Our history
The Southern Africa Food Lab was founded in 2009 to tackle the deep-rooted and complex challenges of food insecurity in South Africa. It began when researchers Milla McLachlan and Ralph Hamann, working on separate food security projects, recognised the need for a more systemic, collaborative approach. Together with WWF and Reos Partners, they convened a diverse group of stakeholders to explore new responses to hunger.
This led to the creation of the Food Lab as a platform for dialogue and innovation across the food system. Early initiatives included learning journeys, workshops, and a year-long Change Lab, which helped build relationships and shared understanding across sectors.
Over the years, the Food Lab has supported initiatives in areas such as smallholder farmer development, inclusive value chains, and food system governance. Its work has been grounded in participatory processes that elevate the voices of those most affected by hunger and inequality.
In 2015, the Food Lab launched four Transformative Scenarios for South Africa’s food future—used by government, business, and civil society to guide strategy and decision-making. In 2018, its contribution was recognised by the UN Sustainable Food Systems Programme as a model of dialogue-driven innovation.
Today, the Food Lab continues to support inclusive, just, and sustainable food systems by convening stakeholders, catalysing collaboration, and fostering systemic change. Current work includes place-based initiatives that connect local actors across the value chain, and targeted processes that help turn dialogue into action. The Lab acts as a neutral, skilled convener, creating space for shared learning, experimentation, and long-term impact.