NEWS:

28 Sep, 2016


Participants pose for a group photo soon after the presentations
The recent innovative experiential learning course piloted by Global Centre for Food Systems Innovation (GCFSI) at Michigan State University (MSU) in collaboration with LUANAR has revealed different challenges that are faced by urban markets in Lilongwe.


The training which involved an action research has shown that urban markets of Area 47, Area 25A, Central market lack some of the basic resources needed for day to day operations at the markets such adequate water, functional toilets, as well as security lights.


Through the Frugal Innovation Practicum, students from MSU and LUANAR worked together to engage small to medium scaled food entrepreneurs to identify, articulate and propose appropriate solutions to common problems in these markets, which would improve livelihood and food security if addressed.


Speaking during the closing ceremony of the training at Lilongwe City Chambers recently, LUANAR Vice Chancellor, Professor George Kanyama Phiri hailed the teams for the initiative saying the practicum were in line with his institution’s motto of Knowledge, Innovation and Excellence.


“LUANAR always strives to produce students that are not only knowledgeable in their respective disciplines, but also able to engage with various stakeholders such as those within the urban food market system to identify and develop appropriate solutions to identified problems,” said Professor Kanyama Phiri.


He said it is encouraging that students from LUANAR and MSU engaged market traders and city council officials to better understand the urban food market system and associated challenges saying this was achieved through market visits, observation and two charrettes.


“Through these observations and charrettes, each of the four markets was able to priotise their problems and seek solutions. More interesting is the fact that the solutions are a product of not only students, but the market traders and vendors as well,” said Professor Kanyama Phiri.


Complimenting Professor Kanyama Phiri, Mayor of Lilongwe City Council Councilor Willie Chapondera commended LUANAR and MSU for choosing to conduct the training in his city saying the council is ready to work with them.


He said the involvement of students in experiential learning is an important approach to tertiary education.


“The engagement of market traders is an important initiative since we as a city, also strive to provide solutions to challenges facing our urban markets especially the urban food markets. This is therefore a welcome development in our city,” he said.


The Frugal Innovation Practicum aimed at familiarizing students with innovation systems theory and practice; develop understanding of the dynamics and challenges of urban food provisioning and exchange and food system arrangements, specially ‘wet markets’; build civic engagement skills ; provide a practical forum for applying disciplinary perspectives to interdisciplinary problem solving and provide a practical forum for co-creating and presenting appropriate innovations to decision-markers.


Written By: Patricia Nkhoma