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Major agricultural organizations in Africa and Asia have joined forces to launch a bold initiative to create a major new industry, with the aim of bringing certain so-called "Smart Food" products back into the mainstream. Targeting these staple products provides the premise for generating major impacts on health and the agri-food system. The inaugural meeting and signing of agreements by leading farmers' associations from Africa and Asia took place on January 13, 2019.

This culminated in the formation of the Smart Food Executive Council, led by the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions(APAARI), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa(FARA) and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development(CORAF), the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network(FANRPAN) in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics(ICRISAT), which launched the Smart Food Initiative in 2013.

This partnership is part of a new effort to make a major contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The approach is to focus on the diversification of staple foods. Given that staple foods generally make up 70% of the meal and are often consumed three times a day, their diversification can have a considerable impact on combating malnutrition and poverty, as well as managing climate change and environmental degradation. This will contribute to achieving the MDGs for combating poverty and hunger (MDGs 1 and 2), for responsible consumption and production (MDG 12), and for adaptation to climate change (Goal 13). The approach adopted will include gender equality (MDG 5) and action through partnerships (MDG 17).

Views from the members of Smart Food's Executive Board:

"I can see how we can make Smart Food a household name. We need to establish links and synergies with other existing programs along the value chain. Capacity building will be an opportunity, especially taking a holistic approach to Smart Food where nutrition/health, environment and farmer welfare issues can be addressed." - Dr Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Secretary, APAARI.

"We see history unfolding before us, because that's how great things emerge. Smart Food responds to the desire to see the power of science translated into reality. I'm delighted that Smart Food is now institutionalized. FARA is excited to cooperate in this direction and hold this partnership accountable for its success." - Dr Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director of FARA.

"This approach is an appropriate response to today's major global challenges. We want to add to field crops, not change them. Moving from three basic major crops (rice, wheat and corn) to five, then seven, is an important objective. Now we need to move from rhetoric to reality. Nutritional needs and adaptation to climate change are essential in this respect, and that's what Smart Food is all about. Smart food crops have been neglected for reasons other than their value, as they are inherently nutritious and adaptable to diverse farming systems. We need to promote these inherent values." - Dr Abdulai Jalloh, Director of Research and Innovation, CORAF.

"Smart Food is a noble, new and well-thought-out idea. Key staples didn't get where they are by accident. There are benefits and financial viability, but this viability varies according to the different players in the value chain. We need to learn from these successes and ensure financial viability. Engaging with the big players helps make this project a reality for the benefit of small-scale farmers and the environment." - Mr. William Asiko, Board Member, FANRPAN.

"This new partnership strengthens collaborations between Asia and Africa and can open up opportunities to join forces at any point in the value chain, from consumers to processors, chefs to farmers, researchers and others." - Dr Peter Carberry, Director General of ICRISAT.

What does "Smart Food" mean?

The "Smart Food" initiative was launched in 2013 and stems from a strategic reflection on the need for food that meets the following criteria: good for the consumer (nutritious and healthy), good for the planet (ecologically sustainable) and good for the farmer. One of the main aims of such an initiative is to diversify commodities that can have a significant and lasting impact on nutrition, the environment and farmers' well-being.