By Amath Pathé Sene

Food system governance is arguably the most complex aspect of food systems transformation, even as it remains central in defining progress towards a resilient and food-secure world. Well-designed governance frameworks play a crucial role in addressing food system challenges. They create a coordinated and responsive approach by managing the complex relationships between competing priorities, such as sustainability, food security, economic viability, and public health. However, the potential for transformative change within food systems rests in governance that embraces vertical integration, inclusivity, and financial transparency.

Vertical integration

Aligning goals and actions at all levels of government – national, regional, and local – is crucial for creating a cohesive governance strategy. Indeed, collaboration at various levels of government ensures that established policies are both effective and adaptable to local contexts. This creates an environment where policies at the national level support local agricultural initiatives while considering the differences in cultural, environmental, and economic conditions.

This integration helps streamline resources and efforts, reducing redundancy and enhancing the overall impact of food policies. As a result, in regions where vertical integration is prioritized, there is a reported increase in the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices – up to 66% in some instances. Similarly, analysis of food supply chains in vertically integrated systems demonstrates that regions with cohesive policies experience fewer disruptions during crises like pandemics and natural disasters. This is often a result of aligned incentives across different governance levels, integrating local agricultural policies with national sustainability goals.  

Inclusive governance

Food systems governance is inherently complex due to the wide range of stakeholders involved, each bringing distinct interests and perspectives. This diversity can sometimes result in conflicts or fragmented efforts, making coordination challenging. Robust governance systems balance these competing priorities for diverse, inclusive, and equitable engagement. This means actively involving various demographics in the policy- and decision-making processes, including women, youth, smallholder farmers, and Indigenous communities, who often have unique insights and valuable contributions.

Engaging these groups ensures that implemented governance structures reflect the population they serve and that the solutions developed are holistic and just. Inclusivity further encourages transparency, accountability, and trust among stakeholders, ensuring that policies reflect the values and priorities of the communities they serve. Additionally, by amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities, governance systems can better address systemic inequalities and promote shared ownership of food systems transformation efforts. We have seen this across Africa, where inclusivity initiatives by AGRA have enhanced the participation and revenues of women- and youth-led agricultural enterprises – sometimes by up to 55%.

Financial governance

Transparency in financial flows is essential for directing funding to local initiatives that support sustainable practices and enhance food security. Ineffective governance mechanisms and clear accountability measures are established to track the allocation of resources, ensuring they reach the intended beneficiaries. Such financial transparency builds trust and encourages investment in innovative solutions that address local challenges. Indeed, a study by CABRI found that communities with transparent financial practices have a heightened increase in local stakeholder engagement.

Meanwhile, when local organizations are transparent about their financial flows, they tend to build trust with the community, leading to increased participation and support for sustainable initiatives. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) also shows that transparent financial flows help mobilize additional resources. Projects with transparent reporting mechanisms can leverage up to 25% more from local governments and private sector partners, thereby increasing the potential for sustainable development.

Food systems governance encompasses a variety of elements that contribute to its overall effectiveness, but vertical integration, inclusive governance, and financial transparencyare the most critical. When designing governance programmes, taking these elements into account holistically can lead to optimal outcomes. By integrating them thoughtfully, we can create resilient and sustainable food systems that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

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Amath Pathé Sene is the Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum. He is an agricultural engineer by training and a Climate and Environmental Expert with over 20 years of experience in food systems across Africa, South America, Central Asia, and Europe.

The publication of this article was facilitated by the Governance and Policy Support Unit of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO).