Tools to accelerate Africa’s agrifood system transformation

Africa’s agrifood systems are key to improving food and nutrition security, creating jobs, protecting the environment, and building resilience to climate change.

The new Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan puts food systems transformation at the centre of its efforts.

The Kampala Declaration, which introduced the updated CAADP plan, focuses on speeding up progress. Mayaki, the African Union’s Special Envoy for Food Systems, stresses the need for faster change, warning that progress is too slow. The Food Systems Countdown Report by FAO shows that only 20 of 42 key indicators are heading in the right direction—and none fast enough to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Transforming food systems is complex. These systems are made up of many moving parts—farmers, traders, processors, governments, civil society, and policies. Rather than thinking of food systems as machines, they can be seen as woven fabrics. “Each thread - farmers, processors, traders, governments, civil society - adds strength, colour, and purpose to the whole. When threads are tangled or frayed, the fabric weakens. When they are aligned, the weave is strong, adaptable, and beautiful" Mayaki added. 

The aim is to strengthen that weave by helping decision-makers act faster and more effectively. To do this, a set of practical tools has been developed over the past eight years in different countries, including eight in Africa. These tools were created with input from hundreds of experts and institutions, many of them African. Leaders are encouraged to adapt and use these tools to make better, more impactful decisions.

The tools include:

Food System Dashboards – Combine data from many sources to identify problems and opportunities, and help target investments.

Policy Coherence Tool – Shows how well different policies support food system goals, avoiding conflicting actions.

Political Economy Assessment Tool – Helps spot political openings for action in real-world contexts.

3FS Tool – Maps public and donor funding to see if spending matches priorities.

Diet Quality Questionnaire – A quick survey to assess diet quality, which gives early warnings of food-related problems.

I-CAN (Climate Action and Nutrition) – Helps align actions on climate and nutrition, useful especially for policymakers and climate leaders.

Food System Countdown Initiative – Tracks progress and supports accountability in system transformation.

These tools can support the design of projects that are fundable, practical, and make a real difference. In a time of rising debt, uncertain trade, and shrinking aid, it’s vital to stay focused and act fast. UNFSS+4 is the right moment to step up and move forward to build strong, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across Africa-for today and generations to come.