MAY 10, 2021 - 09:30 AM TO 11:00 AM EDT

COVID-19 has upended local, national, and global food systems, and put the Sustainable Development Goals further out of reach. But lessons and momentum from the world’s response to the pandemic can contribute to food system change. In the 2021 Global Food Policy Report, IFPRI researchers and experts explore the impacts of the pandemic and government policy responses to date, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged, and consider what it all means for transforming our food systems to be healthy, resilient, efficient, sustainable, and inclusive.

In this context, IFPRI’s Africa Regional Office will discuss the report's findings and its implications for Africa and its regions in their food systems transformation in the context of COVID-19.

A high-level governmental and ministerial panel will discuss the themes developed in the report and initiatives of national and regional partners in the context of transforming our food systems in the post-COVID-19 era.

A second panel discussion with policymakers and development practitioners (including representatives from Ministries of Agriculture and Finance, research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and UN agencies) will share their post-COVID recommendations for a better food systems transformation.

Welcome Remarks

• Jemimah Njuki, Director for Africa, IFPRI

Report Overview with Brief Findings

• Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI
• John McDermott, Director, CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH), IFPRI

Overview of the Africa Results

• Samuel Benin, Deputy Division Director, Africa Regional Office, IFPRI

Reactions from Government and Policy

• Mohamed el Kersh, Representative of the Minister of Agriculture, Egypt
• Younoussa Mballo, Technical Adviser & Coordinator of PROVALE-CV Project, Ministry of Agriculture, Senegal
• Mandefro Nigussie, Chief Executive Officer, Agriculture Transformation Agency (ATA), Ethiopia

Reactions from Regional Partners

• Martin Fregene, Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry, African Development Bank
• Chris Nikoi, Regional Director West Africa, World Food Program 

Closing Remarks

• Jemimah Njuki, Director for Africa, IFPRI

Moderator

• Charlotte Hebebrand, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, IFPRI