The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has supported Higher Education Partnership (HEP) projects to advance food security in partner countries by fostering collaboration between Finnish and local universities. How can higher education partnerships strengthen sustainable food systems — and what remains after a project ends?

This webinar highlights results from three HEP Programme projects:

• HEP NERC Project (Nepal)
• HEP Foodleader Project (Mozambique & Kenya)
• HEP SF-BioVac Project (Zambia)

The webinar demonstrates how collaboration between Finnish and partner-country universities has strengthened food science education, research infrastructure, data systems, and local capacity, while also driving broader systemic changes that support sustainable food security.

Each project will be presented from one selected thematic perspective, representing one key dimension of the work carried out. Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves in advance with the short project descriptions available in the separate interleaf.

The webinar also features a commentary on the projects with insights from an upcoming doctoral dissertation examining the role of higher education and the effectiveness of partnerships in food security interventions and their impact. 

We warmly welcome policymakers, researchers, higher education professionals, and development partners to join the discussion.

Programme

09:30–09:35 – Welcome and Opening

Kaija Pajala, EDUFI

Introduction to the objectives and structure of the webinar, and introduction of the speakers.

09:35–09:45 - Project Foodleader Strengthening Food Security through Higher Education Infrastructure in Kenya and Mozambique

Speaker: Noora Kanerva, University of Helsinki, Finland

This presentation examines how investments in laboratory equipment, applied learning environments, and institutional collaboration have strengthened food science education, research capacity, and local food system development.

09:45–09:55 - Project NERC Strengthening Nutrition Education and Research Capacity in Universities in Nepal (Project NERC) 

Speakers: Tarja Kinnunen Tampere University/Finland and Rojina Basnet Tribhuvan University/Nepal

The new electronic Nepalese food composition database and integrated dietary intake calculator will be introduced, along with an overview of curriculum development in nutrition courses at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. Insights into the implementation of the revised courses, with a focus on food security-related teaching, will also be presented

09:55–10:05 - Project SF-BioVac Sustainable Futures – Biogas Value Chain for Circular Economy Competence Growth in Zambia

How can circular economy education and curriculum development strengthen food system resilience? Using waste cassava streams for energy & bio-fertilizers

Speaker: Cynthia Söderbacka, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Recent results from laboratory testing of cassava, one of Zambia’s staple crops, comparing the biogas potential of edible and non-edible parts. Initial findings are promising.

10:05–10:15 – Commentary and Research Perspective: Measuring Impact and Long-Term Sustainability in Food Security Interventions

Speaker: Roseanna Avento, Doctoral Researcher, University of Eastern Finland

This commentary will reflect on the previous presentations drawing on insights from an upcoming dissertation that examines the role of Finnish universities in enhancing global food security and particularly looking at effectiveness of partnerships, impact and long-term sustainability. 

10:15–10:50 – Panel Discussion

Panelists: Previous speakers

10:50–11:00 – Open Discussion and Q&A

Audience questions and interactive discussion.