Science, Policy & Institutions

Integrated Approach Pilot (IAP) programmes were conceived as part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 2020 Strategy to test the delivery of integrated approaches that address discrete, timebound, complex, global environmental challenges. In its Sixth Replenishment Cycle (GEF6), three IAPs were funded: Sustainable Cities, Taking Deforestation out of Commodity Supply Chains, and Fostering Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa, also known as the Resilient Food Systems (RFS) programme.

The RFS programme serves as an outstanding example of different partners and countries with distinct mandates joining forces to pursue a shared objective, leveraging their respective strengths to transform food systems in Africa. It highlights the significance of clearly articulating the programme’s vision, establishing a well-defined division of labour, and delineating roles and responsibilities from the outset, forming the foundation for an accountability framework. Moreover, the RFS underscores the importance of adopting a nexus approach that integrates food security, agriculture, environment, socio-economic, and climate considerations.

This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of these sectors and the need for holistic solutions. The RFS’s systems-based approach brings together multiple partners at different levels and fosters information flows in both directions, supporting collaboration and knowledge sharing.

This publication presents some of the main lessons learned from the RFS programme, which lasted for six years between 2017 and 2023. It provides a reflection on the implementation, lessons learned, and observations around the key components of the RFS. The programmatic value-add of the RFS and the manner with which it was harnessed during implementation is conveyed through case studies drawn from the experience of the country projects across these components.

This policy brief explores the challenges, but at the same time highlights the opportunities, related to enhancing the resilience of agriculture in the context of emerging environmental concerns in the African region. The briefing focuses on the twelve countries of the Resilient Food Systems programme, a multi-institutional initiative tackling major drivers of environmental degradation by advancing a holistic approach to fostering agricultural productivity in smallholder systems.  

The RFS Nigeria Country project, Fostering Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in the Savannah zones of Northern Nigeria, has pioneered a successful advocacy approach, leveraging a coordinated multistakeholder platform to drive successful policy change. The key outcome of the advocacy efforts has been the establishment of the National Rice Development Council which has been signed into law with the Rice Council Bill of Nigeria. This Learning Note shares insight into the process and tips for sustainability and scalability for similar advocacy initiatives.