Policy Analysis for Sustainable and Healthy Foods in African Retail Markets (PASHFARM)
Organizer: African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
Funding Partner: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Submission Deadline: March 10, 2023
Contact Email: cmaae@aercafrica.org
Reference: "Collaborative Research Proposal- PASHFARM"
Background
The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), established in 1988, is at the forefront of economic research and policy analysis in Africa. In partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, AERC announces a call for collaborative research proposals under the project titled "Policy Analysis for Sustainable and Healthy Foods in African Retail Markets" (PASHFARM). This initiative aims to address the critical barriers to consuming safe, nutritious, and affordable diets in sub-Saharan Africa.
Project Objectives
The primary goal is to investigate the impact of food environments and policies on the acquisition and consumption of nutritious foods, focusing on:
- Understanding market structures and segmentation for nutritious food distribution.
- Identifying policy measures that can encourage the supply of nutritious foods to low-income urban and rural consumers.
- Assessing the role of food SMEs, market infrastructure, and consumer trust in improving nutrition outcomes.
Indicative Research Topics
Proposals may explore, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- Barriers and gendered challenges faced by food SMEs.
- Compliance costs' impact on food pricing and affordability.
- Government incentives for SMEs to support nutritious food supply.
- Price volatility and its effects on consumer food choices.
- Market infrastructure improvements and their cost-effectiveness.
- Nutritious food varieties, availability, and consumer consumption patterns.
Review Process and Funding
Selected proposals will undergo a review by external experts. Approved projects will receive grants up to US$40,000, with an inception workshop planned for project kick-off. Researchers will present their findings in AERC-organized workshops, with outputs published in reputable journals and policy briefs.
