Political economy dynamics—that is, conflicts and trade-offs across different interest groups that play an important role in the food system—permeate many decisions about food systems policy and implementation. Development practitioners working in the food systems space—inclusive of agriculture, nutrition, and environmental policies—need to be aware of these dynamics to be able to support policy advocacy, development, and implementation.
Environmental factors impact human health and nutrition through various pathways, and these impacts can be felt disproportionately by already vulnerable groups like women and children.
Serving the needs of lower-income consumers requires getting food products to where they are—which often includes remote rural areas as well as underserved urban neighbourhoods. This makes distribution a key, but also costly, aspect of the business model. Using a ‘hub’ model, in which aspects of distribution are grouped together instead of done separately, can improve efficiency and cost-sharing, reducing costs overall.
This discussion will look at what we're expecting from global leaders during the N4G summit. What kind of commitments do we want to see? How can we mobilise the international community around the issue of nutrition, bring in the private sector and civil society, and get back on track to fulfil the UN's sustainable development agenda?
GAIN Indonesia was at the forefront of Green Economy Expo held by The National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) on July 3-5 in Jakarta. This year’s theme was “Advancing Technology, Innovation, and Circularity”. The event brought to the forefront discussions on sustainable development and the implementation of circular economy principles throughout Indonesia.
Environmental factors impact human health and nutrition through various pathways, and these impacts can be felt disproportionately by already vulnerable groups like women and children.
The triennial International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE-2024), centred on the theme “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems” is scheduled from August 2-7, 2024, in New Delhi, India. The conference offers a distinctive platform, providing a golden opportunity for agricultural academic institutions and researchers to convene in person, exchange knowledge, and actively contribute to the global agricultural research community. This International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) flagship conference attracts about a thousand colleagues from around the world.
With this Student Challenge, GAIN aims to engage students from diverse backgrounds raising awareness of our work on food, nutrition and food systems.
Through expert sessions, we will deepen the students’ understanding of food systems and the global nutrition situation including the link to climate. The students will get insights into the challenges faced when trying to improve international food systems and nutrition. Coaching will be provided on interdisciplinary teamwork and on how to pitch their solutions to a professional jury.
Final distribution to the consumer is a key challenge in addressing affordability for lower-income consumers, particularly in rural and remote areas or crowded lower-income urban neighbourhoods. One way to address this, particularly in places where there are few existing retail outlets, is through creation of a bespoke last-mile distribution (LMD) network. Creating such a network involves recruiting and training distribution/sales agents; equipping them for the job; and providing them with appropriate pay, incentives, and supervision. The agents can be employees, contactors, or micro-franchisees and can sell on foot, bike, using a pushcart or adapted motorcycle, from their homes, or through stalls.
