Twelve Voices: Reflections on Growing Better Food Systems

The food systems e-course, organized by the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP) and Wageningen University & Research (WUR), was delivered this year for the sixth time to participants from across the globe. As in previous years, participants of the 2025 edition were also invited to write short blogs on food systems. Together with Wim Goris, Partnership Builder at NFP, I had the pleasure of facilitating and supporting the writing process – an enjoyable task of reading reflections from diverse communities and contexts.

The result is not just a collection of personal stories – it’s a rich compilation of local wisdom, systemic insights, and practical ideas for change. Twelve inspiring blogs are now published on the NFPConnects platform, covering everything from informal grain dryers in Nigeria and youth-led agribusiness in South Sudan. Together, they provide a vibrant and relatable perspective on what food systems transformation looks like on the ground.

Diverse countries, shared challenges

The writers are from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Namibia, South Sudan, and Germany. While their contexts vary, the themes echo across borders: food insecurity, limited access to finance, policy-practice gaps, overlooked actors, environmental sustainability, and the need for inclusive governance.

Whether it’s Jeremiah Akoyere’s reflection on roadside grain dryers in Kaduna or Balance Phala’s insights on the power of local food markets, these authors remind us that the most resilient food actors are often the most invisible.

People-centered transformation

Many authors argue that the future of food doesn’t lie in machines – it lies in people. Rebecca Amedonu champions the leadership of women and youth, while Thiong Achol Thiong highlights how mindset shifts – not just money – are unlocking youth potential in South Sudan.

This people-first lens also comes through in Fatuma Abdi’s blog, which urges us to bring religion and spiritual values into food systems thinking, asking: “Is your faith part of your food system?”

Governance and finance: The glue and the fuel

Several blogs highlight governance and finance as critical leverage points. From Malawi, Trevor Madeya argues that real transformation must start with strong local governance – not top-down directives. Erastus Makena, meanwhile, calls for smarter agri-finance models tailored to the realities of smallholders and agri-entrepreneurs. As he puts it: “Finance isn’t a side issue in food systems – it’s a leverage point.”

Systems thinking in action

Across the board, authors reflect on how the e-course helped them “see the system.” Many now use tools like stakeholder analysis, systems mapping, or identifying leverage points in their work. Franklin Ondego applies agroecology as a holistic, systems-based approach in Kenya, while Faden Lachang Kemven shows how biofortified crops like orange-fleshed sweet potato are improving nutrition and incomes in Nigeria – but only when adoption is driven by coordinated partnerships.

Practical recommendations

These blogs are not just reflections – they’re also roadmaps. Among their most common recommendations: support informal actors, strengthen inclusive local governance, improve access to finance, nurture youth-led innovation, embed nutrition in local cultures, and promote environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility.

With Gratitude

A heartfelt thanks to all of you, writers of the 2025 blogs on food systems: ​​Jeremiah Akoyere, Balance Phala, Franklin Ondego, Victor Bill Kamadi, Bortea Nakandjibi, Fatuma Abdi, Majur Chuti Achiek, Thiong Achol Thiong, Trevor Madeya, Rebecca Mansah Amedonu, Faden Lachang Kemven, Erastus Makena.

Your commitment, creativity, and dedication to writing, revisiting, and refining your drafts were truly remarkable. Each of you brought a unique voice and perspective to the shared vision of food systems transformation. On behalf of NFP, WUR, e-course participants, and all readers – thank you. Keep on contributing!

In conclusion …

These blogs show that food systems transformation is no longer a distant goal but already a practice. It has left the policy desks, and is now found on roadside tarpaulins, at local markets, and through youth cooperatives. What’s needed now is to amplify these voices, connect their insights, and support their bold ideas.

Enjoy reading all 12 blogs here: 2025 Blogs on Food Systems