Empowering Change: FAO and UCL IIPP Lead Transformative Agrifood Systems Applied Learning Workshop

The workshop, held from 25 to 27 November 2024, marked the culmination of a dynamic collaboration between UN FAO and IIPP. This partnership, built on a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems, empowered public institutions to implement innovative policies addressing systemic inefficiencies and fostering resilience in the face of global challenges.

Building Capacity for Impact
Led by IIPP Deputy Director Prof. Rainer Kattel and Associate Professor Kate Roll, the applied learning workshop brought together a diverse group of FAO professionals, including policy advisors, programme managers, organisational leaders, and capacity-building specialists, to equip participants with the expertise and confidence to mentor others in applying systems thinking to agrifood policymaking.
 

A Hands-On Approach to Complex Challenges

The applied learning workshop delivered an engaging mix of interactive lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises. Participants explored critical topics such as:

• Applying systems thinking to solve complex agrifood challenges.
• Prototyping and experimentation for adaptive policymaking.
• Engaging stakeholders to co-create impactful solutions.

Through real-world case studies and hands-on activities, attendees gained invaluable experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating policies that address the interconnected challenges of agrifood systems.

A Global Network of Change Agents

By the end of the workshop, participants had not only deepened their understanding of systems thinking but also developed strategies for applying this learning by engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering collaboration in policymaking processes. Equipped with these new tools, they took forward the responsibility to return to their respective roles as champions of change, ready to mentor others and scale the impact of the programme.

A Catalyst for Transformation

This applied learning workshop built on a co-learning process initiated in Rwanda, where the FAO and IIPP piloted their systems approach to agrifood policy, in the previous Phase 1 of the applied learning collaboration between IIPP and FAO. By training FAO professionals to become facilitators, the Rome workshop took this collaboration to a new level of global reach.
 

Looking Ahead
The success of this applied learning workshop highlights the transformative power of collaboration and innovative thinking in addressing global challenges. As FAO and IIPP continue to drive this initiative forward, the seeds planted in Rome are intended to grow into a global network of systems thinkers, united in their mission to create resilient, inclusive, and adaptive agrifood systems.
This workshop wasn’t just an event—it was a milestone in building a sustainable future for agrifood systems worldwide.

“This training should be a compulsory requirement! In the Hub, we do systems work intuitively without having the academic knowledge/background and exposure to some of the debated issues and reflection. I learned a lot from this training, from both the IIPP, and participants (very well selected country colleagues!). I enjoyed the spirit, size, format. Across my work in the Hub I see big need for this training (within but also beyond FAO) and would love to discuss follow-up and next steps, especially as references to UNFSS kept coming up. Thank you so much to ESF for inviting us/me and the collaborative spirit!”- FAO Expert

“It clarified an approach that we have been struggling with in the region for some time.” - FAO Expert

“It was a great pleasure to co-lead this workshop with Prof. Rainer Kattel and to work with such dedicated FAO professionals. This workshop highlights the power of systems thinking in tackling complex agrifood challenges and the reflects FAO’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems.”- Prof. Kate Roll, IIPP UCL