RIL supports WFP Somalia to map food systems challenges

Response Innovation Lab and the World Food Programme have joined forces to facilitate the development and adoption of innovative solutions to key challenges in the Somali food system space. This collaboration culminated in a workshop held in Hargeisa on September 19-21 and co-facilitated by the two partners. The RIL Global DIrector, Max Vieille, and East/Central Africa Regional Manager, Vanessa Mwangle, joined SomRIL Manager Utsav Kharel to lead the 30+ participants from a variety of backgrounds (WFP staff, INGO and local CSO partners, Somaliland officials, and private sector actors) through a series of human-centered design-focused exercises that helped them explore the various parts of the Somali food system from a fresh perspective. This included the first use of the Lego Serious Play methodology by RIL outside of Nepal and an onsite consultation of different stakeholders operating in Hargeisa and its surroundings.

The results from the workshop will help both WFP and SomRIL refine their approach to supporting innovative solutions in the Somali context and identify key priorities in the agricultural and food security sectors.

You can see a short video about the workshop here.