We thank everyone who attended the 2024 Summer Conference on Decolonization, Diaspora, and the African Food System. Your participation made this event a remarkable success.

Our keynote speaker, Professor Adams Bodomo, set the tone with his compelling paper titled "Where is African Agency in the African Diaspora Food Systems?" Professor Bodomo highlighted the critical challenges of decolonizing African food systems without having Africans at the forefront to spearhead initiatives and business strategies that can enable them to control their market.

He emphasized that decolonization does not imply isolation but a demand for respect, collaborations with equal opportunities, and allowing Africans  the ability to set their own priorities. By comparing African diasporas in China and Europe, he also noted how residency dynamics influence Africans' ability to access or control their food markets.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Maureen Duru , the founder of the Food Bridge vzw stressed the importance of having open dialogues on difficult issues affecting African diasporas, even with those holding opposing views. She advocated for creating spaces for such discussions, especially in places Africans previously lacked access to. In her closing contributions she  emphasized that the future of food systems in Africa is indigenous, community-driven, and female.

The interactive breakout session, focusing on  "What Do You Understand by Decolonizing the African Food System?" was a highlight of the event, showcasing that people of all ages, education levels, professions, and backgrounds recognize the urgent need for a drastic change in the African food system. All the points raised during the session will be shared soon as part of the final report.

We were honored to have speakers from across the globe, including Nigeria, Ghana, Austria, South Africa, Jamaica, Brazil, Kenya, Germany, Austria, and Belgium. They enriched the conference with their diverse perspectives and research experiences from their countries of origin and also fieldworks in other countries like China, Portugal, Burundi, and Congo.

No discussion on African food would be complete without tasting it. Thanks to Banjul Kitchen and the African Queens, for providing delicious African dishes that added flavor to our event. A special thank you to Dr. Maureen Duru and Dr. Sarah O'Neill for organizing such an impactful event . Once again, we thank  all the speakers and participants for their  invaluable contributions. We look forward to continuing this vital dialogue and making meaningful progress together.

At Food Bridge vzw, our dedication to the Food Heritage Project goes beyond collaborating with rural farmers. We understand the vital connection between community development and the education of children within these communities. As such, we are committed to supporting the educational needs of children by providing essential assistance.

Recently, schools in the Manga district area reached out to us for support with their school feeding programs. Our focus not only encompasses conserving indigenous crops but also ensuring food security in these communities. Upon visiting these schools, our coordinator, Rebecca, witnessed the urgent need for assistance in sustaining these feeding programs and empowering the schools to thrive. So we want to help two schools - Akorkorma Siisi  D/A Basic School  (325 students) in Upper Manya District and Okwenya M/A Basic School with 300 students in the lower  Manya Krobo Municipal authority.

Both schools have expressed difficulties in procuring an adequate amount of food for student meals and have established farms to supplement what the government provides. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, we have developed a comprehensive approach to effectively address their needs. Our proposal involves enhancing the nutritional quality of the feeding program and providing essential resources such as seeds, farming tools, and training to enable the schools to cultivate their own food. By doing so, we aim not only to ensure the sustainability of their feeding programs but also to empower them to generate additional income by selling surplus harvests. 

The success of this initiative heavily relies on the generosity and support of individuals and organizations. Your partnership would not only help alleviate immediate hunger among school children but also lay the foundation for long-term resilience and self-sufficiency within these communities.

We are seeking financial assistance to buy organic seeds, wheelbarrows, farming equipment, and materials to kick-start this planting season and make a tangible difference in the lives of these children and their families. All contributions will directly impact the well-being and future prospects of the students.

We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the project's duration. We will provide regular updates on the progress made and the impact achieved, ensuring that your donation is utilized effectively and efficiently.

Should you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Donations can also be made to -

The Food Bridge vzw

IBAN: BE33 0017 5988 5346

BIC: GEBABEBB

BNP Paribas Fortis Bank Belgium