(P22-25-26) Integrating Stakeholder Engagement in Food System Research Programs: Stakeholder Experiences

Objectives: We aimed to understand stakeholder experiences participating in FRESH – a food‑systems, participatory, action‑oriented research initiative (2022–2024) aiming to increase fruit and vegetable intake using an end‑to‑end (ETE) approach (demand, supply, food environment and enabling environment).

Methods: The study consisted of an online survey (n=59) and key-informant interviews (KII) (n=30) with the initiative’s core partners (CP; researchers from international institutions managing the initiative), implementing partners (IP; in-country actors co-leading research), and strategic stakeholders (SS; in-country food system stakeholders but no operational role). Survey data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis for the KIIs.

Results: Stakeholder engagement increased over time. All IPs participated in 2023 and 2024, with more diverse roles by 2024, while SS’s engagement rose from 62% to 85%. IPs reported involvement in co-developing research, implementing activities and training, and participating in meetings. Over 90% of respondents viewed the initiative as aligned with country priorities, though some partners noted the need for stronger institutionalization of findings. Collaboration was generally strong, especially between CPs and IPs. However, respondents identified opportunities to improve coordination, communication, and integration across ETE domains. Engagement facilitated network expansion and capacity sharing across technical areas, research methods, technologies, and system-based approaches. Many respondents reported learning new information, and 72% of IPs contributed to joint outputs. Reported barriers included funding delays, tight timelines, and challenges coordinating across the ETE domains. Areas for improvement included stronger integration across ETE domains, clearer definitions and monitoring of capacity sharing, deeper engagement with policymakers and private sector actors, and more frequent communication with stakeholders.

Conclusions: Integrating stakeholder engagement in research can strengthen alignment with country priorities, improve collaboration, and support shared learning. IP and SS feedback highlights opportunities to improve engagement strategies for more inclusive approaches across stakeholder groups.

Funding Sources: CGIAR Trust Fund