The International Food Policy Research Institute, which is based in Washington D.C., convened a workshop of 14 researchers from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. All these researchers deal with the linkages between health, food security, migration, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods and community development. Facilitated by the Sustainability Institute, the purpose of this workshop was to enable these African researchers to gain a deeper understanding of sustainability, and the implications for their own research. The discussions were wide ranging, touching on many of the most difficult challenges facing communities in Africa. Network relations were established and the Sustainability Institute was able to deepen and widen its networks in Africa.