Strengthening Fresh Food Markets for Healthier Food Environments within Planetary Boundaries
We take an applied governance approach to strengthening food markets, combining infrastructure upgrades with targeted capacity building initiatives.



Years active:
2024 - 2025
Related ICLEI Pathway(s)
Locations
Funded by

About
Project summary
The Strengthening Fresh Food Markets for Healthier Food Environments within Planetary Boundaries project recognises urban fresh food markets as critical leverage points for urban resilience, livelihood provision, and food security.
Phase one (2024) of the project entailed an in-depth analysis of the fresh food markets in Lilongwe City, Malawi and Lusaka City, Zambia. The study included a comprehensive market market activity, testing a market investment readiness index, assessing market economics, examining historical market investments, and investigating consumer nutrition patterns.
Phase two (2025) will see the implementation of two market upgrade projects, in Chilenje Market (Lusaka) and Lizulu Horticulture Market (Lilongwe). These upgrades will focus on improving access to clean water, better drainage systems, weather-resistant pathways and food-safe trading stalls. The project will activate a task force and steering committee, made up of local stakeholders, to guide market upgrades and develop a long term strategy for improved market management.
The Strengthening Fresh Food Markets for Healthier Food Environments within Planetary Boundaries project recognises urban fresh food markets as critical leverage points for urban resilience, livelihood provision, and food security.
Phase one (2024) of the project entailed an in-depth analysis of the fresh food markets in Lilongwe City, Malawi and Lusaka City, Zambia. The study included a comprehensive market market activity, testing a market investment readiness index, assessing market economics, examining historical market investments, and investigating consumer nutrition patterns.
Phase two (2025) will see the implementation of two market upgrade projects, in Chilenje Market (Lusaka) and Lizulu Horticulture Market (Lilongwe). These upgrades will focus on improving access to clean water, better drainage systems, weather-resistant pathways and food-safe trading stalls. The project will activate a task force and steering committee, made up of local stakeholders, to guide market upgrades and develop a long term strategy for improved market management.
Project aims
This project enhances access to healthy, diverse diets by upgrading fresh food market infrastructure and strengthening associated governance processes
This project enhances access to healthy, diverse diets by upgrading fresh food market infrastructure and strengthening associated governance processes
“Our assessment of fresh food markets reveals a complex and dynamic landscape, characterised by varying levels of infrastructure, governance and economic performance. While some markets demonstrate the potential for high economic returns, efficient management and resilience, others struggle with poor infrastructure, inadequate governance and vulnerability to climate and health risks.”
- HYEL, Lusaka Report (2024)
team manager
Main project contact

Amy Murgatroyd
Professional Officer: Urban Systems
The project team
Strengthening Fresh Food Markets for Healthier Food Environments within Planetary Boundaries team




