MCCHE Convergent Innovation Webinar Series with Reynold Chow
STANDPOINT EU-Africa: A Framework for Sustainable Food Production and Trade
By Reynold Chow
Assistant Professor at Wageningen University (Netherlands) and a Research Associate at Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 11:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Abstract
The STANDPOINT EU-Africa initiative represents a transformative approach to achieving sustainable food systems and equitable trade between Africa and Europe. This multi-actor project addresses critical challenges, including the overuse of hazardous pesticides, deforestation, and the high costs of certification, which hinder smallholder farmers and businesses. By leveraging innovative solutions such as ICT-enabled traceability systems, nature-based agricultural practices, and enhanced certification frameworks, STANDPOINT aims to align African food production with stringent EU sustainability standards. Key project activities include the establishment of Living Labs in five African countries, where stakeholders co-create and test solutions tailored to regional agricultural systems and trade dynamics. These Living Labs focus on high-value cash crops and staple foods, combining environmental monitoring, capacity-building initiatives, and economic modeling to scale sustainable practices. Through robust collaboration between African and European partners, the project delivers data-driven policy recommendations, scalable business models, and tools to enhance food safety, biodiversity conservation, and social equity. STANDPOINT鈥檚 presentation will highlight opportunities for collaborative research, policy innovation, and practical interventions to drive the transition to resilient food systems. By uniting diverse expertise and fostering cross continental partnerships, the project sets a benchmark for sustainable agricultural development and trade, contributing to global food security and the Sustainable Development Goals.
