Exploring food systems action in fragile and conflict-affected settings: scoping reports

As a first step, NFP and WUR carried out an initial scoping. Partners from government, knowledge institutions, civil society, the private sector and international organisations shared their experience in consultations and thematic workshops, and their input shaped the insights in the two papers published here.

Food Systems for Peace looks at what food systems can contribute to peace and social cohesion, and under what conditions. The scoping suggests that this potential is real but bounded: food systems can build on existing local cooperation and institutions, but cannot resolve violent conflict on their own. Making use of it calls for conflict-sensitive, locally owned and adaptive ways of working, supported by longer-term funding and closer coherence between humanitarian, development and peace efforts.

The role of the private sector in building equitable and resilient food systems looks at inclusive markets and finance. Markets and businesses keep operating even in highly fragile settings, but conventional business and financing models rarely fit. The scoping points to the need to understand how markets actually work, to support local and regional actors, including informal ones, to use targeted de-risking that strengthens rather than replaces local markets, and to build long-term, locally anchored partnerships.

We invite you to read the papers and share your reactions. If you have ideas, experience or examples that could help shape this exploration, if you are interested in being involved, or for more information please reach out to us at [email protected].