Stellenbosch University is playing a leading role in a newly launched Africa-wide science-policy platform aimed at strengthening food systems, improving nutrition and accelerating evidence-based agricultural policy across the continent.

The initiative, known as the Africa Regional Collaborative for Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH-ARC), was officially launched at the University of Ghana in Accra on 30 April 2026.

The platform is co-led by Stellenbosch University in Southern Africa, the University of Ghana in West Africa and Policy Studies Institute in Ethiopia.

Platform Seeks to Bridge Gap Between Research and Policy

The ANH-ARC initiative aims to strengthen the connection between scientific research, public policy and implementation within African food systems.

Stakeholders say Africa already generates significant food systems research, but many findings fail to translate into practical interventions capable of improving nutrition, food security and livelihoods at scale.

Professor Kennedy Dzama, who serves as a principal investigator for the programme, said the initiative is designed to move beyond academic discussion and support practical action.

“This is about ensuring that our research does not remain in journals, but actually influences policy and practice,” Dzama said.

Food Systems Face Mounting Pressure

African food systems continue to face growing pressure from climate change, inequality, changing food environments and rising levels of undernutrition, obesity and diet-related diseases.

Organisers say the platform will help support more coordinated, evidence-driven approaches to improve access to affordable, nutritious and sustainable diets across the continent.

The initiative also aims to strengthen financing strategies, governance systems and implementation frameworks linked to food systems transformation.

Cross-Sector Collaboration Central To Initiative

Professor Amos Laar of the University of Ghana said agriculture, nutrition and health policies can no longer operate independently if African countries are to achieve meaningful food systems reform.

Meanwhile, Dr Alebel Weldesilassie from Ethiopia’s Policy Studies Institute stressed the importance of policy coordination and aligned financing mechanisms.

His colleague, Dr Tseday Mekasha, added that gender and equity considerations must remain central to future food systems policy development.

Africa-Led But Globally Connected

The initiative is designed as an Africa-led collaboration while maintaining strong global research partnerships.

ANH-ARC forms part of the broader ANH Academy, convened by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in partnership with Tufts University and the University of Sheffield.

Funding support comes from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Gates Foundation.

Stellenbosch University to Lead Governance Component

At Stellenbosch University, the programme will be anchored within the Faculty of AgriSciences, which will lead governance-related work under the initiative.

The university said its interdisciplinary agricultural expertise across agronomy, economics, livestock systems, plant science and food systems research positions it strongly to contribute to continent-wide food systems transformation.

The South African team includes Professor Scott Drimie, Professor Lisanne du Plessis, Dr Sandra Boatemaa, Dr Obvious Mapiye and project manager Julia Harper.

Supporting Continental Agricultural Priorities

The platform aligns with several major continental frameworks, including the African Union Agenda 2063 strategy, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the Kampala Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Stakeholders say the initiative could help improve coordination between research institutions, governments and private sector actors while strengthening accountability and implementation across African food systems.

Analysts note that stronger policy coordination, climate-resilient agriculture and evidence-based investment strategies will be increasingly critical as Africa seeks to improve food security and build more sustainable agricultural systems.