Fresh insights from new research shaping Africa’s food systems, resilience, and economic development
Evidence for Africa, July 21, 2026
Fertilizer subsidies can improve agricultural productivity, but who receives them matters. New evidence from Kenya shows that current targeting mechanisms do not consistently reach either the farmers who would generate the greatest productivity gains or the poorest households. Better targeting could improve both efficiency and equity.
Featured Report of the Week
“Smart” targeting of fertilizer subsidies in Kenya: Productivity, welfare, and soil health (OA) By Ayalew, Hailemariam; Kimaiyo, Faith Chepkemoi; Keenan, Michael; Trachtman, Carly
Can fertilizer subsidies better support both agricultural productivity and vulnerable farmers?
This IFPRI Working Paper evaluates Kenya’s National Fertilizer Subsidy Program (NFSP) using survey data from 3,105 households combined with parcel-level soil test information. The study examines whether the program’s current targeting approach—based on digital registration and e-vouchers—aligns with two key policy objectives: maximizing agricultural productivity and supporting the poorest households.
The findings show that these objectives do not necessarily overlap. Farmers who would generate the greatest productivity gains from fertilizer subsidies are not generally the poorest or most vulnerable. The analysis also finds that current NFSP beneficiaries have limited overlap with the households that would ideally be targeted under either objective.
Among households that would ideally benefit from the program, mobile phone ownership and knowledge of fertilizer recommendations are associated with a greater likelihood of receiving subsidies. The study concludes that integrating soil testing into fertilizer subsidy frameworks could improve targeting efficiency and better align program implementation with national agricultural goals.
Other Recent Publications
Barriers and factors associated with treatment coverage of severe acute malnutrition among children 6–59 months in agrarian and pastoralist areas of Ethiopia (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Biru, Bayise; Huybregts, Lieven; Tamiru, Dessalegn; Areb, Mohammed; Haddis, Alemayehu; Fall, Talla; Touré, Mariama; et al.
Determinants of infant and young child feeding practices of children with severe acute malnutrition in agrarian and pastoralist settings of Ethiopia (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Areb, Mohammed; Huybregts, Lieven; Tamiru, Dessalegn; Touré, Mariama; Biru, Bayise; Fall, Talla; et al.
Formative research in Ethiopia and Bangladesh: Strengthening household survey measures of maternal micronutrient supplementation in low- and middle-income countries (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Walton, Shelley; Wood, Ellina; Berhane, Hanna Y.; Workeneh, Firehiwot; Ferdaweke, Fiker; Billah, Sk Masum; Uddin Lotus, Sharif; Munos, Melinda; Kim, Sunny S.; Manohar, Swetha; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; et al.
Anticipatory action and early warning systems: A community engagement toolkit for the Sahel (OA)
Kyle, Jordan; Bleck, Jamie; Carrillo, Lucia; Gottlieb, Jessica; Konate, Drissa; Kosec, Katrina
Fairgrounds platform hackathon (OA)
Aubert, C.; Devare, M.
Intake of aquatic and terrestrial animal source foods among women of reproductive age in northern Tanzania(OA)
Djuazon, Nelly; Azupogo, Fusta; Arnold, Charles D.; Jeremiah, Kidola; Malindisa, Evangelista; Kinabo, Joyce; Gichohi-Wainaina, Wanjiku N.; et al.
Rethinking land use and rural livelihoods in Ethiopia’s agroecological zones(OA)
Aragie, Emerta A.; Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum; Thurlow, James
Evidence for Africa, July 14, 2026
Agrifood systems continue to be Ghana’s largest source of employment, but the nature of these jobs is changing. While agriculture remains a major employer, especially for youth, employment is increasingly shifting toward food processing, trade, transportation, and other downstream agrifood activities. Ensuring that women and young people can access these emerging opportunities will be essential for building more inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.
Featured Report of the Week
Changing demographics in Ghana’s agrifood systems and implications for future youth engagement by Fantu Nisrane Bachewe, Harriet Mawia, and Olufemi Popoola
How are changing demographics reshaping employment in Ghana’s agrifood systems?
Drawing on national and international datasets covering the period from 2000 to 2023, this study examines how employment has evolved across Ghana’s agrifood system as the country experiences economic growth, urbanization, and changing food demand.
The analysis finds that agrifood systems still account for approximately two-thirds of total employment in Ghana. Although agriculture remains a major employer—particularly for men and young people—its relative importance has gradually declined. At the same time, employment has expanded in nonfarm agrifood activities, including food manufacturing, trade, transportation, and food services, reflecting the growing diversification of agrifood value chains.
The study also highlights persistent inequalities. Women are more concentrated in agrifood system employment than men and are particularly represented in trade and food-related services, yet they continue to face disadvantages in employment quality, financial inclusion, access to productive assets, and formal employment opportunities. Similarly, while youth remain highly dependent on agrifood systems for their livelihoods, they continue to experience lower labor force participation and higher unemployment than older workers.
The findings suggest that continued investments in agrifood value chains, infrastructure, market connectivity, access to finance, entrepreneurship support, skills, and digital technologies will be important for ensuring that agrifood transformation creates productive and inclusive employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people.
Other Recent Publications
Determinants of food safety practices among Ethiopian households: a multilevel mixed effects linear regression analysis (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Girmay, A.M.; Teklu, K.T.; Adugna, E.A.; Dinssa, D.A.; Weldetinsae, A.; Alemu, Z.A.; Mengesha, S.D.; Weldegebriel, M.G.; Serte, M.G.; Wagari, B.; Keba, Abdi; Amare, E.; Tessema, M.; Tollera, G.; Hailu, M.; Hung Nguyen-Viet; Hoffmann, Vivian; et al.
The role of social assistance in African crises: A systematic literature review (PR; ISI)
Hirvonen, Kalle; Justino, Patricia; Oliveira, Rodrigo
A crop disease without borders: Why wheat stem rust threatens your food security(OA)
Schiek, Benjamin; Petsakos, Athanasios; Andrade, Robert; Keser, Mesut; Cenacchi, Nicola; Sulser, Timothy B.; Wiebe, Keith D.; et al.
El Niño preparedness and response(OA)
Duchoslav, Jan; Jamali, Andrew; Kumchulesi, Grace; Nagoli, Joseph
Healthy diet perceptions and drivers of fruit and vegetable food choices among adolescents in Benin: A qualitative study (OA)
Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Bodjrenou, Fifali Sam Ulrich; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Eissler, Sarah; Mitchodigni, Irene Medeme; Cunningham, Kenda; Olney, Deanna K.; et al.
IFPRI Malawi maize market report, June 2026 (OA)
International Food Policy Research Institute; Benson, Anderson
Evidence for Africa, July 7, 2026
Women’s access to food is shaped not only by what is available, but also by how often food can be purchased and how far people must travel to obtain it. New evidence from northern Tanzania shows that buying frequency, perceived availability, and distance to food sources are associated with how often women consume fruits and vegetables and the variety of foods they eat.
Featured Report of the Week
Land tenure security, crop choices, and agricultural input investment decisions: Evidence from national survey data in Nigeria(OA)
by Olanrewaju, Opeyemi; Kirui, Oliver K.; Popoola, Olufemi; Bamiwuye, Temilolu; Nwagboso, Chibuzo; Fasoranti, Adetunji
How does land tenure security influence farmers’ production decisions? In this week’s Evidence for Africa, IFPRI researchers examine how perceived land tenure security affects crop choices and agricultural input investments among smallholder farmers in rural Nigeria.
Using data from the Nigeria Living Standards Measurement Study–Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA), the study finds that greater tenure security increases the probability of cultivating grains and cereals while reducing the likelihood of growing legumes, pulses, and horticultural crops, suggesting a shift toward grain specialization.
The analysis also shows that stronger land tenure security is associated with higher use of agricultural inputs. A one-unit increase in the tenure security index is associated with a 9.93% increase in organic fertilizer use, a 6.57% increase in inorganic fertilizer use, and a 0.89% increase in pesticide use.
The study further finds stronger investment effects among youth-headed households, while impacts on female-managed plots are not statistically significant. The authors conclude that combining tenure formalization with crop diversification support, gender- and youth-sensitive land governance, and input market development could help maximize productivity gains from land rights reforms in Nigeria.
Other Recent Publications
Large language models as measurement instruments in applied economics: A 10-country public-discourse panel on food and nutrition security in Africa, 2010–2025(OA)
Ulimwengu, John M.
2026 Sudan conflict conference: Three years of conflict in Sudan: What the evidence tells us and what recovery requires – Conference proceedings(OA)
Mohamed, Shima; Abushama, Hala; Kirui, Oliver K.; Suliman, Gotada; Siddig, Khalid
Evidence for Africa, June 30, 2026
Global geopolitical shocks can have far-reaching consequences for Africa’s agrifood systems. New IFPRI research finds that the ongoing Iran conflict is increasing pressure on fuel, fertilizer, and food prices in Nigeria, while also highlighting opportunities to strengthen domestic production and regional trade.
Featured Report of the Week
Effects of the Iran conflict on fuel, fertilizer, and food prices in Nigeria, by Oliver K. Kirui, Adetunji Fasoranti, Temilolu Bamiwuye, Bedru Balana, Joseph W. Glauber, Charlotte Hebebrand, and Steven Were Omamo
How could the ongoing Iran conflict affect Nigeria’s agrifood system?
In this week’s Evidence for Africa, IFPRI researchers examine how disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing global oil and fertilizer prices, creating new pressures on Nigeria’s food system.
The policy note explains that although Nigeria has expanded its domestic refining and urea production capacity, it remains dependent on imported refined fuel, potash, phosphate, and other fertilizer inputs. Rising transport, logistics, and production costs are placing additional pressure on farmers, food systems, and household welfare.
At the same time, the authors identify opportunities for Nigeria to strengthen domestic refining, expand fertilizer production, deepen regional trade, and position itself as a major supplier of fuel and fertilizer across Africa. The findings highlight how timely policy responses can help mitigate external shocks while strengthening longer-term resilience.
Other Recent Publications
Evidence for Africa, June 16, 2026
Women’s access to food is shaped not only by what is available, but also by how often food can be purchased and how far people must travel to obtain it. New evidence from northern Tanzania shows that buying frequency, perceived availability, and distance to food sources are associated with how often women consume fruits and vegetables and the variety of foods they eat.
Featured Report of the Week
Women’s experiences of the food environment and their association with fruit and vegetable intake: Insights from northern Tanzania
By Nishmeet Singh, Lilia Bliznashka, Fusta Azupogo, Quinn Marshall, Neha Kumar, Evangelista Malindisa, Kidola Jeremiah, Sonja Y. Hess, Joyce L. Kinabo, Deanna K. Olney, et al.
This study examines how women’s experiences of the food environment are associated with fruit and vegetable consumption in rural northern Tanzania. Using data from 2,597 women and 1,275 food sources, the researchers analyzed factors such as purchasing frequency, perceived availability, convenience, and distance to food sources.
The findings show that women who purchased fruits and vegetables less frequently—weekly or monthly rather than daily—reported lower frequency and variety of fruit and vegetable consumption. Perceived availability also mattered: women who reported lower availability of fruits and vegetables tended to consume vegetables less frequently and with less variety.
Distance was another important factor. The median distance to fruit sources was 9 kilometers, compared with 3 kilometers for vegetable sources. Longer distances to food sources were associated with lower frequency and variety of vegetable intake. The results highlight the role that food environments play in shaping dietary patterns among women in rural areas.
Other Recent Publications
Financial inclusion for youth in agrifood systems: Gendered barriers and solutions in northern Nigeria (OA) By Nwagboso, Chibuzo; Heckert, Jessica; Popoola, Olufemi
This publication examines barriers affecting young women’s and men’s access to financial services within agrifood systems and explores potential approaches to improve inclusion.
Evidence for Africa, June 9, 2026
Building resilience is not only a humanitarian objective; it can also generate measurable economic returns. New evidence from Chad shows that integrated resilience programming combining nutrition, food assistance, community training, and livelihood support can improve food security while delivering substantial benefits relative to investment costs.
Featured Report of the Week
Cost–benefit analysis of WFP’s integrated resilience programme in Chad (2018–2023)
By John M. Ulimwengu, Wim Marivoet, Aboubacar Hema, Samuel Benin, Francois Regis Udahemuka, Hagar Ibrahim, Ruth Ngaradoumri, et al.
This study assesses the costs and benefits of the World Food Programme’s Integrated Resilience Programme (IRP) implemented in Chad between 2018 and 2023. The analysis finds that participating households experienced improved food security, with an average 6.6-point increase in Food Consumption Scores, alongside stronger resilience capacities and reduced reliance on negative coping strategies compared with nonparticipants.
The researchers estimate an overall benefit–cost ratio of 3.98, indicating that every US$1 invested generated nearly US$4 in measurable benefits. Among the interventions assessed, treatment of acute malnutrition and preventive nutrition support for women and children produced benefit–cost ratios ranging from 6:1 to 9:1, while training and sensitization activities achieved the highest reported return for resilience outcomes, with a 20:1 benefit–cost ratio.
The study also finds that integrated intervention packages outperformed stand-alone approaches. Combinations such as Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) cash transfers and School Feeding produced larger improvements in food consumption than individual interventions, while short-term food and cash distributions provided essential relief but generated lower long-term returns than other measures evaluated.
Other Recent Publications
Essential commodities prices, availability, and market actors’ perceptions: April 2026 (OA)
By Rakhy, Tarig; Mohamed, Shima; Nigus, Halefom Yigzaw; Suliman, Gotada; Siddig, Khalid
Evidence for Africa, June 2, 2026
Digital tools have enormous potential to improve agricultural productivity, market access, and service delivery. Yet across Africa, adoption among smallholder farmers remains low, often constrained by limited digital literacy, lack of trust, and insufficient awareness.
New evidence from Egypt shows that targeted digital literacy training can significantly increase farmers’ uptake and use of digital agricultural tools. The study found that training alone increased adoption by 20 percentage points and utilization by 18 percentage points, while also strengthening trust in digital platforms.
Perhaps most notably, the research challenges a common assumption: adding edutainment components such as videos or community plays did not consistently outperform standard digital literacy training. The findings suggest that simple, focused, and scalable capacity-building interventions may be among the most effective ways to accelerate digital transformation in agriculture.
Why this matters
The findings suggest that improving farmers’ digital literacy and trust can be an effective pathway to increase the adoption of digital agricultural tools. As digital services become increasingly available across agrifood systems, understanding how to overcome demand-side barriers will be critical for scaling their use among smallholder farmers.
Featured Report of the Week
Digital literacy training to promote diffusion of digital agricultural tools to smallholder farmers: Evidence from a randomized intervention in Egypt by
Abdelaziz, Fatma; Abay, Kibrom A.
This IFPRI study evaluates alternative digital literacy interventions designed to improve farmers’ awareness, trust, and use of digital agricultural services. Results show that targeted training significantly increased adoption and utilization of mobile-based agricultural tools, highlighting the importance of investing in farmers’ digital capabilities.
Other Recent Publications
Varietal adoption, turnover, and concentration for major crops in Ethiopia: Evidence from household surveys and field sample genotyping by
Jaleta, Moti; Abate, Gashaw T.; Yirga, Chilot; Kidane, Sisay; Hailu, Mekonnen; Shifa, Abdulaziz; Beyene, Habekristos; Mohammed, Abdu; Mohammed, Belay; Spielman, David J.
Impact of sugarcane production participation on household food security in Uganda by Guloba, Madina M.; Mbowa, Swaibu; Mather, David; Nakazi, Florence; Bryan, Elizabeth
National and sub-national delivery of balanced energy and protein (BEP) supplements to pregnant and lactating women in LMICs: Lessons from multi-country implementation case studies by Kissell, Mihaela C.; Afsana, Kaosar; Askari, Sufia; Byadya, Rimu; Chowdhury, Ranadip; Christian, Parul; de Pee, Saskia; Huybregts, Lieven; et al.
C’est la Vie! How a popular West African edutainment series changed minds, but not behaviours by Dione, Malick; Heckert, Jessica; Hidrobo, Melissa; Le Port, Agnès; Peterman, Amber; Seye, Moustapha
VoxDev
Evidence for Africa, May 26, 2026
Food affordability is not only a national issue; it also varies significantly across regions and seasons.
New evidence from Rwanda using near real-time market data shows substantial differences in the cost of recommended diets across districts, rural and urban areas, and agricultural seasons. While urban diets remained more expensive overall, rural areas experienced sharper increases in food costs over time.
The study finds that around 70% of employed Rwandans would struggle to afford a recommended diet if allocating 52% of wages to food. Seasonal and geographic disparities also reveal that uniform national food policies may fail to adequately address local realities.
As African countries work to improve nutrition and food security, the findings highlight the importance of high-frequency and sub-national monitoring systems to support more targeted, efficient, and responsive food policies.
Featured Report of the Week
”Cost and affordability of recommended diets in Rwanda using near real-time market data” by Manners, Rhys; Lecy, Kate Schneider; Warner, James; Matsiko, Eric; Vasanthakaalam, Hilda; Benimana, Gilberthe Uwera; Spielman, David J.
Using monthly market price data collected between 2019 and 2024, this study estimates the cost and affordability of Rwanda’s proposed food-based dietary guidelines. The findings reveal important seasonal and geographic variations in diet costs and emphasize the need for localized approaches to food policy and affordability monitoring.
Other Recent Publications
Does adoption of organic vegetable farming really improve the welfare of vegetable farmers? Evidence from Ghana
Wongnaa, Camillus Abawiera; Laten, Ezekiel; Babu, Suresh Chandra
Targeting social assistance in fragile settings: An experiment in community-based targeting
Abay, Kibrom A.; Berhane, Guush; Gilligan, Daniel O.; Tafere, Kibrom; Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum
Women’s Empowerment Metric for National Statistical Systems (WEMNS): Development and psychometric assessment of a face-to-face survey module
Yount, Kathryn M.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth S.; Malapit, Hazel J.; Hassan, Md. Zahidul; Kanyanda, Shelton S. E.; Sharma, Sudhindra; Hassan, Md. Imrul; Heckert, Jessica; Paz, Florencia; Pokhrel, Pankaj; Vundru, Wilbert D.; Doss, Cheryl; Seymour, Greg; Moylan, Heather; Kilic, Talip; Myers, Emily; et al.
IFPRI Malawi maize market report, April 2026
International Food Policy Research Institute; Benson, Anderson
Evidence for Africa, May 19, 2026
Climate shocks do not only affect crops and incomes; they also shape people’s ability to move, adapt, and pursue opportunities. New evidence from Kenya shows that social protection programs can help households respond more effectively to climate-related disruptions.
Using evidence from a randomized controlled trial, the study finds that cash transfers helped beneficiary households maintain migration during cold spells, reducing the risk that climate shocks would constrain mobility and adaptation options. The findings suggest that climate-related shocks can trap vulnerable households in low-resource settings, limiting their ability to respond to changing conditions.
As climate variability intensifies across Africa, the results highlight how cash transfer programs can play an important role not only in poverty reduction, but also in strengthening resilience and supporting adaptive capacity.
Featured Report of the Week
‘‘Cash transfers relax climate-induced mobility constraints in Kenya” by Mueller, Valerie; Gray, Clark; Handa, Sudhanshu
This IFPRI study examines how cash transfer programs influence migration responses to climate shocks in Kenya. Leveraging randomized program implementation and climate variation, the research finds that cash transfers helped households maintain migration during cold spells, suggesting that social protection can reduce climate-induced mobility constraints and support resilience.
Other Recent Publications
Changing rural labor markets and welfare in Malawi(PR; ISI)
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duquennois, Claire; Oliveres-Mallol, Adriana
Enhancing farmers’ access to neglected crop seeds for healthy diets in a changing climate: six recommendations for policy action(PR; ISI)
Van Zonneveld, M.; Castañeda-Álvarez, N.P.; Achigan-Dako, E. G.; Almekinders, C.; De Haan, S.; Hugo, W.; Otieno, G.; Ortiz, R.; Raneri, J. E.; Roa, C.; Sperling, L.; Spielman, David J.; Von Wettberg, E.
Financial inclusion for agricultural investments: Experimental evidence on male and female farm managers in the Sahel(PR; ISI)
Delavallade, Clara; Dizon, Felipe; Hill, Ruth Vargas; Petraud, Jean-Paul
Haemoglobin concentration thresholds that discriminate functional outcomes among children aged 6–30 months in eight countries: A pooled analysis of individual participant data (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Prado, Elizabeth L.; Larson, Leila M.; Arnold, Charles D.; Wessells, K. Ryan; Shankar, Anuraj H.; Adu-Afarwuah, Seth; Arnold, Benjamin F.; Ashorn, Per; Ashorn, Ulla; Becquey, Elodie; Brown, Kenneth H.; Chandna, Jaya; Chasekwa, Bernard; Fan, Yue-Mei; Galasso, Emanuela; Hess, Sonja Y.; Huybregts, Lieven; Jannat, Kaniz; Yakes Jimenez, Elizabeth; Lartey, Anna; Le Port, Agnes; Leroy, Jef L.; et al.
Power, policy, and practice: Political economy perspectives on agroecological transitions(PR; ISI)
Nehring, Ryan; McKay, Ben; Resnick, Danielle; Catacora-Vargas, Georgina
Cash transfers relax climate-induced mobility constraints in Kenya(OA; PR; ISI)
Mueller, Valerie; Gray, Clark; Handa, Sudhanshu
Evidence for Africa | May 5, 2026
Key Insight of the Week
Food systems rely not only on land, labor, and markets—but also on the invisible mental and emotional burdens carried within households. New research from Kenya highlights how these pressures shape decision-making, well-being, and resilience among smallholder farmers.
Using qualitative evidence, the study shows that both women and men experience significant mental strain linked to socially defined roles. Men face pressure to provide financially, while women carry the responsibility of caregiving and farm work. These expectations contribute to stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, social isolation and deteriorating mental health.
These invisible burdens affect not only individual well-being but also household dynamics, economic decisions, and resilience. Addressing them requires integrating mental health awareness, gender-sensitive approaches, and community-based support into agricultural and rural development programs.
Featured Report of the Week
”Under the weight of provision: Gendered mental load among smallholder farmers in Kenya” by Davis, Kristin E.; Vitellozzi, Sveva; Ronzani, Piero; Azzarri, Carlo; Kinuthia, Dickson
This study explores the mental and emotional burdens experienced by women and men in rural Kenya. Based on focus group discussions, it shows how gendered expectations create psychological strain that affects well-being, household relations, and decision-making. The findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health and gender-responsive approaches into efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and resilience.
Other Recent Publications
Evaluation of solar-powered cold storage and evaporative cooling system as off-grid methods for postharvest vegetable storage: Evidence from a laboratory Experiment in Nigeria(OA)
Salaudeen, Kamaldeen Oladimeji; Yamauchi, Futoshi; Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Aredo, Samson Dejene
Political economy of planting for food and jobs input subsidy policy process in Ghana: An application of the Kaleidoscope Model(OA; PR)
Wongnaa, Camillus Abawiera; Babu, Suresh Chandra; Awunyo-Vitor, Dadson
Uncovering bottlenecks and innovative solutions for scaling small-scale irrigation through a system approach and design thinking: Evidence from Nigeria(A Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Iraoya, Augustine Okhale; Balana, Bedru
When the going gets tough: Experimental evidence of respondent fatigue in household surveys(OA; PR; ISI)
Tabe-Ojong, Martin Paul Jr; Abay, Kibrom A.; Abate, Gashaw T.; Machio, Phyllis M.
Hunger crisis is set to get worse in west and central Africa – why and what to do about it(OA)
Kirui, Oliver K.; Nwagboso, Chibuzo
Essential commodities prices, availability, and market actors’ perceptions: March 2026(OA)
Rakhy, Tarig; Mohamed, Shima; Abushama, Hala; Nigus, Halefom Yigzaw; Suliman, Gotada; Siddig, Khalid
Can cash and therapy work in conflict settings?(OA)
Hidrobo, Melissa; Alderman, Harold; Deyessa, Negussie; Gilligan, Daniel O.; Kalva, Parthu; Leight, Jessica; Mulford, Michael; et al.
Can simpler, cheaper graduation programmes still deliver?(OA)
Leight, Jessica; Gilligan, Daniel O.; Hidrobo, Melissa; Alderman, Harold; Mulford, Michael
Evidence for Africa | April 28, 2026
Key Insight of the Week
Improving school meals is not only a nutrition challenge—it is also a question of cost, culture, and sustainability. New evidence from Ghana shows that meeting recommended nutrition standards in school feeding programs requires navigating important trade-offs.
A modeling study finds that current school meals fall short on key nutrients, including energy, protein, iron, and essential vitamins. Optimized meal plans can meet nutritional targets while remaining affordable and culturally acceptable, but doing so often requires changes in food composition and increased reliance on more nutrient-dense foods.
However, achieving these improvements within existing budget constraints may increase environmental impacts, highlighting the need to balance nutrition goals with sustainability considerations. The findings point to the importance of greater investment and context-specific design to improve school feeding programs effectively.
Featured Report of the Week
”Optimizing school meals in Ghana: Integrating new food and nutrient standards with aspects of affordability, cultural acceptability and environmental sustainability” by Colombo, Patricia Eustachio; Parlesak, Alexandr; Folson, Gloria; Bannerman, Boateng; Anang-Tetteh, Audrey; Ador, Gabriel; Ackah-Swanzy, Lois; Vargas, Melissa; Aryeetey, Richmond; Gelli, Aulo
This study uses linear programming to design school meal baskets that meet nutritional standards while considering cost and cultural preferences. It finds that while nutritionally adequate meals are achievable, they require adjustments to current menus and may involve trade-offs between affordability, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
Other Recent Publications
- Colombo, Patricia Eustachio; Parlesak, Alexandr; Folson, Gloria; Bannerman, Boateng; Anang-Tetteh, Audrey; Ador, Gabriel; Ackah-Swanzy, Lois; Vargas, Melissa; Aryeetey, Richmond; Gelli, Aulo
- Essential commodities prices, availability, and market actors’ perceptions: February 2026(OA)
- Rakhy, Tarig; Mohamed, Shima; Abushama, Hala; Nigus, Halefom Yigzaw; Suliman, Gotada; Siddig, Khalid
- Five misconceptions distorting food policy in Malawi: A joint NPC-IFPRI position paper(OA)
- Changaya, Fredrick; Cockx, Lara; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan; Jamali, Andrew; Nagoli, Joseph
- Linking Malawian smallholders to larger-scale agribusiness enterprises for inclusive development: A conceptual critique of the anchor enterprise model(OA)
- Benson, Todd; Cockx, Lara; De Weerdt, Joachim
Evidence for Africa | April 21, 2026
Key Insight of the Week
Reducing food loss is not only about storage; it is also about how food moves across markets. New evidence from Nigeria shows that improving transportation conditions for perishable foods can generate significant economic gains across value chains.
A randomized controlled trial finds that temperature-controlled transportation (“cool transportation”) substantially increases sales prices, revenues, and profits for marketers. Most of the price gains are driven by improved product quality through cooling, while additional gains come from more efficient transport between regions.
The study also shows that better information; such as labeling produce origin; can further increase prices by reducing information gaps between markets.
As African food systems continue to urbanize and connect across regions, investing in cold chains and market information systems will be key to reducing losses, improving efficiency, and increasing incomes.
Featured Report of the Week
”Spatial disparity, information, and the economics of cool transportation: Insights from a randomized controlled trial in Nigeria” by Yamauchi, Futoshi; Balana, Bedru; Bawa, Dauda; Edeh, Hyacinth O.; Shi, Weilun
This study examines how temperature-controlled transportation affects market outcomes in Nigeria’s vegetable value chains. Using a randomized controlled trial, the research shows that cooling technologies significantly improve product quality, increase prices, and raise revenues and profits. It also highlights the role of information; such as origin labeling; in generating additional price premiums.
Other Recent Publications
- IFPRI Malawi maize market report, March 2026(OA) by International Food Policy Research Institute; Benson, Anderson
- Pre- and postharvest losses and their correlates in the millet value chain in Nigeria(OA) by Bachewe, Fantu Nisrane; Geoffrey, Baragu; Niyonsingiza, Josue; Popoola, Olufemi; Adeniji, Ismael; Aredo, Samson Dejene; Raghunathan, Kalyani
Evidence for Africa | April 15, 2026
Key Insight of the Week
Conflict reshapes economies, food systems, and livelihoods long after the fighting begins. A new book from IFPRI and partners provides a comprehensive assessment of how Sudan’s ongoing conflict is affecting households, markets, institutions, and the broader economy.
Drawing on surveys, satellite indicators, market data, and economywide modeling, the book documents how the conflict has displaced millions, weakened agrifood systems, disrupted livelihoods, and accelerated economic decline; while also highlighting the resilience strategies households and communities are using to adapt.
As conflict and fragility continue to affect multiple parts of Africa, the evidence underscores the importance of pairing humanitarian response with long-term strategies for economic recovery, institutional rebuilding, and food systems resilience.
Featured Report of the Week
”War and resilience: The multifaceted impacts of Sudan’s conflict and pathways to recovery”
This new book provides a comprehensive analysis of the humanitarian, economic, and food systems impacts of Sudan’s ongoing conflict. Bringing together recent survey data, satellite analysis, market monitoring, and economywide modeling, it examines the drivers and consequences of the crisis while identifying pathways toward recovery and long-term resilience.
Book Chapters Featured in This Volume
A Sudanese strategy for postconflict, agriculture-led transformative growth (OA; PR)
Elbadawi, Ibrahim
Cereal production, markets, and policy in Sudan (OA; PR)
Dorosh, Paul A.; Kirui, Oliver K.; Siddig, Khalid
Conflict-induced trade dynamics: A gravity framework analysis of Sudan’s agricultural exports (OA; PR)
Ayesu, Enock Kojo; Kornher, Lukas; Sakyi, Daniel; Abushama, Hala
Delivering aid amid active conflict and insecurity: Digital transfers for delivering social and humanitarian assistance in Sudan (OA; PR)
Abay, Kibrom A.; Abushama, Hala; Mohamed, Shima; Siddig, Khalid
Drivers of vulnerability and low resilience in Sudan (OA; PR)
Chaitani, Youssef; Chung, Hong Pum
Economywide impact of Sudan’s conflict and pathways to recovery (OA; PR)
Siddig, Khalid; Elnour, Zuhal; Thurlow, James
Food consumption patterns and dietary diversity amid conflict (OA; PR)
Svensson, Fredrik; Kirui, Oliver K.
Human capital at risk: The impact of conflict on health and education in Sudan (OA; PR)
Ebaidalla, Ebaidalla M.; Gebrail, Mohammed; Suliman, Gotada; Kirui, Oliver K.; Rakhy, Tarig Alhaj; Nigus, Halefom Yigzaw
Introduction [in War and resilience: The multifaceted impacts of Sudan’s conflict and pathways to recovery] (OA; PR)
Siddig, Khalid; Kirui, Oliver K.; Dorosh, Paul A.
Monitoring economic activities: Leveraging satellite and remote-sensing technologies (OA; PR)
Guo, Zhe; Abushama, Hala; Siddig, Khalid; Kirui, Oliver K.; Timu, Anne G.; Zhou, Shuang; Abay, Kibrom A.; et al.
Origins and causes of Sudan’s conflict: Domestic and international perspectives (OA; PR)
Baldo, Suliman
Shocks, coping, and household livelihood strategies in wartime (OA; PR)
Kirui, Oliver K.; Rakhy, Tarig Alhaj
State failure and elite capture of Sudan’s agrifood system (OA; PR)
Resnick, Danielle; Abushama, Hala; Kirui, Oliver K.; Siddig, Khalid; Ahmed, Mosab O. M.
Toward a prosperous and secure Sudan: A way forward (OA; PR)
Siddig, Khalid; Kirui, Oliver K.; Dorosh, Paul A.
Worsening food security in Sudan amid conflict (OA; PR)
Kirui, Oliver K.; Siddig, Khalid; Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum; Abushama, Hala
Other Recent Publications
Fruit intake among women of reproductive age in northern Tanzania: Baseline findings from the FRESH end-to-end evaluation (OA)
Hess, Sonja Y.; Azupogo, Fusta; Bliznashka, Lilia; Arnold, Charles D.; Djuazon, Nelly; Jeremiah, Kidola; Malindisa, Evangelista; Kinabo, Joyce; Cunningham, Kenda; Olney, Deanna K.
Beyond the 24-hour recall: Aligning dietary diversity metrics with nutrient physiology (A Rank; PR; ISI)
Zerfu, Taddese Alemu; Tareke, Amare Abera; Alemayehu, Dawit
IFPRI’s research on agricultural insurance (OA)
International Food Policy Research Institute
Evidence for Africa | April 7, 2026
Fresh insights from new research shaping Africa’s food systems, resilience, and economic development.
Key Insight of the Week
Improving child nutrition requires more than food production alone. In rural Burkina Faso, new evidence shows that combining agriculture-based interventions with nutrition, hygiene, and targeted supplementation can deliver stronger child nutrition outcomes.
A cluster-randomized trial found that adding water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities reduced child anemia, while adding small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) improved hemoglobin, iron status, and vitamin A status. The strongest effects were observed among children who entered the program before six months of age and were exposed throughout the complementary feeding period.
As countries across Africa work to address child undernutrition, these findings highlight the value of integrated approaches that combine food systems, health, and nutrition interventions to support early child development.
Featured Report of the Week
”Adding small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements to an enhanced homestead food production program improves child hemoglobin, iron and vitamin A status in rural Burkina Faso: A cluster randomized controlled trial” by Bliznashka, Lilia; Becquey, Elodie; Ruel, Marie T.; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Nordhagen, Stella; Olney, Deanna K.
This study by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) evaluates the effects of combining enhanced homestead food production with WASH and small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements in rural Burkina Faso. The findings show that while prior exposure to the original program had limited additional effects, adding WASH and targeted supplementation improved child anemia and micronutrient outcomes, especially among younger children.
Other Recent Reports
A systematic scoping review of urban food environment research, interventions and measurement approaches in eight low- and middle-income countries (OA; PR; ISI)
Margolies, Amy; Amunga, Dorcas; Choo, E.M.
Climate-Induced Agricultural Productivity Shocks Undermine Child Nutritional Outcomes: Evidence from Nigeria (PR; ISI) Amare, Mulubrhan; Balana, Bedru
The impact of a continuum of care intervention from prevention to treatment on child wasting compared to usual community group activities: A cluster randomized controlled trial in Mali (A* Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Huybregts, Lieven; Diop, Loty; Fall, Talla; Barba, Francisco; Brander, Rebecca L.; Touré, Mariama; Ouedraogo, Moctar; et al.
Evidence-Led Solutions for Ethiopia’s Rural Transformation Challenges – Ethiopia Policy Innovation Hub – Launch and Policy Dialogue (OA)
Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum; Feye, Getachew
Evidence for Africa | March 24, 2026
Key Insight of the Week
Expanding irrigation is critical to improving agricultural productivity and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa; but the long-term cost of solutions will depend on how they perform under climate change.
New evidence shows that climate change is likely to increase investment costs and reduce the cost efficiency of solar-powered irrigation systems across much of the region. Because solar systems are more sensitive to weather conditions than diesel-powered alternatives, their performance is more exposed to climate variability. However, the expected decline in cost efficiency is moderate and could be offset by continued reductions in solar panel prices.
As countries across Sub-Saharan Africa seek to expand irrigation to address food insecurity and climate risks, ensuring these investments remain cost-effective will be essential. Ensuring that climate-smart technologies remain economically viable under changing conditions will be essential for sustainable investment and long-term resilience.
Featured Report of the Week
”Impact of climate change on cost and cost efficiency of solar irrigation in Sub‐Saharan Africa” (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI) by Xie, Hua; Ringler, Claudia
This study by IFPRI assesses how climate change affects the cost and performance of solar-powered irrigation systems across Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings show that while climate change may reduce cost efficiency compared to diesel systems in many areas, the impact is moderate and may be offset by declining solar technology costs.
Read the study [Link]
Other Recent Publications
Impact of climate change on cost and cost efficiency of solar irrigation in Sub‐Saharan Africa (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI) Xie, Hua; Ringler, Claudia
Essential commodities prices, availability, and market actors’ perceptions: January 2026 (OA) Abushama, Hala; Rakhy, Tarig; Mohamed, Shima; Nigus, Halefom Yigzaw; Siddig, Khalid
Implications of food trade policy for domestic and international food price volatility (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Martin, Will; Mamun, Abdullah; Minot, Nicholas
Leveraging social protection to strengthen women’s and girls’ climate-resilience in agrifood systems (A Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Hidrobo, Melissa; Mueller, Valerie; Roy, Shalini; Bryan, Elizabeth; Nesbitt-Ahmed, Zahrah; Läderach, Peter
Ozone pollution reduction partially offsets the negative impact of climate change mitigation efforts on global hunger (A* Rank; OA; PR; ISI)
Xia, Shujuan; Hasegawa, Tomoko; Jansakoo, Thanapat; Mason-D’Croz, Daniel; Tsuchiya, Kazuaki; Fujimori, Shinichiro; Chepeliev, Maksym; Kozicka, Marta; Mishra, Abhijeet; van Zeist, Willem-Jan; Zhao, Xin; de Lange, Thijs; Diniz Oliveira, Thais; Doelman, Jonathan C.; Gibson, Matthew; Havlík, Petr; Herrero, Mario; Kumar, Ipsita; Ochi, Yuki; Sulser, Timothy B.; Sundiang, Marina; Takahashi, Kiyoshi; Takakura, Jun’ya; Wiebe, Keith D.
Relevance of more stringent discharge standards for acute malnutrition treatment: A pooled analysis of post-treatment relapse in 21 studies (A* Rank; PR; ISI)
Guesdon, Benjamin; Rattigan, Susan M.; Grellety, Emmanuel; Bliznashka, Lilia; Donnen, Philippe; Bilukha, Oleg