Hello Everyone,
Industrial planning is essential – but followed by action
Pre-amble
It is not often that FSN provides a second opportunity for covering much the same subject but, given that this is the International Year of Pulses, perhaps no surprise. Sure ‘innovation’ is what you make of it, but it conveniently provides a platform for all kinds of novelty and information exchange from a host of enthusiastic FSN networkers. We are, as many will know, the converted (and largely target each other in debates of this kind); here are the people who continue to promote, for example, the importance of choice of foods, focus upon (understanding) value chains that link producers to consumers, the importance of efficiency throughout the value chain, and waste reduction.
Notwithstanding the lack of quality statistics that help determine improve focus and investment within pulse/legume industries, everyone knows the background that helps with better understanding the socio-political-economic factors that currently impact food production and consumption. There are close on one billion people food insecure, another two billion malnourished, the tragedy of under-five deaths, insufficient focus upon nutrition for adolescent girls and pregnant women and, paradoxically, the estimated two billion obese people worldwide.
The value of vegetable proteins is well-understood by the FSN network, but not always by the wider population where pulses (and cereal staples) are frequently considered foods for the poor; the messages being that rising incomes provide a shift to more desirable and interesting foods derived from livestock – with the inherent risk of resource allocation, inefficient conversion ratios, competition for land, insufficient infrastructure and more. Issues become critical as more people worldwide shift to ‘western/modern’ diets.
This kind of summary was highlighted by the Global Panel (on agriculture & food systems for nutrition) in their report: ‘Food systems & diets’ published in September 2016. It’s a good read and available at: http://glopan.org/news/foresight-report-food-systems-and-diets.
Value chains
In my contribution in June 2016 I highlighted the value chain as a means of boosting the efficiency of production, and providing viable livelihoods for the many millions of small-scale producers involved. I used a study[1] undertaken earlier to promote the need for greater investment in the services required of producers. Insufficient qualified people, lack of infrastructure, weak producer organizations, slow industrial growth and poor politico-economic leadership in producer countries have led to marginalization of pulses/legumes and those who grow these crops.
Planning model
Sure, there is only so much that can be covered within a debate of this kind, but my contribution this time is to highlight the planning model developed in the report; and to encourage further scrutiny and application within low-income producer countries.
The model had two objectives: 1. Socio-economic investment – in skilled people, technologies, services, etc. that will boost the welfare of rural communities; and 2. Regional agro-industrial investment – in value chains, infrastructure, etc. that will provide for long-term development – more fresh & processed foods, improved diets, higher national earnings and more.
Choice of priority investment clearly rests with those involved with national management in the main food pulse/legume growing countries, those representing the different parts of the value chain and those providing external services. Frequently the regional context applies where basic foods are typically traded across national boundaries.
The model separated investment into eight sectors that impact upon national and/or regional production and consumption, and further sub-divided these into >20 sub-sectors where action could be taken.
Models always have a limited life – as key factors such as markets, access to new varieties, tipping points come into play and/or new technologies evolve - but models are also readily modified, and this helps provide clarity and stimulates thinking.
The model was developed from a study that explored the Southern Africa region. Given the impoverished nature of the majority people that live within the 10 focus countries a boost in investment for national food legume/pulses industries complies neatly with strategic pro-poor, pro-rural and pro-agricultural development planning that typically feature in all national five-year roll-over plans.
End note
Investment in food legume/pulse industries development represents a ‘win-win’ situation for everyone concerned – those in the national value chains, consumers in regional countries and those providing services. Food legumes/pulses are the most benign of foods - they hold a valuable and traditional role within food industries Africa-wide, and people are familiar with the foods that are produced. These foods are prepared in kitchens across the continent each day and, mixed with cereals, provide the sustenance required for work, school and play. Whether as beans, cowpeas, groundnuts or lentils, food legumes/pulses - quite literally - feed Africa protein.
Peter Steele
Agricultural Engineer
Melbourne, Australia
04 November 2016
[1] Steele, P.E. (2011). Southern Africa Region - Legumes and Pulses: Appraisal of the Prospects and Requirements for Improved Food Industry Value Addition and Technical Efficiency of the Regional Food Legumes Industry. FAO. Rome. Italy. (Unpublished).
Dr. Peter Steele