FANRPAN, represented by the Director of Policy Research and Analysis,  Ms. Sithembile Ndema Mwamakamba, Ms. Shiluva Chauke Nkanyani - Project Officer, Mr. Nawiko Masiye from the Agricultural Consultative Forum, the FANRPAN Zambia Node Coordinator and  Dr. Moses Muthinja from Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), the FANRPAN Kenya Node hosting institution participated in the Ukama Ustawi, Pause and Reflect Workshop from 07 – 08 February 2023 in South Africa.

The Ukama Ustawi (UU) is a CGIAR initiative that was launched in 2022 and led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) to support climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods and agribusiness ecosystems in 12 ESA countries. The initiative is helping millions of vulnerable smallholders to transition from maize-mixed systems to sustainably intensified, diversified, and de-risked agrifood systems with a strong maize base. Targeted to address seven (7) key SDG goals, the focus of this Initiative is improving public and private extension and delivery channels enabled by the agribusiness ecosystem, enterprise development, and private investment.

The Pause and Reflect Workshop brought together UU partners and provided an opportunity for reconnecting, reflection, follow-up on 2022 kick-off resolutions, and realignment of work plans for 2023. FANRPAN this year will facilitate four national policy dialogues and lead stakeholder engagement in the UU focus countries.