Paul Newnham, the Executive Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, is on a mission. As the chief advocate for the “Beans is How” campaign, he’s working tirelessly to change the way we think about beans, peas, and lentils. Launched at COP last year in Egypt, this global campaign has a bold goal: to double the consumption of these nutritious legumes in the next five years.
At the heart of this campaign is a Science and Innovation Advisory group comprising 15 scientists from around the world. These experts have come together to craft a theory of change, a blueprint for how we can achieve the ambitious goal of doubling bean consumption. It’s a multifaceted approach that involves public engagement and perception as well as creating an enabling environment through policies and investments.
One of the pilot countries for this campaign is Kenya, where concerted efforts are underway to make a significant impact on bean, pea, and lentil consumption. The approach in Kenya, as in other countries, focuses on raising awareness about the health and environmental benefits of these legumes while also addressing policy frameworks and investment opportunities.
The Theory of Change is a collaborative effort, involving stakeholders from various sectors. In Kenya, a stakeholder group is being established to adapt this theory of change to the local context, ensuring that it leads to tangible results. This partnership will work towards accelerating progress and making a real difference in consumption patterns.
The “Beans is How” campaign made its debut at the AGRF (Africa Green Revolution Forum), where it was introduced as a promising idea. AGRF serves as a platform for bringing together leaders and stakeholders committed to food system transformation. It aligns with the campaign’s goals of promoting health, sustainability, and cultural relevance.
As part of the AGRF, chefs from the Chef’s Manifesto Network showcased various delicious dishes prepared with beans, peas, and lentils. These chefs are champions of sustainability and use their culinary skills to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. Their creative and delectable recipes demonstrated the versatility of these legumes, sparking excitement about their potential in our diets.
In addition to the culinary presentations, the culinary village featured a display in collaboration with the Pan African Bean Research Alliance (Pabra). This exhibit highlighted the biodiversity of bean seeds, emphasizing the importance of diversity in our food systems. It’s a reminder that within the realm of beans alone, there are countless opportunities for innovation and adaptation to local contexts.
Paul Newnham emphasizes the importance of collaboration and involving a wide range of stakeholders in transforming our food systems. Food systems are complex and interconnected, and addressing the challenges they present requires a multifaceted approach. Foundations, farmers, chefs, scientists, and many other actors must work together to drive the necessary changes.
As Paul Newnham invites others to join the campaign to double bean consumption in the next five years, the message is clear: the foundation is in place, the theory of change is established, and implementation is underway. Now, it’s time for partners and engaged actors to come together, recognize beans as a powerful solution, and accelerate their consumption to benefit both our health and the livelihoods of farmers worldwide.