Third Quarterly Report: Global Center for Food Systems Innovation

The event provided an opportunity for the GCFSI team, including partners from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Wageningen University, The Energy Resources Institute, and Lincoln University, as well as USAID, to converge and refine goals and direction. During this quarter, the GCFSI team focused on conducting research for the first round of whitepapers due in September 2013. Literature reviews were developed, and research was supported by data gathering trips to Africa. Tom Smith and John Dirkx from Megatrend 3 traveled to Tanzania in May 2013 to meet with partners at Sokoine University of Agriculture. In June, Charles Steinfield, Susan Wyche, and Dominic Nangea conducted research in Kenya and Tanzania for the ICT4D component. Student involvement was a significant area of activity during this quarter. Six student internships, 12 study abroad scholarships, and over 10 research assistant positions were issued. The Translational Scholar Corps took shape with the support of Tom Smith and students Ayesha Razzaque and Ali Hussain. GCFSI students collaborated in the same space, took the lead in various collaboration meetings, and supported the launch of the GCFSI website, GCFSI Facebook page, and Twitter account. The GCFSI team also engaged in various activities to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Interdisciplinary collaboration was a key focus, with partners from different institutions working together on research projects. Partner engagement was also a priority, with regular meetings and communication with stakeholders. Student engagement was another area of focus, with opportunities for students to participate in research projects and develop their skills. USAID engagement was also a key aspect of the GCFSI's activities during this quarter. Interactions with USAID were regular, and lessons learned and good practices were shared. The GCFSI team also collaborated with other development labs, engaging in interactions and sharing lessons learned and good practices. Monitoring and evaluation were ongoing activities during this quarter. Preparation activities were conducted to ensure that the GCFSI's progress was being tracked and evaluated. The team also looked ahead to future activities, with a calendar of events and descriptions of future activities planned. The GCFSI's research focus during this quarter was on the first round of whitepapers, which were due in September 2013. The team developed literature reviews and supported their research with data gathering trips to Africa. The research was focused on three megatrends: Population Growth, Climate Change, and Pressure on the Land; Rapid Urbanization and Transformation of Food Systems; and Evolution in Skills Required by Food Systems Transformation. The GCFSI's ICT4D component was also a key area of focus during this quarter. Research was conducted in Kenya and Tanzania by Charles Steinfield, Susan Wyche, and Dominic Nangea. The research focused on the use of information and communication technologies to improve food systems in Africa. Overall, the GCFSI made significant progress during the third quarter of FY 2012-2013, with a focus on research, student involvement, and collaboration. The team developed literature reviews, supported their research with data gathering trips to Africa, and engaged in various activities to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.