Online Guest Lecture; Samali Perera, Researcher from University of Sydney 

On 10th of May 2024, Somali, a PhD candidate and Research Associate at the University of Sydney, conducted a study on the impact of policy environments on food security and nutrition in low and middle-income countries. The research, which spanned several nations including Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Benin, aimed to demonstrate the crucial role of effective policies in fostering sustainable food systems.

The study revealed that a strong policy framework was essential for tackling food security challenges. It recommended enhancing multisectoral collaboration, investing in sustainable farming practices, and implementing measures to reduce post-harvest losses. These recommendations were seen as vital for building resilience in food systems and ensuring comprehensive solutions to food security and nutrition issues.

The research highlighted the importance of involving various sectors—such as agriculture, health, education, and finance—in policy formulation to create more effective and inclusive strategies. By promoting environmentally friendly and economically viable agricultural methods, the study emphasized that sustainable farming could improve food production while protecting natural resources and supporting farmers' livelihoods.

Addressing post-harvest losses was identified as a key area for improvement, as it could significantly increase food availability without additional agricultural production. Somali’s research provided valuable insights and practical recommendations, guiding policymakers and stakeholders towards creating more effective and sustainable food systems.

The full lecture you can watch below: