Abstract
A transformative research paradigm is rooted in knowledge mobilization processes involving close
collaboration between researchers and the community. The research presents the development of an
integrated, connected food ecosystem that, because of its fundamental design and use of appropriate,
smart technology, which tends to naturally create inclusion and prosperity opportunities for many and not
simply for the few. The research relies on multistakeholder
participation to develop appropriate
technologies to enhance economic activity amongst unemployed youths in Johannesburg, South Africa. A
humancentered,
systems engineering approach to develop a pilot project that promotes integrated,
online, technologically supported food system is presented. The research is also concerned with how to
measure the impact of the intervention the on food resilience as a result of urban farming. This paper
presents the systems analysis of the current local food network and the proposed integrated solutions for
a pilot project to establish a minimal viable project that can be tested. The research describes the
planning and implementation of a pilot project as a minimal viable product to test in the market.