In this episode, Dr. Million Belay discusses research he coordinated across Africa examining agricultural approaches. "In 2013, we asked ourselves, does agroecology work for Africa?" he explains, describing how they gathered and synthesized case studies from numerous countries. Their findings revealed that ecological farming practices consistently improved both productivity and farmer income while supporting environmental health.

Million's declaration that "food is not a commodity" cuts to the heart of the matter. "Food is culturally appropriate. Farmers control their own economy," he insists. This vision—emerging from social movements like La Via Campesina—represents a fundamentally different relationship with food systems.

Through our conversation, Million reveals how African farmers are developing agroecological innovations that honor Traditional Ecological Knowledge while building climate resilience, demonstrating how community-controlled agriculture offers the true path to food sovereignty.

Million Belay is a member of the IPES-Food panel; co-founder and general coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) – a network of farmers’ organizations, NGO networks, consumer movements and small-scale producers advocating for agroecology, food sovereignty, and the rights of small-scale food producers in Africa; and he is an expert on forestry conservation, indigenous livelihoods and food and seed sovereignty.

• About Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa
• Case Studies of Agroecology
• La Via Campesina

In this thought-provoking episode of Oh Crop!, host Kat Morgan welcomes Dr. Jessica Fanzo, a true pioneer at the crossroads of climate science and food systems. As Professor of Climate and Director of the groundbreaking Food for Humanity Initiative at Columbia Climate School, Dr. Fanzo shares her fascinating journey from nutrition scientist to global food systems champion. She unpacks the vision behind the Food for Humanity Initiative and reveals how it's bringing together diverse experts to tackle our most pressing food challenges.

The conversation explores the complex dual role food systems play in the climate crisis—both as significant contributors to global emissions and as potential game-changers for climate resilience. Dr. Fanzo offers candid insights about the critical shifts needed to transform how we produce and consume food while addressing deep-rooted inequities.

Despite the enormity of these challenges, the episode concludes with Dr. Fanzo's compelling perspective on what gives her hope for the future as we approach 2030 and beyond, highlighting the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration and data-driven solutions.

Read more about Jess

Read: What do we know about the future of measuring food systems?

Check out the Food Systems Dashboard

Investigate Columbia University's Food for Humanity Initiative

Is Bird Flu a Slow-Motion Disaster? How can industrial agriculture fuel a pandemic, and what risks do dairy workers face? On this episode of Oh Crop!, we're tackling the urgent bird flu crisis with award-winning journalist and public health expert Maryn McKenna. Maryn unravels the complex web of industrial agriculture, zoonotic diseases, and the escalating threat to animal and human health.

We delve into the realities of the current U.S. bird flu outbreak, exploring how intensive farming practices contribute to its rapid spread and evolution. Maryn sheds light on the often-overlooked risks agricultural workers face, particularly in the dairy industry, and examines animal welfare and biosecurity. Plus, we address the critical need for improved surveillance and testing systems and discuss the economic pressures that hinder effective health responses.

Maryn also highlights the challenges of public health communication, especially in vulnerable communities, and emphasizes the urgent need for increased research funding to understand and combat agricultural health threats. We touch on the cultural complexities surrounding meat consumption and explore the systemic changes required to prevent the spread of zoonotic disease.

Tune in for the down-low on Maryn's most recent New York Times-published Op-Ed, "We're running out of chances to stop bird flu."

Learn more at marynmckenna.com

Will we eat beans in space? Why do they give us gas (and how can we reduce it)? And just why are beans so darn awesome for people and planet, anyway? On this episode of Oh Crop!, we're diving deep into the world of legumes with none other than Paul Newnham, a strategic food systems innovator, leader of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, and the self-proclaimed "Chief Beans Officer"! Paul shares his inspiring journey to becoming a champion for global nutrition security, revealing how a passion for these humble powerhouses launched him into the world of food systems advocacy.

We explore everything from field to fork, uncovering why beans are not just delicious and budget-friendly but a crucial component of a sustainable food system. Paul breaks down the connection between bean consumption and climate change resilience, highlighting the environmental superpowers of these versatile crops. Plus, we tackle the age-old question: why do beans give us gas, and is there anything we can do about it?

Paul also sheds light on the critical work of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovative strategies to achieve Zero Hunger (SDG2). He shares insights into how sustainable diets are vital in addressing this complex global challenge.

Follow Paul on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X

Learn more about the SDG2 Advocacy Hub & Beans is How

Listen to his amazing podcast, Future Fork.

In this episode of Oh Crop!, host Kat Morgan sits down with the inspiring Priyanka Naik, an award-winning vegan chef, Food Network champion, TV host, and author of The Modern Tiffin. Priyanka shares her journey as a first-generation Indian-American raised on Staten Island and how her Indian heritage and love for storytelling fuel her mission to advocate for sustainable, plant-based diets.

Together, they delve into critical issues at the intersection of food and justice, including food as medicine, sustainability, food access, and climate change. Priyanka discusses the socioeconomic and structural barriers to healthy eating and offers actionable ways to reframe plant-forward diets as affordable, delicious, and accessible.

They explore how shifting the narrative from individual responsibility to addressing systemic inequities can drive meaningful change in our food systems. Plus, Priyanka’s unique insights from traveling to 40 countries and her role as a pioneer in sustainable cooking offer fresh perspectives on tackling food waste and embracing cultural foodways.

Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with actionable takeaways, empowering ideas, and a celebration of Priyanka’s vibrant approach to veganism and environmental justice.

Follow Priyanka on Instagram: @chefpriyanka

Follow Priyanka on LinkedIn

In this episode of Oh Crop, host Kat Morgan chats with Matilda Jarod Mtei, a trailblazer in horticulture and agriculture from Arusha, Tanzania. Known as the "Spice Queen," Matilda brings a unique perspective to the field, having turned her passion for plants into a remarkable career. From her early days as an intern at the World Vegetable Center to her current role managing the Vegetable Technologies Hub (VegTechHub), Matilda's journey is one of inspiration and innovation.

Matilda shares how her work has not only transformed local agriculture but also had a significant impact on nutrition and farmer economic outcomes. She delves into the challenges climate change poses on spice and vegetable cultivation and reveals her future goals for advancing agricultural research and entrepreneurship. Matilda’s insights offer valuable lessons on how to make a meaningful impact in food systems and environmental sustainability.

Read more about Matilda's inspiring journey here.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to interview Eric Middleton, "full-time entomologist, part-time ninja warrior." He is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor at the University of California Cooperative Extension. With a B.S. in Biology from the University of Utah, a PhD from the University of Minnesota, and postdoctoral work on invasive pest control in Florida's citrus groves, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge on sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly pest management solutions. Eric will share his unique journey as an academic and communicator, including his involvement in the American Ninja Warrior reality show, where he’s known as the “⁠The Bug Ninja⁠.”

We’ll discuss:.

• The connection between IPM, public health, environmental justice, and food systems.
• How pesticide use can exacerbate environmental injustice.
• IPM principles and its role in sustainable agriculture
• Practical pest management practices growers can adopt to reduce their environmental impact.
• The importance of making research accessible to a broad audience, from food producers to the general public.

While much of this episode is U.S.-focused, listeners will get broad exposure to IPM theory and application. Join us for an engaging conversation that bridges ecology, sustainability, and human well-being!

In this episode of Oh Crop!, host Kat Morgan is joined by renowned author, filmmaker, and academic Raj Patel. Raj Patel, known as the 'rock star of social justice writing,' shares insights drawn from his extensive work, including his seminal books 'Stuffed and Starved' and ‘Inflamed.’ From critiquing prescriptive NGOs to advocating for grassroots democracy and equitable access to nutritious options, the episode explores pressing issues facing global food systems. The conversation underscores the importance of incorporating environmental justice paradigms into public health practice to achieve health equity and sustainable food systems.

Check out Raj Patel's Website

Books by Raj Patel