Geth Semani Maiga, EU International Partnerships Youth Sounding Board Member, Women and Youth Entrepreneurship and Education Advocate, Senior Program Manager, share his thoughts about sustainable food systems.
1. How does your ideal sustainable food system look like in the context of your country/region of expertise?
In Côte d'Ivoire, my ideal sustainable food system promotes local and organic agriculture, innovative and eco-friendly farming practices, and supports small farmers through training and financing. It encourages balanced, nutritious diets and raises awareness about food diversity, ensuring access to healthy foods for all.
2. Can you share with us your experience of supporting changes/ transitions towards sustainable food systems in a country/region?
As part of the DigiFemmes program with 50% in the agrofood sector, we empower women entrepreneurs through digital skills and sustainable farming practices. The integration of digital tools and data-driven decisions has improved the productivity and market access. Tailored training and expert mentorship have been effective, although there have been challenges of technological adoption and financial barriers. To overcome these, additional support, micro-financing, and community engagement has been required.
3. In your view, what are the key triggers and success factors for change to happen?
I would say that key triggers include increased awareness of sustainable food benefits, strong public policy support and incentives for sustainable practices. Success factors are collaboration among stakeholders, technological innovation and investments in rural infrastructure.
