The discussion continued with the inspiring account of Korogocho, Kenya’s food waste management champions. This is a youth-led green enterprise emerged, capitalizing on food waste to produce oils, biofuels, and biofertilizers. With the support of FAO and collaboration with Nairobi City County and Oxfam, this organization demonstrated how creative solutions could address critical environmental and food security challenges.

A panel discussion further illuminated the obstacles and potential solutions in food systems transformation. Challenges such as increased urban food demand, limited governance structures, and climate change impacts were identified. Strategies including mapping food retail centers, promoting market organizations, and implementing climate-smart agriculture techniques were proposed to address these challenges.

The role of cities in food system transformation and urban-rural linkages took center stage as representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya, shared insights. Cities were recognized as hubs for shaping food demand, disseminating knowledge, and influencing sustainable choices. The need for increased investment in storage infrastructure in rural areas and the integration of sustainable agricultural practices into urban planning were also emphasized.

The discussion then ventured into the field of multilevel governance mechanisms . The Food Liaison Advisory Council of Kisumu, Kenya, highlighted challenges such as limited engagement with non-state actors and a lack of trust between the private and public sectors. Suggestions included strengthening governance structures, enacting legislation to ensure accountability, and fostering partnerships among various stakeholders.

The significance of urban planning in supporting all dimensions of food security was emphasized by Oxfam, Kenya. Participatory and inclusive planning processes that incorporated sustainable practices and strengthened urban-rural linkages were recommended. Additionally, zoning regulations to preserve agricultural land and policies that actively engaged communities in policy development were deemed essential for creating resilient food systems.

The voice of the youth resonated through the event as young individuals from Korogocho, Kenya, highlighted the importance of their active participation in decision-making processes on food systems. Their empowerment through capacity building, financial support, and inclusive platforms was considered crucial for the transformation of food systems.

Throughout the event, feedback, comments, and questions from participants brought forth additional concerns and insights. Topics ranged from the safety of food grown along riparian areas to the impact of genetically modified food on human consumption. Challenges such as the lack of written contracts between farmers and institutions and insufficient storage facilities in markets were identified, alongside opportunities for collaboration, fiscal decentralization, and attitude change towards food, to enhance the engagement of cities in food systems transformation and sustainability.