UKUDLA is a collaborative centre that advances interdisciplinary research and capacity building in food systems, with a strong foundation in applied data science. Based in South Africa and supported by German and African partners, the centre promotes evidence-based approaches to understanding and improving food systems across their full breadth — from agricultural production, processing, and distribution, to nutrition, consumption, food safety, and food security.

Our work addresses the economic, ecological, and socio-cultural dimensions of food systems, with particular attention to resilience under environmental and economic stress, gender equality, and inclusive development. Through a combination of cutting-edge research, graduate education, and stakeholder engagement, UKUDLA fosters the next generation of scientists and professionals who will shape sustainable and just food futures in Southern Africa.

Data-driven methods — including statistical modelling, geospatial analysis, and machine learning — are at the core of our activities, supporting innovative research and facilitating the transfer of knowledge into policy, practice, and society.

Background and departments involved:

The Center for Food Systems and Data Science is part of the DAAD program “Fachzentren Afrika-Centres of African Excellence”. It is a joint synergy project between German and African institutions. On the German side, the Center is funded by the DAAD with funds from the Federal Foreign Office (AA), the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). On the South African side, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) are involved.