#AfricanCITYFOODMonth is a platform created to support cross sector, multi-stakeholder engagements and knowledge sharing about urban food systems.This year’s edition of the #AfricanCITYFOODMonth ran a photography competition calling on photographers from across the continent to draw attention to the unsung heroes of our urban food systems and the hidden stories of how people shape their cities’ food systems.
As part of the #AfricanCITYFOODMonth campaign, AfriFOODlinks convened a photography competition that called on photographers across the continent to capture and share stories of hidden or unsung food system heroes in their cities. There were over 180 submissions from all corners of the continent, each highlighting inspiring individuals who transform the way we understand, produce, consume, and experience our food. As we look back on the #AfricanCITYFOODMonth campaign, one thing is clear: the photographs and stories that emerged have profoundly captured the essence of Africa’s urban food systems. The theme, “Unsung Heroes: Honoring the Hands That Feed Us,” resonated deeply, unveiling the often-overlooked individuals and groups whose daily efforts keep our cities fed.
This visual narrative ties closely to the insights shared by Thomas Reardon in the 2024 African Agricultural Status Report (AASR). Reardon’s work highlights the critical role of the private sector, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in moving 1.1 billion tons of food through Africa’s value chains each year. These MSMEs, which form 85% of the African food market, are the backbone of the “hidden middle” in our food systems—an area that the photographs from the campaign captured in vivid detail.
The images submitted to the campaign illustrated not just the faces but the dynamic and innovative spirit of these MSMEs. Whether it was a small-scale farmer selling produce at a bustling urban market or a local processor transforming raw ingredients into nutritious food products, the photographs underscored the resilience and creativity at the heart of Africa’s food systems.
Reardon’s findings emphasize the importance of creating an enabling environment for these enterprises to thrive. His work points to the need for substantial investment in infrastructure—what he calls the “bones and blood” of the food system, such as good fresh produce markets (a theme thats coming across strongly in ICLEI Africa’s other work in #AfriFOODlinks) roads, reliable utilities, and secure environments. The photographs from #AfricanCITYFOODMonth echoed this, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges faced by food system heroes in environments where these fundamental supports are either limited or lacking. Moreover, the campaign brought attention to the struggles many MSMEs face in accessing the financing needed to grow. Reardon’s suggestion of “blended finance” initiatives as a solution to de-risk these businesses aligns with some of ICLEI’s cutting edge work on ReMark is echoed in the stories shared by photographers.
As we reflect on the Unsung Heroes competition submissions we received from across Africa, it’s clear that the competition did more than just showcase the hands that feed our cities—it connected the dots between individual efforts and the broader structural dynamics at play. The photographs serve as a visual testament to the resilience of Africa’s food systems and the vital importance of supporting the MSMEs that drive them.
These images and stories are not just memories; they are calls to action for city officials, urban practitioners, and activists across Africa. They remind us that building a sustainable and inclusive food system requires recognizing and supporting the unsung heroes who make it all possible.
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*Content reflects on the outcomes of the #AfricanCITYFOODMonth campaign, linking to insights from Thomas Reardon’s plenary speech at the 2024 African Agricultural Status Report (AASR).*
Uncle fox – Ahmad Mansour
Manufacturing of “Koba” – Andriantsoa Heritiana Razafindraleva
Co-authors:
Luke Metelerkamp, Senior Programme Officer: Urban Systems, ICLEI Africa
Ivan Pauw, Professional Officer, Urban Food Systems, ICLEI Africa