The fourth annual World Food Forum (WFF) 2024 concluded on Friday, in Rome, marking the end of an impactful week at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dedicated to transforming global agrifood systems.
The event brought together thousands of participants from around the world who engaged in dynamic discussions and collaborative action across a range of critical issues, including investment, science and innovation, youth engagement, family farming, indigenous food systems, and water management. Participants, mainly youth showcased their innovative ideas and enterprises and how they are addressing the food security in their country.
This year AGRA, through Generation Africa participated in the forum, themed “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow”. Generation Africa in partnership with FAO Ghana hosted a side event, tittled Feeding a Fertile Future – a discussion with young African farmers at the World Food Forum. It was a great opportunity to from young leaders driving change in the agriculture sector across Africa.
In the panel discussion, Baraka Jeremie, CEO & Co Founder Kilimo Fresh, an alumni of Generation Africa community, said that at the moment they are supporting over 2000 smallholder farmers and the space is ripe to support more. “Our aim is to cover the entire, Dar. There is a lot of people buying fresh produces in market. Currently, we are supporting 2000 smallholder farmer & we can support more, if increase our B2B Customers,” Baraka Jeremiah, CEO Kilimo Fresh Food, Tanzania.
On World Food Day, we took time to reflect, share and unpack ‘what the day’ mean to most of the youth. The day, served as a powerful reminder of the fundamental right to food.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, FAO Nutrition Ambassador King Letsie III of Lesotho, Pope Francis, and the UN Secretary-General, among other global leaders, lent their voices to this urgent cause during a high-level ceremony. The event drew over 1,000 attendees in Rome and resonated worldwide, with over 150 events around the world.
Pro bono advertising on city screens, public transport, airports, cinemas, and shopping centres further amplified the message in over 50 countries.
The closing ceremony also had the participation of high-level guests, who underscored the importance of the forum. “As we look to the future, this week has reaffirmed the vital role of youth, women, and diverse stakeholders in shaping the future of our agrifood systems,” said FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, at the closing ceremony.
“It has shown us the exponential power of intergenerational collaboration across policy, science, innovation, education, culture, and investment,” he added.
Qu further emphasized the importance of the WFF as a platform for action, saying that “the WFF is where agrifood systems transformation can truly take shape through concrete actions, partnerships, alliances, and crucial financing. Let us continue to support our young leaders, who are already mobilizing at the local level… Their commitment is a beacon of hope and progress.”
Looking ahead: The World Food Forum 2024 concluded with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment to action. Where the youth shared their insights & weak experience.
Baraka Jeremiah, CEO & Co-Founder Kilimo Fresh Experience at WFF
- Youth Participation is Key: The future of our food systems relies heavily on the involvement of young people. Our voices, ideas, and energy are essential in driving innovation across education, technology, science, and policy. Youth can spark global conversations and push for real action toward a sustainable agri-food future.
- The Need for Global Collaboration: Transforming agrifood systems requires collective efforts across nations and sectors. No single entity can do it alone; collaboration is vital to creating meaningful and lasting change.
- Technology and Digital Transformation: The forum underscored the critical role of technology in revolutionizing food production and distribution. By investing in data analytics, AI, and IoT, we can optimize supply chains, improve yields, and enhance food traceability, making operations more efficient and transparent.
Josephine Achieng, CEO Radava Mercantile Takeaways
- Sustainable Practices & Efficient Supply Chain: Focus on implementing sustainable agricultural practices and streamlining supply chains to improve productivity and minimize environmental impact.
- Collaborative Approach: Recognize that food systems are interconnected, requiring partnerships between stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to agriculture.
- Climate Action: Support agribusinesses that help mitigate climate risks, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.
- Strengthening International Agricultural Relationships: Foster relationships across borders to enhance knowledge-sharing, trade opportunities, and access to global markets.
- Access to Credit: Improve farmers’ access to financial services, enabling them to invest in necessary inputs and infrastructure for productivity.
- Leveraging Biodiversity: Utilize the rich biodiversity available to diversify agricultural production, increase resilience, and boost productivity.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Promote the use of natural methods, such as agroforestry and organic farming, to enhance soil health and improve sustainability.
- Support Farmers: Ensure continued support for farmers through incentives, training, and infrastructure to keep them actively engaged in agriculture.
- Climate-Resilient Supply of Key Crops: Focus on ensuring a stable supply of maize, potatoes, and rice by adopting climate-resilient practices and infrastructure.
- Accelerating Investment in Agriculture: Utilize climate finance and partnerships to attract investment in agricultural development, particularly in projects that support climate resilience.
Hasina Henintsoa ANDRIATSITOHAINA Experience at WFF
The World Food Forum 2024 took place in Rome, Italy, bringing together groundbreaking ideas and transformative solutions to reimagine global food systems. Participants from around the world are met to exchange, network, and collaborate:
1. Youth Assembly – Unleashed the potential of young leaders to drive food system transformation.
2. Investment & Innovation –innovative funding models to revolutionize agriculture globally are critical.
3. Science & Innovation –cutting-edge research are essential for food security and resilience.
4. Farming – Promoting sustainable practices that empower farmers and ensure lasting livelihoods.
5. Rome Water Dialogue – Addressing the critical challenge of water scarcity, crucial for global food security.
6. Connections & Networking – Building international partnerships to maximize impact and accelerate sustainable solutions.
The next World Food Forum will take place from 13 to 17 October 2025.
“I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you and seeing the ongoing impact of our collective efforts. Thank you for your participation, your energy, and your dedication. Only together can we ensure a “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow,’’ FAO Director-General said, closing the event.
