In Tunisia, recent celebrations of the International Day of Older Persons at the Manouba and Gammarth Senior Centers illustrated the power of engaging seniors in sustainable food practices. These events, held on 30 September and 7 October 2024, brought together community members, seniors, and experts to foster knowledge-sharing and build more resilient food systems. Central to the celebrations was the AfriFOODlinks project, a transformative initiative to empower African communities to develop sustainable, inclusive, and equitable food systems.
Guided by the principles of Learning, Inclusivity, Novelty, Collaboration, and Sustainability (LINCS), AfriFOODlinks strives to connect communities, support initiatives blending cultural heritage with modern sustainable practices, and promote local food security. These gatherings not only honoured the contributions of seniors but also illustrated how intergenerational collaboration can strengthen community resilience
Celebrating the International Day of Older Persons with AfriFOODlinks
The event at the Manouba Senior Center, organised by the National Institute of Nutrition and Food in collaboration with the HIBA Association, honoured seniors’ vital contributions to their communities. At the heart of this gathering was the introduction of AfriFOODlinks, whose mission is to empower communities across Africa to build resilient food systems through local knowledge, collaborative governance, and innovative solutions.
The Manouba Center exemplifies AfriFOODlinks’ commitment through its sustainable food practices, where residents care for a chicken coop and tend an orchard with olive and lemon trees. These activities generate fresh produce for community meals and provide a tangible connection to the land for residents. By engaging in these sustainable practices, seniors contribute directly to their community’s resilience, generating food and income while fostering a sense of purpose and connection.
During the event, nutrition experts and seniors exchanged insights into sustainable diets, nutrition for healthy ageing, and methods for reducing food waste. Therapeutic cooking workshops enabled seniors to learn about diet management and well-being, empowering them to take an active role in their health and nutrition. The mutual knowledge-sharing among seniors and experts illustrated the richness that emerges from blending traditional wisdom with modern health practices.
AfriFOODlinks expands impact at Gammarth Senior Center
Building on the Manouba event’s success, the Gammarth Senior Center hosted a similar celebration on 7 October 2024, organised in collaboration with LIONS CLUB LA MARSA.
The Gammarth event underscored community resilience and environmental responsibility, bringing together senior residents, community members, healthcare professionals, and local organisation representatives. Attendees learned about various community-based projects, such as the production of a nutritive subsidized bread enriched with minerals, vitamins, and fiber, while also being reduced in salt, community gardens and short food supply chains, which address food insecurity and reduce food waste in Tunis.
AfriFOODlinks also introduced a Circular Economy Coaching Program to encourage local businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Notable partnerships, such as those with DeLice Group and El Mazraa Group, exemplify the potential for public and private sector collaboration to support food security.
Seniors as stewards of sustainable food practices
At both Manouba and Gammarth, the events revealed seniors’ significant role in building resilient food systems. The Manouba Senior Center’s chicken coop and orchard initiatives, for example, are models of how senior care facilities can incorporate sustainable practices into daily living. One resident’s role in caring for chickens is not only to provide fresh eggs for the community but also to generate income, demonstrating the potential for economic empowerment within a sustainable framework. Festive meals, featuring home-raised goats, further highlight the cultural and social benefits of engaging seniors in sustainable food practices.
These gatherings underscored that seniors are not just beneficiaries of sustainable food systems they are active contributors. By sharing traditional practices and engaging in hands-on activities, seniors play a vital role in fostering healthier communities. Their involvement creates pathways to sustainability that honour cultural heritage, prioritise environmental responsibility, and inspire intergenerational collaboration.
Both the Manouba and Gammarth Senior Centers show how communities can harness local knowledge and sustainable practices to build a brighter, healthier future.
As AfriFOODlinks continues to support initiatives across Africa, the events in Tunisia serve as powerful reminders of what can be achieved when communities embrace inclusive, sustainable approaches.
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