How to build career expertise in food systems

Food systems have long been a global development sector, serving as a cornerstone for both food security and livelihoods for the majority of people in low- and middle-income countries. But the recent confluence of climate change, COVID-19, and the conflict in Ukraine have brought forth new challenges requiring a robust response from those working to support global food systems. For instance, the halt of grains and fertilizers previously supplied to many African countries by Ukraine, coupled with the diversion of resources and funding for food initiatives, has resulted in a "double jeopardy," Ruth Oniang'o, a nutritionist, academic, and former member of the Kenyan Parliament, told Devex. Globally, as of 2022, approximately 258 million people across 58 countries were experiencing acute food insecurity, according to the United Nations. As a result, “transformational change” is needed, said Lawrence Haddad, an economist and executive director at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. To achieve this, a workforce is required that can actively question and reshape existing frameworks to foster the development of resilient and inclusive food systems. “Collaboration is nonnegotiable. Think, collaboration not competition. Apply for funds together. Recruit people who can help you connect to adjacent communities.” --— Lawrence Haddad, executive director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition From the farmer's field to the consumer's plate, every step in the food system demands knowledgeable professionals who can address systemic issues and drive positive change. However, it demands more than just theoretical understanding, explained Oniang'o — it also requires adaptability and unwavering dedication. Devex spoke with Oniang'o and Haddad about how to gain the skills needed to thrive in this ever evolving field and help build a sustainable future for food systems. Real-world experience is essential "One of the best ways to acquire skills and knowledge in food systems is to work in the various sectors that comprise it. Nothing beats real-world experience," Haddad advised. Engaging in practical experiences in farming, processing, retailing, or finance allows individuals to truly understand the intricacies and dynamics of the system. Haddad himself continues to draw on his past experiences. "I still fall back on my work with farmers in the Philippines, my experience unloading trucks and stacking supermarket shelves in the U.K., and working in greenhouses in the U.S.," he said. This direct involvement also offers valuable insights and contributes to a holistic understanding of food systems. As Oniang'o emphasized, “It takes more than just your training to be able to operate effectively in this complicated area. You need certain skills, but more than that you need soft skills.” Understanding the food systems framework There is so much happening in food systems that it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to make a difference. "You don't have to try to fix everything at once. That way leads to paralysis,” said Haddad. He advised aspiring professionals to diagnose the issues in a food systems framework. "Identify the biggest problems, but then act to fix that problem, cognizant of the connections to other areas," he said. Understanding the broader context and interconnections within the system is key. “Then you see the problems in many different ways, and things change, the focus changes,” Oniang'o said. Consider seeking out free resources, such as this five-week online course being offered by the United Nations System Staff College, to help develop a greater understanding of why understanding system interconnections is key to achieving sustainable development. ‘Collaboration is nonnegotiable’ In recent years, the combination of supply chain bottlenecks, trade disruptions, displacement of agricultural workers, and economic instability has been driving experts to seek greater collaboration. Actively pursuing opportunities to attend relevant meetings and conferences, and collaborating on ideas with others in the field can open many doors for aspiring professionals. "Collaboration is nonnegotiable. Think, collaboration not competition. Apply for funds together. Recruit people who can help you connect to adjacent communities," suggested Haddad. Oniang'o shared her own experience, highlighting how chance encounters, such as meeting someone on a plane or connecting with individuals online, can lead to valuable partnerships. While collaboration is essential, it can also be challenging at times, Oniang'o added. In turn, she highlighted the importance of developing conflict resolution skills when working collaboratively. Navigating these conflicts with active listening and empathy is crucial for successful collaboration. Embracing breadth and depth of knowledge To navigate the complexities of food systems, aspiring professionals should cultivate a broad knowledge base while also specializing in specific areas. Haddad highlighted the importance of reading widely. "Breadth of knowledge is important. Read books that give a variety of perspectives and show the interconnections, tradeoffs, and synergies. Understand the technical, implementation, and political issues. Don’t sign up to an ideological viewpoint. Try to stay open to new evidence,” he said. While breadth is important, it is also crucial to specialize in one or two areas, Haddad explained. Emphasizing how "sometimes you will be pushed on the depth of your knowledge, too, and it is important to demonstrate this for credibility." A resilient and innovative mindset While emerging technologies play a role in the development of more sustainable food systems, innovation extends beyond technology itself. "Technologies are important of course. But so too is innovation around ways of working, measuring, testing, and financing," emphasized Haddad. Changes in funding priorities, political landscapes, and economic factors can significantly impact initiatives in this field. “We have not been lucky to get much funding lately,” said Oniang'o, referring to how some of the organizations that funded her NGO are now concentrating on Ukraine so they have a much smaller budget to work with. Oniang'o’s experience highlights the financial challenges that are a common obstacle in food systems and the need for individuals to show perseverance when working in this sector. Likewise, Haddad spoke on the importance of a comprehensive approach to innovation. “Innovations need to reduce inequalities, be inclusive of voice, be sustainable, not do harm. The governance of technology is critical — that is where the real innovation needs to happen,” he said. It is important to keep in mind that “it's not an easy field to work in,” said Oniang'o, and it can take time to see the impact of your work “It's a lifelong effort. Many times a struggle. So long as you have the passion for it, you will appreciate whatever changes you see. Some big, some small,” she said.