Dr. Sandrine CHIKOU – Representative of the Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) participated from November 18-20, 2024, in Senegal at the Workshop on Food Systems Transformation organized by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada.
About the Workshop
This multi-stakeholder workshop brought together diverse actors from across the region to address the critical transformation of food systems for climate resilience, health, and equity. The event created an essential space for discussion on lessons learned from a comprehensive series of studies conducted across the African continent.
Key Thematic Areas Explored
The workshop examined findings from continental research on:
- Agroecology: Sustainable farming practices that integrate ecological principles with local knowledge
- Digital Agricultural Services: Technology-driven solutions for improving agricultural productivity and market access
- Landscape Approaches: Holistic strategies for food systems transformation that consider entire ecosystems
- School Feeding Programs: Community-based initiatives utilizing local food sourcing to strengthen both nutrition and local economies
- Food Loss and Waste Reduction: Strategies to minimize post-harvest losses and improve food system efficiency
Strategic Objectives
The workshop served multiple critical objectives:
- Identifying Regional Entry Points: Participants worked to identify the most promising regional pathways to unlock and accelerate food systems transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa
- Building Multi-Sectoral Coalitions: The event explored strategies for strengthening collaborative partnerships across various sectors—not limited to agriculture alone—to support comprehensive food systems transformation
- Knowledge Sharing: Creating opportunities for cross-learning and exchange among practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders
RFLD’s Feminist Contribution
As a strategic ally of IDRC’s research efforts in the food systems transformation space, RFLD’s presence was essential for several reasons:
- Feminist Perspective: Dr. Chikou brought critical feminist analysis to discussions, ensuring that women’s roles as primary food producers, preparers, and providers were centered in transformation strategies
- Gender Equity Lens: RFLD contributed expertise on gender equality considerations, addressing how food system transformations can either reinforce or dismantle existing gender inequalities
- Grassroots Insights: With RFLD’s extensive network across Sub-Saharan Africa and its work empowering women leaders at community levels, Dr. Chikou provided valuable ground-level perspectives on implementation challenges and opportunities
About Dr. Sandrine CHIKOU
Dr. Sandrine CHIKOU serves as a Senior Consultant at RFLD, specializing in youth and women engagement, peace and security, local governance, and development initiatives. She has extensive experience facilitating co-creation programs and conducting capacity-building training across multiple African countries.
About RFLD (Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement)
The Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) is a Pan-African feminist organization with Observer Status at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). Operating from regional hubs in Benin, Ghana, and The Gambia, RFLD empowers women and youth across Sub-Saharan Africa through:
- Strategic advocacy and policy influence
- Capacity building and leadership development
- Grant-making through the WAFF Fund
- Evidence-based research through the Dònuèsè Data Center
- Human rights defense, particularly for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs)
About IDRC
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Canadian federal Crown corporation that invests in knowledge, innovation, and solutions to improve lives in developing countries. Through its Climate-Resilient Food Systems program, IDRC supports research that helps develop resilience among communities severely affected by climate change and addresses emerging health threats arising from food systems.
Looking Forward
This workshop represents a crucial step in advancing Africa-led solutions for sustainable food systems transformation. The insights and partnerships developed during this convening will inform regional and continental strategies for building food systems that are simultaneously resilient to climate change, equitable for all participants, and capable of nourishing growing populations.
The integration of feminist perspectives—championed by organizations like RFLD—ensures that transformation efforts address the structural inequalities that have historically marginalized women despite their central role in food production and household food security.
For more information about RFLD’s work: http://www.rflgd.org | ADMIN@RFLGD.ORG
