Professor Philip Antwi-Agyei, a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has been appointed to the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) under the United Nations Committee on World Food Security (CFS). He will contribute to the panel’s upcoming report on “Building resilient food systems,” scheduled for presentation during the 53rd Plenary Session of the CFS in October 2025.

The HLPE-FSN, recognized globally for its scientific assessments related to food security and nutrition, selected Professor Antwi-Agyei for his extensive expertise in environmental science, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agriculture His insights will be pivotal in analyzing vulnerabilities and formulating strategies to strengthen food system resilience.

This appointment highlights KNUST’s growing role in advancing global food security and nutrition governance. Reflecting on the honour, Professor Antwi-Agyei remarked, “Addressing food insecurity is a pressing challenge for many nations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where millions rely on climate-sensitive sectors for their livelihoods. Being part of this distinguished panel is an incredible opportunity to contribute my expertise on building resilient food systems amid climate change. I am excited to collaborate with this interdisciplinary team.”

Professor Antwi-Agyei is a distinguished academic specializing in climate change adaptation and sustainability science. He serves as the Director of the Office of Grants and Research at KNUST. His research employs diverse methodologies, including spatial databases, ecological studies, and participatory field approaches, to examine the impacts of climate change on food security and livelihoods at various scales.

Over the years, Professor Antwi-Agyei has secured several prestigious international grants, including those from the International Foundation for Science, the Climate Impacts Research Capacity and Leadership Enhancement Fellowship (funded by the UK’s Department for International Development), and the Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques (African SWIFT) initiative funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund. He has also been supported by the Climate Research for Development initiative through the African Climate Policy Centre. Additionally, he was a fellow under the Royal Society’s Future Leaders–Africa Independent Research and Collaboration Grants program.

The selection of HLPE-FSN panellists involved a rigorous process prioritizing technical expertise, scientific credibility, and regional knowledge. The panel’s members bring diverse perspectives, including health and nutrition, human rights, gender, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental sciences, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing food system challenges.

The panel is chaired by Professor Alison Blay-Palmer, UNESCO Chair at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, recognized for her contributions to research on food systems, biodiversity, and community resilience. Other members include Colin Anderson, Garima Bhalla, Lidia Cabral, Francisco Javier Espinosa Garcia, Tomaso Ferrando, Isabel Madzorera, Tammara Soma, Monika Zurek, Paola Termine (Secretariat), and Johanna Wilkes (Research Assistant). Professor Antwi-Agyei’s inclusion on this esteemed team underscores his reputation as a leading voice in climate resilience and sustainable development.

Source: TheDotNews