FARA, Agrinatura, EU2026-05-182026-05Onakuse, S., & Antwi, K. (2024). Risk Assessment Report (StEPPFoS Deliverable Report D8.4; FDN #66). Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).2550-9657https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14659/295This 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.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.enRisk assessmentRisk managementProject governanceMonitoring and evaluationRisk mitigationContingency planningSWOT analysisProject coordinationHorizon EuropeStEPPFoSSteering CommitteeRisk matrixConsortium managementProject monitoringSustainable food systemsOther