Comments of James Kuhns, and Dr. Fiona Wallace
Thank you for a very comprehensive draft on an important and fast-changing subject.
The proposed framework gives policymakers a good overview of the intersection of FSN and urban food systems. The report could have given more examples of how policymakers can operationalize the framework. Some of the visuals are a bit messy (differing font sizes, odd layout). Figure 1.4 comes across clearly but the area with the arrows is not well explained. Some more detail should be added to the report to explain this part of the framework.
Figure 1.1 is quite useful in illustrating how critical policy elements impact various dimensions of food security. The discussion on the implications of this definition is very brief. A clear explanation of the differences between Sustainability (regenerative) and Stability (diverse & resilient) would be helpful. Is not resiliency also a critical element of sustainability?
If sustainability is being included in a broader definition- it needs to be clearly defined as to what is in scope. Does it mean sustainability of the food supply or sustainability of the environment- a formal definition could be added to indicate what ‘sustainability’ means. On page 68- sustainability is glossed over compared to the other attributes – more detail is required.
Some issues I believe warrant more coverage in the report. Although gender is mentioned in a few places in the report, I think it could be given more prominence. Especially, if you link it with social justice, which is largely missing in the draft report.
Section 3.1 which covers land inequality makes a few mentions of Indigenous views on land. There are many different Indigenous views concerning land. Some revision would be helpful. Also, the section on disabilities seems glossed over. In many parts of Canada, those that are on fixed incomes because of a disability are among the most food insecure. There is plentiful data from developed countries available on this issue.
The social protection section (6.5.3) needs more emphasis. In parts of the Global North, it is a core driver of food security, and it is under emphasized compared to other sections. The statements on the right to food section is well done! Overall, data and knowledge seem underrepresented, as without that you cannot get governments to do anything! The need for formal research, and funding for formal research needs more emphasizing.
Case studies to strengthen urban and peri-urban food systems
In 2021 Toronto (Canada), city council passed the Black Food Sovereignty Plan. The plan uses a human rights approach that recognizes the right to food, understands hunger as a problem of food governance, unequal distribution, and injustice.
The plan focuses on systems and is centred on the decision-making power of people to define how to access their culturally appropriate foods. Further, it puts local farmers and other food providers at the centre of the food system and highlights relationships between communities, nature, and sustainability. The plan can be seen as advancing The City of Toronto’s strategies and commitments, for example, Prosperity TO: Toronto Poverty, and the Resilience Strategy, among many others.
The report is structured with 5 thematic pillars:
- Sustainable funding & community capacity
- Access to growing space
- Accessible infrastructure
- Black food hubs and cultural markets
- Culturally rooted community health & nutrition programs
The pillars are accompanied by 45 recommendations, many of which specifically address enhancing agency.
Best wishes,
James Kuhns MSc, Lecturer, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
Fiona Wallace PhD, Nutrition Opportunities Worldwide, Toronto, Canada
Mr. James Kuhns