Foro Global sobre Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (Foro FSN)

Este miembro contribuyó a:

    • Principples for responsible investments in agriculture.

      Comments from Aksel Naerstad, coordinator of the More and Better Network (www.moreandbetter.org)  and Senior policy advisor in the Development Fund (www.utviklingsfondet.no)

      These comments are made with inputs from discussions with members and nonmembers of the More and Better Network. The do not necessarily represent the views of all members of the network.  Many important points are raised in the regional consultations and by inputs from organizations and individuals. The comments and inputs below will only highlight a few important issues, not repeat most of the comments and inputs from others which we agree in.

      Some general comments

      It is very important to develop and get agreements on principles for responsible investments in agriculture. The principles should aim at

      Increasing responsible investments in  sustainable agriculture, with the primary focus to support the majority of the farmers and those who produce most of the food in the world – the small scale food producers.

      Guide all kind of investors in agriculture – farmers, governments, institutions and private investors – so they will invest in responsible ways  in sustainable agricultural production.

       Being a tool for governments, institutions and civil society to stop irresponsible investments, including investments in landgrabbing and in non-sustainable agriculture.

       

      The principles should focus on the small scale food producers, with a special focus on the role and needs for women.

      There should be underlined the need for clear public policies and actions for small scale farmers to enable them to invest in agroecological and other forms of sustainable food production.

      Agricultural production need to be sustainable. Investments in non-sustainable agriculture are not responsible investments. The principles need to be clear on this.

      Human rights need to be the base for the principles.  Food sovereignty which includes the right to food and farmers’ rights should be supported and promoted by the principles.

      ‘Do not harm’-approach should be included in the principples.

       

      1. Are all relevant issues and areas related to fostering responsible agricultural investments adequately addressed in the Zero Draft? If not, what should be changed?

      There is a need to clearly define  responsible investments.

      The central role of small scale food producers should be more clear in the principples.

      There should be a clear distinction between different kind of investors – farmers, governments, foundations, private investors …

      The draft focus too much on increasing production. Enough food is produced today to nourish more than 10 billion people. There is a need to focus in losses and waist, food used for other purposes (biofuel etc) and on the quality and nutrition of food – not only on the quantity.

      The multifunctioning role of agriculture should be underlined. Food production is the core, but agriculture plays a major role also when it comes to economy, employment, environment, health and culture.

       

      2. Are the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders clearly defined in order to facilitate implementation of the principles? If not, what should be changed?

      The role of women should be highlighted more.

      Local markets should be highlighted as the most important, then national markets. International markets play an important role in many contexts, but  less than 15 % of the food cross borders.

      There is a need to distinct more clear between different actors.

      The role of governments to provide public policies en create an enabling environment  for sustainable and responsible investments with a focus on the need of small scale food producers should be underlined.

      It might be good to make a reference to the CFS report and decisions on small scale farmers and investments.

      The role and responsibilities of governments to stop landgrabbing and investments in unsustainable agriculture should be clearly spelt out.

       

      3. Does the Zero Draft achieve the desired outcome to promote investments in agriculture that contributes to food security and supports the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security? If not, what should be changed?

      The different roles and responsibilities of different actors should be more clearly outlined.

      There should be clearly stated that sustainability and resilience of agricultural production systems is a clear goal and guidelines  for responsible investments.

      A clear emphasis should be put on the importance of investments in agroecological and other forms of sustainable agriculture.

       

      4. The principles are intended to provide practical guidance to stakeholders; therefore:

      • Are the current structure and language used clear and accessible for all relevant stakeholders to apply?

      The document will be more clear and accessible for all relevant stakeholders to apple if the the proposals and recommendations above are included in the principles.

      • What steps need to be taken for the CFS-RAI principles to be used and implemented by different stakeholders after endorsement by CFS?

      Inclusive national processes should be encouraged in all countries to implement the principles and to monitor how they are being implemented. 

      Government should regularly report to CFS on how the principles are implemented.

      International evaluation of the principles and the implementation should take place with participation of all stakeholders  every 3-5 years – and  whenever needed.

       

      Aksel Naerstad

      Senior policy adviser, The Development Fund, Norway (www.utviklingsfondet.no)

      International coordinator of the More and Better Network (www.moreandbetter.org)

      E-mail: [email protected]

      Mobile phone: +47 48 25 82 85

      Phone office: +47 23 10 96 00 / 23 10 95 91,

      Fax: +47 23 10 96 01

      Skype: akselnaerstad

      Postal address: Mariboes gate 8,N- 0183 Oslo, Norway,

       

    • Input to HLPE consultation on the V0 draft of the Report: Investing in smallholder agriculture for food and nutrition security

      From The Royal Norwegian Society for Development (Norges Vel), and The Development Fund (Utviklingsfondet), Norway.

      The document on Investing in smallholder  agriculture  for food and nutrition security is extremely timely and a precious contribution to the current approaches. It brings invaluable ideas, concepts and definitions which will greatly contribute to the work of those working in this field.

      The paper should be improved:  The document does not focus enough on investing per se and is too general in too many domains related to smallholder agriculture. Because of this the document looses power. Most of the recommendations are not for investing but for everything related to SMALLHOLDER agriculture.

      See the attachment for more comments and suggestions for improvements