African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS)

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems – ARUA-SFS (formerly ACoE in Food Security) – was established in 2018 as a partnership between the host institution – University of Pretoria – and collaborating partner institutions – University of Ghana and University of Nairobi. The ARUA-SFS aims to create an engaging global network of talented researchers to move institutions forward in pursuit of a common goal. It is recognised that finding solutions to the food security and nutritional challenges in Africa is a huge and daunting task, and there are many local and internationally based organisations working in the African food and agriculture domain. The aim of the ARUA-SFS is not to duplicate efforts, but to create a critical mass of talented researchers working synergistically to maximise complementarity.

The ARUA-SFS vision is to “Harness partnerships in research and innovation that drive agricultural and food system transformation to ensure sustainable food security and nutrition in Africa”. To achieve its vision, the ARUA-SFS undertakes research, capacity building, and knowledge transfer to drive agricultural and food system transformation and thereby ensure sustainable food security and nutrition in Africa.

ARUA-SFS prioritises transdisciplinary, impactful research that explores various themes, including improving Africa’s herds; unleashing the potential of Africa’s crops, providing 21st-century Africa with sufficient safe, nutritious, consumer-driven food; and informing evidence-led food policy.

ARUA-SFS is hosted by Future Africa and closely collaborates with the Future Africa Sustainable Food Systems Research Chair to strengthen and expand the synergies between these two entities in pursuit of sustainable food systems across the continent.

For more information about ARUA-SFS, visit  www.aruasfs.com