Achieving Food Security Independently

2024-08-16
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PANEL DISCUSSION

When: 16 August 2024, 3:00 - 4:30 PM (CEST)

Language: English

Where: Online in Zoom Meeting

Ensuring Food Security by Empowering Vulnerable Populations Beyond External Aid

Every year, significant aid is directed towards developing countries to combat hunger, yet challenges persist. Despite the extensive efforts and resources invested, many communities continue to face food insecurity and malnutrition. This panel discussion aims to explore and showcase the innovative strategies developed by the alumni of the Alumni Network of the International Sustainability Academy (ISA). These strategies focus on sustainable, long-term solutions to fight hunger and reduce dependence on external support.

By leveraging local resources, knowledge, and technology, these alumni have implemented successful projects that not only provide immediate relief but also build resilient food systems. Their initiatives contribute directly to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by empowering vulnerable populations, enhancing local agricultural practices, and fostering self-sufficiency. This discussion will highlight their experiences, challenges, and successes, offering valuable insights and inspiration for similar efforts worldwide. Join us to learn about these groundbreaking approaches and how they are making a tangible difference in the fight against hunger.

Pranaya Udash

Pranaya Udash (MSc Food Quality and Safety) is a dedicated food science and nutrition enthusiast with extensive experience in nutrition and food security. Over three years working with the Nepali Technical Assistance Group (NTAG), he has significantly contributed to improving the well-being of vulnerable communities in Nepal. As a Research Fellow at the International Sustainability Academy in Hamburg, Germany, in 2020/21, Pranaya developed a Moringa-fortified super cereal prototype to combat malnutrition among young children and mothers in rural Nepal.

Pranaya is also the co-founder of NuAge Nepal, a social impact start-up that empowers youth to engage with sustainable development goals (SDGs). As an ambassador for the UNLEASH Innovation Lab for SDGs, he collaborates with youth worldwide, using a human-centred design methodology to tackle critical issues related to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Through his innovative initiatives and global collaborations, Pranaya continues to inspire and drive positive change in food security and nutrition.

Dr. Jackson Niyorugira Sebigunda

Dr. Jackson Niyorugira Sebigunda holds a Ph.D. in genetics, plant breeding, and biotechnology from Central Luzon State University, Philippines. He is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy and Environment, at the University of Goma, North Kivu, DRC. He is a research coordinator at the National Institute for Agronomic Research (INERA), Masisi station, North Kivu, DRC, and a researcher/alumni at the International Sustainability Academy, Hamburg, Germany. He is a data analyst in the field of agricultural research. He works on developing new varieties resistant to abiotic and biotic stresses while increasing yields to meet consumer needs. Optimistic about reducing poverty through agriculture business. Project planning and management, irrigation system management, and mechanization are a few of his many skills. In addition, he has an in-depth knowledge of pest control techniques and post-harvest management. He is a human rights activist, humanitarian, and founder of Education for All in the DRC. Jackson is the cofounder of IHEAD AFRICA ASBL AND KIVU SOLUTION SARL a startup specialised in urban agriculture.

Cynthia Onyangore

Cynthia is a strategic management and sustainability professional with nearly 20 years of experience in Kenya, the USA, the Middle East and Europe, spanning different areas of expertise including strategic planning, finance and food systems. She is particularly passionate about building resilient and sustainable agriculture value chains using a systems approach that ensures the inclusivity of all stakeholders and processes. Her present focus areas are ensuring profitable and well-functioning organizations while adhering to the 3Ps of sustainability (people, planet, profits) while not harming the environment. She holds an MBA from Baker University, USA, Msc in Agricultural Production Chain Management from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands and is a recipient of Fellowships from the International Sustainability Academy, Hamburg, Germany and the Swedish Institute, Sweden. She enjoys travel, music, cooking and reading in her free time.

Henry Cofie Fordi

Henry Cofie Fordi is an Agribusiness expert with over 9 years of experience working with women, youth, and agribusiness associations in Africa. He is a technical advisor and a gender focal point at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Sustainable Employment through Agribusiness Programme (AgriBiz). He is also the manager of Access Agric () an online agriculture news portal that provides a platform to publish, promote, and access news and events on agriculture and sustainable development goals.

Henry Cofie Fordi is passionate about empowering women and youth through agriculture, providing training in sustainable agricultural practices, and working with communities to protect the climate and biodiversity, promote food security, and sustain farmlands for future generations. He also assists agribusiness associations in organizing advocacies, conducting membership surveys, and supporting them in organizing activities to increase their revenue.

Henry Cofie Fordi has assisted in helping over 5,000 women in agribusiness from 23 countries solve real problems in Africa by creating, connecting, and catalyzing their personal and business growth. Through the African Women in Agribusiness Fellowship (Ignite), organized by Guzakuza, Henry Fordi has assisted in training 245 female agribusiness founders from 23 African countries. Currently, 69% of these women successfully operate their agribusinesses, creating 507 jobs directly.

In cooperation with

The ISA Alumni Network brings together all alumni of the into a collective of experts committed to the ongoing impact of their sustainable projects in their respective countries. The network aims to foster continuous project success through mutually beneficial collaborations among alumni, facilitate the creation of financial and technical partnerships, raise awareness of sustainable development goals, and support current ISA fellows with essential skills and expertise.

What is SDG 2?

Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015, aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

PANEL DISCUSSION

When: 16 August 2024, 3:00 - 4:30 PM (CEST)

­Language: English­­

­Where: Online in Zoom Meeting­

Ensuring Food Security by Empowering Vulnerable Populations Beyond External Aid

In cooperation with

What is SDG 2?

Language: English

Where: Online in Zoom Meeting