Agrihouse Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, has been appointed Co-Director of the third edition of Rural Hack’s Food Systems 5.0 Summer School, scheduled to take place from September 3–5, 2025, in the picturesque Cilento region of Italy.
As Co-Director for the Food Systems 5.0 Summer School , she will play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s strategic direction, ensuring that its programs remain inclusive, practical, and globally relevant by creating dialogue spaces that inspire critical thinking, peer-to-peer learning, and actionable solutions bridging traditional knowledge with modern innovation to drive systemic change.
Her leadership will also seek to emphasize the integration of field experiences, technology-driven solutions, and culturally grounded approaches to addressing agrifood challenges. She will also guide participants in exploring the interconnected nature of agrifood systems while fostering collaboration among innovators, communicators, and rural stakeholders.
Recognizing Her Impact
Rural Hack’s Founder, Alex Giordano, praised Alberta’s appointment, describing it as recognition of her remarkable contributions to agriculture in Ghana and across Africa.
“Alberta’s appointment as Co-Director for the Food Systems Summer School is the result of her proven leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to the transformation of agrifood systems in Africa. Through Agrihouse Foundation, she has created initiatives that have not only empowered farmers but have also inspired a new generation of agripreneurs impacting rural communities, enhancing market access, and promoting sustainable practices.
As the 2023 AgriFood Prize winner, Alberta has demonstrated the vision and ability to bridge global perspectives with local realities. Her grassroots experience, coupled with her strategic foresight, will be invaluable in guiding participants to embrace complexity, communicate change, and design solutions that work in their unique contexts.”
He further described the partnership as a natural evolution of the Summer School’s mission:
“Bringing Alberta on board as Co-Director adds a depth of African perspective and grassroots innovation experience that is essential for the Summer School’s global ambition. Together, we aim to prepare participants to navigate complexity, embrace change, and lead transformative action in their communities and regions.”
Expressing her excitement about the appointment, Alberta said:“I am deeply honoured and truly excited to take up this role as Co-Director of the 2025 Food Systems 5.0 Summer School. This is a powerful opportunity to connect diverse voices from Africa, Europe, and beyond, and to shape a learning experience that is both transformational and practical.
”I look forward to guiding participants as we explore the complexity of our agrifood systems and work together to communicate the urgent transitions needed. My hope is that every participant leaves not only with new knowledge but with the clarity, courage, and connections to lead meaningful change in agrifood systems in their communities and across the globe.”
About Rural Hack and the Summer School
Rural Hack, the task force of SocietingLAB, is a laboratory dedicated to digital social innovation. It applies advanced technologies including data analytics, sensors, and digital tools—to enhance agricultural production while remaining rooted in the values of Made in Italy. Its mission is to create sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems by harmonizing traditional agricultural practices with modern innovations.
By championing digital literacy, agritech adoption, sustainability, and cultural preservation, Rural Hack empowers rural communities, small enterprises, students, and innovators to thrive during ecological and digital transitions.
The Food Systems 5.0 Summer School , Rural Hack’s flagship initiatives, brings together leaders, innovators, communicators, and stakeholders from across the globe to explore the complexity of agrifood systems, share solutions, and co-create strategies for sustainable transformation.
The 2025 edition will focus on two essential competencies for driving systemic change in agriculture and rural economies:
- Cultivating Complexity
- Communicating Transition
Over three days, participants will engage in field immersions, expert-led workshops, design thinking labs, and collaborative challenges, all designed to connect rural traditions with cutting-edge global innovations.