Annual Challenge | AFRDA Academy
Africa Food Sustainability Challenge
An annual learning challenge strengthening practical food loss and food waste reduction skills across Africa by combining self-paced study with a structured, transparent assessment.
of food lost before retail
wasted across retail and homes
SDG 12.3 halving target
self-paced course
A challenge that turns sustainability ambition into tested skill
Practical knowledge. Independent preparation. Transparent recognition.
The Africa Food Sustainability Challenge is organised by the African Resilience & Development Agency through the AFRDA Academy. It combines self-paced learning with a structured assessment to promote practical, evidence-informed approaches to reducing food loss and food waste in African food systems.
- Promote practical food sustainability knowledge.
- Encourage evidence-based learning and independent preparation.
- Recognise top-performing learners through a transparent challenge.
- Build a community of informed practitioners and champions.
Food loss and waste are among the world’s most fixable problems
The AFSC translates global ambition into practical learning, tested knowledge and real-world application for African contexts.
Before retail
Recent global reporting estimates that about 13% of food is lost from harvest through the supply chain before it reaches retail.
Retail and consumption
About 19% is wasted across retail, food service and households, where everyday decisions can protect food and resources.
SDG 12.3
The world’s agreed direction is to halve per-capita food waste and reduce food losses across supply chains by 2030.
Food loss happens from harvest through the supply chain up to, but not including, retail. Food waste occurs mainly at retail and consumption stages.
See the challenge in action
Watch the AFSC promotional video to learn about the course, the assessment and the practical value of food waste reduction skills before following the challenge pathway.
A participant-friendly route from learning to validated results
Learn: self-paced
Begin with the official learning pathway course, Mastering Food Waste Reduction in Africa, hosted by AFRDA Academy. Allow approximately 10 hours.
Prepare: independent study
Take notes, complete self-guided tasks and reflection questions, and conduct additional research before the assessment.
Take the official test
When ready, access the AFSC online assessment and complete the timed test. One attempt is permitted.
Validation and results
After the window closes, results pass through final assessment and validation. Top performers are confirmed and announced through AFRDA channels.
For African adults committed to practical food sustainability
The challenge is designed for learners, practitioners and professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge and practical ability across the food system.
- Farmers and producers
- Household food managers
- Sustainability practitioners and community leaders
- Students and graduates in agriculture, food systems or sustainability
- Anyone reducing food loss and food waste in practice
- Food handlers and processors
- Institutional staff in schools, hospitals, hostels, catering and restaurants
- NGO and development professionals
- Researchers, trainers and extension workers
Short. Focused. Competitive. One attempt, so make it count.
Prepare thoroughly. Course study and additional research are encouraged before starting.
- Complete the course before attempting the test.
- Review your notes before starting.
- Ensure stable internet and a quiet environment.
- Confirm device and browser readiness before starting the test.
Official assessment
Timed online assessment
Format
Online multiple-choice assessment
Questions
10 questions
Duration
15 minutes
Attempts
One attempt per participant
Excellence recognised through awards and public visibility
Cash awards
For top performers. Prize amounts may vary by edition.
Public recognition
Through official AFRDA communication channels, subject to participant consent and publication policy.
For transparency: prize categories and amounts for each edition are announced on this page before the test portal opens.
Mastering Food Waste Reduction in Africa
The official learning pathway for AFSC participants covers food loss and waste across the entire food system, from production and post-harvest handling to households and institutions.
Self-paced delivery
Course duration
Learning style
Preparation allowed
- How food loss and food waste occur at different stages of the food system.
- Practical methods for reducing losses in production and handling.
- Preservation and storage practices that improve shelf life and food use.
- Good practices for homes, institutions and food service settings.
- How to apply concepts in real-life and local African contexts.
Complete the course. Take the test. Become a food waste reduction champion.
For course access, assessment information, inquiries and partnerships, contact AFRDA Academy.