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National processes shaping food systems transformations

Lessons from Costa Rica, Ireland and Rwanda









Costa Rica’s journey towards sustainable food systems – The processes and practices that made a difference

Rwanda's journey towards sustainable food systems – The processes and practices that made a difference

Ireland’s journey towards sustainable food systems – The processes and practices that made a difference

Last updated 25/08/2021


Guijt, J., Wigboldus, S., Brouwer, H., Roosendaal, L., Kelly, S. & Garcia-Campos, P. 2021. National processes shaping efforts to transform food systems – Lessons from Costa Rica, Ireland and Rwanda. Rome, FAO.




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    Book (stand-alone)
    Costa Rica’s journey towards sustainable food systems
    The processes and practices that made a difference
    2021
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    Governments and other food system actors from the private sector, civil society, research and education institutions are being called upon to work together to enhance the sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness of food systems. The analysis presented in this case study provides an insight into the process and direction of food system transformation, and the key capabilities required. It portrays the interplay of different internal and external dynamics combined with the capacity of food system actors to connect, forge alliances and commit to specific actions that has enabled Costa Rica to move towards a more sustainable food system. As a result, the sustainability debate has increasingly opened up, moving from a focus on environmental sustainability in food production towards a broader discussion encompassing nutrition and health.
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    Book (stand-alone)
    Rwanda's journey towards sustainable food systems
    The processes and practices that made a difference
    2021
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    Governments and other food system actors from the private sector, civil society, research and education institutions are being called upon to work together to enhance the sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness of food systems. This appraisal presents key lessons from food, agriculture and environment-related institutional mechanisms, programmes and policies in Rwanda, considered against the backdrop of the country’s agroecological conditions and relevant social, economic and political history. It also provides insights into trade-offs and tensions which involve a balancing act between strong leadership and meaningful participation, securing local food sovereignty and outward connectivity, intensifying and diversifying the (agricultural) economy, creating room for private sector entrepreneurship and providing central coordination – as well as a mindset focused on what is needed and possible.
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    Booklet
    Hand-In-Hand Initiative Lao People’s Democratic Republic concept note
    Unlocking the potential of agriculture to eradicate poverty and malnutrition
    2021
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    The Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HHI) was launched by the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, to help tackle the slow and negative trends in achieving the SDG targets, in particular the persistence of extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition. The evidence-based, country-led and country-owned Initiative seeks to accelerate agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development. It brings an innovative approach to partnering through match-making. It empowers countries and their partners through sophisticated data sharing and model-based analytics to improve the targeting of policies, innovation and investment. HIHI is an inclusive process that aims to build partnerships, alliances and synergies among public and private actors, as well as the international development partners for the goals of eradicating poverty and hunger and reducing inequalities. It will channel the required resources – technical, financial, institutional and human capital – to where they are needed the most and where the potential for reaching the SDG 1, SDG 2 and SDG 10 targets is greatest. On the occasion of the FAO Director-General’s visit to Lao PDR in March 2020, the HIHI was discussed as an opportunity to address key impediments to achieving the SDG1, SDG2 and SDG10. The Government of Lao PDR (GoL) suggested the HIHI be implemented in the emerging economic corridor along the China-Laos railway line. This key national infrastructure is expected to connect the country with the world’s largest market, China and other countries in ASEAN – the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. HIHI aims to enhance the capacity of previously isolated communities to effectively and sustainably take advantage of the emerging opportunities afforded by the railway. This note intends to highlight a general approach and process to address key impediments to achieving SDG 1, 2 and 10 targets in Lao PDR. It intends to generate support, partnership and engagement from a wide range of new and traditional partners such as the private sector, international agencies, resource partners and the target communities themselves. The proposed approach and framework are not a blueprint but rather a flexible mechanism that will adapt to emerging opportunities and partnerships, building synergies with relevant ongoing and planned initiatives.

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