Risk Assessment Report
Date
2026-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
FARA
Abstract
This publication presents the Risk Assessment Report for the StEPPFoS project and establishes a comprehensive framework for identifying, analysing, monitoring, and mitigating risks that could affect the successful implementation of the project. The report provides the processes, procedures, governance structures, and management tools designed to support proactive risk management throughout the project lifecycle.
The document outlines the responsibilities of the Steering Committee, Work Package leaders, General Assembly, and consortium partners in managing project risks. It introduces a structured risk management procedure involving risk identification, qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, risk response planning, and continuous monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
The report further explains the use of probability-impact matrices, risk scoring systems, mitigation approaches, and contingency planning processes to support evidence-based decision-making and project governance. It emphasizes collaborative communication, stakeholder coordination, and adaptive management as critical components for ensuring project resilience and minimizing adverse impacts on project deliverables and objectives.
Description
This publication documents Deliverable D8.4 of the StEPPFoS project and provides the official Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework guiding the identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of risks associated with project implementation.
The report establishes procedures and governance mechanisms for managing operational, organizational, financial, technical, and partnership-related risks within the StEPPFoS consortium. It outlines policies and processes designed to minimize negative impacts on project objectives while supporting adaptive project coordination and decision-making.
The publication explains that risk management is treated as a continuous process throughout the project lifecycle, covering:
Risk identification
Risk analysis and assessment
Risk monitoring and control
Risk mitigation and contingency planning
Reporting and corrective action procedures
The report describes the governance structure supporting risk management, including the roles and responsibilities of:
Steering Committee (SC) Responsible for:
Strategic guidance and oversight
Monitoring consortium risks
Organizational, financial, and legal coordination
Risk endorsement and reporting to the European Commission
Coordination with Work Package leaders and project partners
Work Package Leaders Responsible for:
Identifying and reporting risks within their work packages
Monitoring deliverables and milestones
Implementing mitigation measures
Updating risk registers and reporting risks to project coordination
General Assembly Responsible for:
Oversight of consortium governance
Conflict resolution and strategic coordination
Ethical and operational supervision
Ensuring alignment with project objectives and principles
The publication outlines the iterative risk management procedure adopted by the consortium, including:
Risk identification by consortium partners
Risk assessment by Work Package leaders and project coordination
Escalation of major risks to the Steering Committee
Monitoring and updating of the risk register
Reporting to the European Commission where necessary
The report introduces a qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methodology based on probability and impact scoring systems. Risks are categorized according to:
Probability of occurrence
Severity of impact
Risk level classification using a colour-coded risk matrix
The publication further describes four major approaches to risk response planning:
Avoid – eliminating the threat or cause
Mitigate – reducing the probability or impact
Accept – acknowledging and monitoring the risk
Transfer – assigning responsibility to another party where possible
A risk matrix diagram on page 8 visually illustrates the project’s probability-impact classification system and defines response levels associated with green, yellow, and red risk zones.
The report also explains how the consortium will maintain:
A “Top 10 Risk List”
Risk registers and monitoring tools
Quarterly risk reviews during Steering Committee meetings
Continuous updates of mitigation and contingency plans
The appendices provide a SWOT-based Risk Management Tool template designed to support systematic identification of:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
The publication concludes that transparent communication, collaborative governance, continuous monitoring, and adaptive management are essential for maintaining project stability and ensuring the successful delivery of StEPPFoS objectives.
Keywords
Risk assessment, Risk management, Project governance, Monitoring and evaluation, Risk mitigation, Contingency planning, SWOT analysis, Project coordination, Horizon Europe, StEPPFoS, Steering Committee, Risk matrix, Consortium management, Project monitoring, Sustainable food systems
Citation
Onakuse, S., & Antwi, K. (2024). Risk Assessment Report (StEPPFoS Deliverable Report D8.4; FDN #66). Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).