INCiTiS-FOOD

EU project INCiTiS FOOD: Integrated and circular technologies for sustainable food systems in African urban regions

The current food systems in African cities are facing major challenges: food and nutrition safety, health and environmental sustainability. Due to the population growth in African cities, under- and malnutrition in the population is on the rise, too. Supply of affordable animal-based protein, vegetables and fruits is insufficient. The African food system requires fundamental change in order to be able to feed the urban population. INCiTiS FOOD (INtegrated and Circular Technologies for Sustainable city region FOOD systems in Africa) therefore wants to develop scientifically sound, circular agricultural and food technologies for African cities.

The technologies and business models include soilless plant cultivation (hydroponics), recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and insect farming for human consumption, fish feed, and organic fertiliser production. These circular agri-food technologies require little land, water, energy and investment, while contributing to the circular economy.

The project is based on a multi-stakeholder approach involving eight Living Labs (LLs) in six countries from three African regions: East Africa (Kenya), West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone) and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon). Based on an analysis of the country-specific, (peri-)urban food systems, local, innovative stakeholders jointly test and develop suitable agricultural and food technologies in the eight living labs. One focus of the interdisciplinary approach of INCiTiS FOOD is the integration and promotion of marginalised groups, particularly women and young adults. Prototypes are developed in the LLs through mutual support in building expertise and capacity, using evaluation processes and regular exchange of experience. These are to be further developed into scalable business models, which are further validated in a demonstration phase on the basis of two open tenders (cascade funds). These innovations and business models help improve the supply of safe, affordable, nutritious and healthy food, reduce waste and reduce the environmental footprint in African cities.