A new collaboration to strengthen resilient urban food systems
As of May 1, 2019, Hivos is the host of the Secretariat of the Global Partnership on Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Food Systems, RUAF. Hivos will join the RUAF Global Partnership, host its Secretariat, and take over part of the portfolio and staff of the Dutch-based RUAF Foundation. Having the RUAF Secretariat on board reiterates Hivos’ strong commitment to promote sustainable food for all and develop closer collaboration with cities in its programs.
Both Hivos and the RUAF Global Partnership see great added value in this collaboration, through which they can build sustainable city region food systems together. Both organizations have a long track record in developing these systems. They will combine their experience and strengths to further develop citizen-driven innovation, citizen participation, and social entrepreneurship in city region food system planning and policy. This will enable citizens and local entrepreneurs to connect in multi-actor platforms, ensuring inclusive policy planning in cities and their hinterlands.
Proven track records
Hivos has a rich track record of programs in sustainable food systems and inclusive food governance. The organization can count on networks, connections, and partners, as well as programs developed worldwide over the past 50 years to build and scale sustainable and inclusive city region food systems. Carol Gribnau, Director Green Society at Hivos, adds:
“By hosting RUAF, Hivos becomes part of a network that is celebrating 20 years since its formation in 1999. This partnership enables us to become the leading international community of practice and collectively develop innovative solutions for food systems in towns and cities.”
RUAF has worked in the past 20 years in 50 cities in more than 40 different countries. It is supporting local and subnational governments, urban producer organizations, and other actors with training, technical assistance, action-research, and policy advice on the development of resilient urban food systems. RUAF also facilitates the CITYFOOD Network, together with Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI). This network of cities aims to accelerate local and regional government action on sustainable and resilient city region food systems.
Future commitments
The RUAF Foundation will come to an end in 2019, but the RUAF Global Partnership continues: current projects will continue and new projects will be developed. The website will remain in operation, but will change its look and feel. In addition, the Urban Agriculture Magazine will continue to be published. In fact, Hivos and the RUAF Global Partnership will soon jointly publish no. 36 on Food Policy Councils.
