Much has happened since SIANI’s newest expert groups kicked off their projects in January 2025. By now, the groups have started building local networks, engaging with policymakers and developing capacity on a range of important food-related topics. Here is an update on their activities so far and plans for the remainder of the year.
SIANI currently has ten expert groups though the four that started in early 2024 are now concluding their work. The other six were formed earlier this year but have already made steady progress on their projects to create more sustainable food systems, at the local, regional or global level.
Lessons from insect farming
The SIANI expert group Insect-based Proteins, led by the Madagascar Biodiversity Centre (MBC), is convinced that farming of black soldier flies can help alleviate Madagascar’s severe hunger problem. Local farmers have started using farmed flies as nutritious, inexpensive and environmentally sustainable animal fodder.
The practice is however still new, and it is important to learn from the experiences of these pioneers. The expert group has therefore organized two workshops where farmers already practicing black soldier fly farming discussed challenges and opportunities. Their insights will be used to develop educational materials for farmers interested in trying black soldier fly farming.
For the most part, farmers find the approach helpful, as one of them testified during a workshop:
“Chickens are fatter and lay more eggs. I started with 3 chickens, and each lay 10-15 eggs (vs 6-8 before). I had 30 chickens after 6 months.”
Outreach to raise awareness of small-scale fisheries
The expert group Small-scale Fisheries in Latin America gathers experts in five countries: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. Each country has its own specific circumstances, but many issues are transboundary in nature. To create a shared understanding of the situation for small-scale fisheries, and the importance of the sector, the five country groups are now writing e-books to be published in the year ahead.
Earlier this year, the group’s coordinator Milena Arias-Schreiber contributed to the FAO book Governing for Transformation towards Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries which was presented in February at a webinar on social justice organized by the expert group and its lead organization Too Big To Ignore. In June, the group was represented at the One Ocean Science Congress and the People and the Sea Conference in Amsterdam.
Policy advice on agroforestry
The Dryland Agroforestry in East Africa expert group builds on work started by Vi Agroforestry already last year in relation with the 2024 Annual Agroforestry symposium. The group consists of 14 experts engaging in dialogues with local policymakers about how to facilitate the spread of agroforestry practices in dryland areas.
The group recently published its first policy brief, Scaling Agroforestry as a Climate Resilience and Food Security Solution, which was presented in a webinar on 3 July. It includes concrete recommendations for decision-makers and describes the importance of inclusion for policies to be effective. Dr. Nyika Joan, a gender expert contributing to the brief explains why:
“Agroforestry isn’t just about trees—it’s about justice. When women own land, entire communities benefit.”
Combining modern science and traditional soil knowledge
The expert group Reviving the Roots, led by the Central Asia Solidarity Groups, aims to advance the knowledge and capacity of different stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan in sustainable soil management. During the first half of 2025, the group has conducted research on Kyrgyzstan’s traditional and current practices, which will soon be presented in a report. The group has a strong local network and is highly visible in social media.
Setting priorities to effectively address crop disease
The SIANI expert group Tropical Fruits Liaison believes that small-scale fruit farmers should get better access to safe and sustainable pest control. The group, led by the Minor Use Foundation, has started off by trying to identify existing needs and knowledge gaps through a global consultation with researchers, regulators and industry stakeholders. The results will influence the group Minor Use Foundation’s priorities moving forward and contribute to new solutions. The coordinator Sasireka Rajendran is pleased with the work so far:
“We are delighted by the willingness and support we receive from the expert group members. Having diverse stakeholders brings valuable expertise, enabling us to move forward by addressing key challenges.”
Strengthening knowledge about wild foods in India
The SIANI expert group on Wild Foods in Asia can draw on the extensive experience and network of the Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme Asia (NTFP-EP). The aim of the expert group is to increase interest and knowledge in traditional crops and wild foods.
So far, they have mainly been active in India. Two sites in Tamil Nadu have been identified for wild foods as well as planting of traditional tubers. At the same time, the group is collaborating with two villages in central India that are setting up demonstration plots and capacity building.