The contribution of horticulture sector transformation to food system outcomes

Horticulture is recognized as a key sector that can substantially contribute to transforming food systems, enhancing food & nutrition security and driving economic growth. This paper examines how two sector-specific programs (HortiFresh Ghana and HortInvest Rwanda) contribute to multiple sector-level and broader food system outcomes. This analysis is based on a qualitative assessment of the contribution of individual project components, as well as their combined influence and impact on food system change and subsequent outcomes. Key insights regarding the enabling environment required for horticulture sector transformation include the importance of a stable policy environment; strong intrinsic government interest and engagement, buy-in and participation from key stakeholders; facilitating dialogue and exchange through public and private stakeholder platforms, either sector-specific or business-oriented; and provision of matching or cost-sharing grants and funds, to reduce risks and stimulate innovation within the sector. Regarding value chains, the analysis found that the best results in productivity and income were achieved when the adoption of improved inputs, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and other new technologies, were combined with practical training sessions; there is a need to facilitate market linkages actively; and traders value quality products even without formal certification. Key insights on the supporting function are mostly related to access to finance: access to finance is a critical prerequisite and enabler for sector transformation, especially for small-scale producers and SMEs; thus, financial products should be targeted and tailored to these groups. Furthermore, when designing interventions, consumption and nutrition security should be prioritized as the key outcome and not a given, and emphasis should be given to promoting indigenous vegetables and value addition for the domestic market. In improving the performance of horticulture sector activities, the potential of the horticulture sector to contribute to economic outcomes is evident. However, a clear gap in current project design is the lack of attention to environmental drivers and outcomes, as well as social inclusion outcomes, such as gender and youth. For a horticulture sector to effectively contribute to broader food system change, a comprehensive sector approach is required, going beyond production increases alone. Sector transformation approaches are inherently complex processes and must be understood within the broader context of food systems. This interconnectedness allows for interactions with other sectors and may generate positive impacts on multiple food system outcomes, creating synergies, and/or minimising potential negative impacts and trade-offs. Considering value chains as an integral part of sectors is important to identify and address systemic issues that occur across multiple value chains, hampering the overall development of the sector. The purpose of this paper is to address the question “How does or can horticulture sector transformation contribute to food system change?” Ultimately it seeks to advance progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), zero hunger.