Through their Memorandum of Understanding, signed on 3 August 2023, the two projects committed to strengthening synergies between their activities, exchanging knowledge and good practices, and exploring opportunities for joint initiatives.
Complementary Approaches to Sustainable Food Systems
INCiTiS-FOOD works to develop inclusive and circular urban food systems in African cities and towns by supporting innovative agri-food technologies and business models.
UPSCALE focuses on expanding the applicability of push-pull technology, an agroecological approach to pest and weed management, to support food security, improve livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience in East Africa while reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices.
Although the projects have distinct objectives and approaches, their shared interest in sustainable food production and improved livelihoods creates valuable opportunities for collaboration. Their activities in Kenya provide a particularly relevant foundation for exchanging experiences, connecting networks and exploring complementary solutions.
What Does the Collaboration Entail?
The agreement establishes several areas of cooperation designed to support both projects in achieving their objectives:
- Knowledge exchange and joint activities: Both projects intend to share knowledge, experiences and good practices, while exploring opportunities to develop and implement initiatives of mutual interest. This cooperation will help strengthen connections between their respective networks and encourage learning across projects.
- Joint events and conferences: INCiTiS-FOOD and UPSCALE plan to invite each other to relevant events and conferences and explore opportunities to collaborate in organising national and international meetings, both online and in person.
- Communication and dissemination: The projects will support each other’s communication and dissemination activities by sharing relevant news, events, project information and updates through their websites, newsletters and social media channels. This will help extend the reach of their work and make useful knowledge available to wider audiences.
While Kenya represents the primary geographical focus of this cooperation, both projects recognise the value of sharing good practices and success stories with their wider networks and across other regions of Africa.
Looking Ahead
By formalising their cooperation, INCiTiS-FOOD and UPSCALE are taking a step towards stronger connections between research, innovation and practice. Their collaboration creates opportunities to exchange expertise, reach new audiences and explore complementary approaches to more sustainable and resilient food systems.
We look forward to building on this partnership, strengthening our cooperation with the UPSCALE team and exploring new opportunities to learn and work together for the benefit of communities across Africa.
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