Workshops on Food Systems Transformation in Mbarara

The transformation of food systems is essential for ensuring global food security and combating climate change. By fostering international collaboration and innovative educational approaches, we can address these pressing challenges and create a sustainable future for all.

Between the 6th and 15th of March, nine partners from the Netherlands, Kenya, Uganda, Slovenia, Spain, Ghana, Benin, South Africa, and France gathered in Mbarara, Uganda to engage in various sessions and workgroup activities. They developed content on Food Systems and Climate Change and evaluated the project’s current status.

IRI UL facilitated a 2-day Real Life Learning Labs (RLLL) workshop, aiming to equip educators with the tools to integrate RLLL activities into existing curricula and study courses at their institutions. The workshop featured collaborative activities, including the development of vision boards showcasing RLLL implementation plans. Participants also engaged in “food for thought” sessions on critical topics within food systems and climate change, such as food losses and waste, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, spatial planning, agribusiness, and healthy diets. These sessions facilitated critical discussions and knowledge exchange among participants.

Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), a partner university within the Aurora Alliance, joined the workshop as the newest member of the SSTC network. Dr. Felipe Koch, assistant professor of Societal Innovation at UPEC, expressed his excitement to be part of the network, stating: “This is an amazing opportunity to learn from each other. We at UPEC can learn so much from countries in the global south, such as the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Ghana, which has been working on community service learning for over 20 years!”

The workshop concluded with a visit to a local farmer community, where students from Mbarara University (MUST) engage in problem-based research, enriching their understanding of real-world issues and preparing them to become successful future leaders.

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