This GAIN working paper presents the Inclusive Food Systems Governance Model developed to empower local markets as key levers of food systems transformation, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The model has four components: Know your local food system, Nutrition-mobilised communities, Inclusive food systems governance, and External networks. It supports stakeholder engagement, infrastructure investments (e.g., cool rooms), and evidence-based decision-making. The paper illustrates its application through a case study in Marikiti Market, Machakos County, Kenya, where investments in market roofing, sanitation, and cold storage were coupled with training in nutrition and business practices. The model has proven scalable and adaptable across multiple contexts, including Kenya, Mozambique, and Indonesia. It advocates for participatory design, locally led governance, and multisectoral partnerships to improve traditional food markets for nutrition, resilience, and equity.
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