By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy.

Site homepage

Research Support

Virtual | MASU 2023-2024 Graduate Student Research Grant Presentations

April 18, 2025 at 11:30am – 1:00pm

Virtual (See event details)

This event has already occurred. The information may no longer be valid.

The Maxwell African Scholar’s Union with support from the Moynihan Institute present David Okanlawon, doctoral candidate in anthropology, and Arcenia Notilija Vilanculo, master of science candidate in food studies. 

This is a virtual event, and will be moderated by Professor Martin Shanguhyia.

Presenter: David Aanuoluwa Okanlawon, Ph.D. candidate, anthropology

Okanlawon is a doctoral candidate in anthropology at Syracuse University, specializing in the archaeology of West Africa and the African diaspora.

“Eat Their Food or Die in Penury; Quotidian Activities on Fort Bunce, Sierra Leone” 

Abstract: Beginning in the 15th century, the Atlantic trade dramatically expanded cultural exchanges by facilitating the large-scale movement of people, goods and ideas in and out of West Africa. While most studies on the Transatlantic system have focused on its economics, the experiences of enslaved individuals and the infrastructure of enslavement, my research investigates the often-overlooked quotidian cultural entanglements between European merchants and free African women.

Drawing on foodways- especially the analysis of faunal remains from Bunce Island, Sierra Leone, occupied from 1670 through the 19th century- it explores how European merchants navigated and blended British food practices with those of their free African mistresses to sustain their trading network. It highlights local African women’s central yet often overlooked roles in shaping Atlantic lifeways. It also sheds light on the potential implications of the Atlantic entanglement for the proliferation of domesticated animal breeds in West Africa.

Presenter: Arcènia Notilija Vilanculo, MSc. candidate, food studies

“Does increased productivity ensure food security and sovereignty? Case Study: Productivity, food security, and gender participation within the framework of the “SUSTENTA” project in Nampula Province, Mozambique.

Abstract: When food security and sovereignty are viewed from a gendered lens, critical questions arise concerning inclusive participation in food systems. While policymaking is pivotal in ensuring gender parity in these systems, the lack of stakeholder engagement and buy-in during the policy design process hinders governmental efforts to create and implement policies that effectively ensure food and nutritional security for all. This research examines agricultural productivity, food security, land tenure, and stakeholder engagement in the context of the SUSTENTA project in Nampula province, Mozambique. 

One of the latest investments by the government of Mozambique revitalizing the agricultural sector while supporting the improvement of access of more food by local communities. The implementation of SUSTENTA in Mozambique has resulted in agricultural GDP growth of 7.4%, despite an increase in moderate food insecurity rates from 68.4% to 73.7%. However, interviewees highlight recognizing and addressing both cultural and agroecological needs simultaneously as a crucial initial step towards formulating more effective policies to combat the severe food insecurity prevalent in Mozambique. It is also crucial to assess whether investments align with the specific requirements of the target population, emphasizing the importance of tailored solutions within the local context.

Furthermore, transparency is essential for streamlining the program implementation process and fostering its continuous improvement, as well as ensuring the active involvement of communities benefiting from initiatives like SUSTENTA.

This event was first published on April 10, 2025 and last updated on April 15, 2025.

Event Details