Building resilient food systems - HLPE-FSN consultation on the scope of the report
During its 51st plenary session (23-27 October 2023), the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) adopted its four-year Programme of Work (MYPOW 2024-2027), which includes a request to its High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) to produce a report on “Building resilient food systems” to be presented at the 53rd plenary session of the CFS in October 2025.
The text of the CFS request, as included in the MYPOW, is as follows:
Global challenges to food security and nutrition, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, extreme weather events due to climate change, natural disasters, loss of biodiversity and land degradation, reveal structural vulnerabilities of agriculture and food systems. These shocks and stresses may disrupt food value chains and, when combined with other factors such as financial or economic crises, may lead to unaffordability and/or unavailability of healthy food. There are also deep inequalities and unsustainable practices in the current food distribution and marketing systems. There is wide recognition of the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of agriculture and food systems, and growing calls to improve their functioning so that they are able to respond to current and future challenges, seeking to diversify sources of inputs, production, markets, supply chain and actors, supporting the creation of small and medium-sized companies, cooperatives, consortiums and other groups to maintain diversity in the agriculture and food value chains. Given the increased frequency of shocks to agriculture and food systems in recent years and the growing risks from a range of sources, it is imperative to explore more deeply how they can be made more resilient – that is, more capable of recovering, adapting and transforming in the face of shocks – as well as more equitable and sustainable, so that they are able to support all dimensions of food security. Understanding the different types of vulnerabilities of agriculture and food systems, and their implications for the different actors involved, will enable CFS to provide a space for exchange and convergence on the policy measures needed to enhance the resilience of local, regional and global food supply chains, including consideration of inclusive and equitable employment opportunities, the role of trade, environmental sustainability, access to healthy diets and human rights.
Objectives and expected outcomes: The objective of the workstream is to create a set of focused, action-oriented policy recommendations on “Building resilient food systems” as a key means of achieving the CFS vision, SDG2, and an array of other SDGs, including SDGs SDG 8, 10, 12, 14 and 15, as a result of the contribution that agriculture and food systems make to livelihoods and natural systems. The workstream will benefit from the findings and recommendations of an HLPE-FSN report on the topic.
To respond to the CFS request, the HLPE-FSN will develop the report “Building resilient food systems”, which will provide recommendations to the CFS workstream of the same title under the focus area: “Fostering resilience of agriculture and food systems to shocks and stresses”. The HLPE-FSN has drafted the scope of the report and seek for the feedback from stakeholders.
Draft scope of the HLPE-FSN report
Food systems have become increasingly complex in recent decades, characterized by growing cross-border trade in food products organized along “just-in-time” distribution systems and the reliance on millions of food system workers to supply inputs and produce, process, move, market and prepare food along the way to its ultimate destination. Different components of food systems have different degrees of vulnerability and resilience to different types of shocks, depending on their characteristics. For example, food supply chains depend on well-functioning transportation networks (Colon et al., 2021), require vast quantities of land, water and fossil fuel energy (Taherzadeh et al., 2021), and rely on regulations to ensure safety and quality (Machado Nardi et al., 2020). In the case of globally oriented food supply chains, these rely on predictable channels of international trade, enabled by globally agreed rules. Domestic food supply chains require robust local and regional infrastructure for inputs, production, stockholding, processing, distribution and marketing. Food supply chains can become strained when any one of the multiple and interconnected factors required for their proper operation is affected negatively. The risks associated with disruptions and existing inequities in these systems can be multiplied when food supply chains rigidly rely exclusively on global or local supplies and labour, or when there are multiple shocks affecting food systems simultaneously (FAO, 2021a). It is important to recognize that food supply chain dynamics are also highly context specific, with unique structures and organization in different regions and countries (Nchanji and Lutomia, 2021).
According to the HLPE-FSN 3rd Note on critical, emerging and enduring issues (2022), these types of shocks have the potential to negatively impact multiple dimensions of food security and nutrition. The 2020 HLPE-FSN report states that we must urgently seize the moment to fundamentally transform food systems and to rebalance priorities to ensure that all people are food secure at all times. The call to action of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (2021) focused on five objectives, one of which is building resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks[1] and stresses[2].
This growing awareness of the impact of shocks on food systems and FSN, and the need to enhance resilience of food systems needs stronger conceptual framing and actionable policy recommendations. The HLPE-FSN report will propose a framework for better understanding resilience in the context of food systems and FSN, and consequently for approaching resilience planning. It will review countries’ experiences in creating more resilient food systems, especially with the objective to identify innovations that can enhance resilience and the policies needed to realize this potential.
This report “Building resilient food systems” will be framed by conceptual understandings and analysis of previous HLPE-FSN reports, especially concerning food systems, the focus on the right to food, and the six dimensions of food security. The report will consider shocks of multiple origins that hit countries often already structurally affected by climate change and other stressing social, political or economic factors. In such contexts, the report will identify how a country can best prepare to unforeseen shocks, while preserving sustainability. The report will identify the food systems’ activities, actors and population groups particularly at risk in protracted crises, whilst prioritizing food security and nutrition outcomes.
Resilience is a systemic and complex topic. It varies across regions, changes according to scale, and may involve trade-offs where the same policies that create resilience in one dimension (e.g. environmental) may have shortcomings in another (e.g. access to food).
The HLPE-FSN reports will investigate numerous dimensions of resilience, including the extent to which individual and household food security and nutrition are resilient based on human and financial resources. Families with abundant human and financial resources may be better able to maintain nutritious diets despite shocks(Stringer et al., 2019), but wealth does not always translate in better nutrition, as access, education and awareness have a great impact on consumers’ choices (Popkin, B. M., 2002)
Second, the resilience of food production must also be evaluated based on agroecological factors at the primary production level. Farms, animal production, fisheries and other agricultural production with abundant biodiversity, healthy soils, water, and landscape heterogeneity are often more resilient than intensive systems during shocks and crises, such as droughts or pest outbreaks. The literature suggests that such systems can recover faster after a shock. Therefore, interventions supporting agronomic practices that boost agroecological health can build resiliency.
A third key element of resilience that should be considered is community resilience, which can be enhanced by social capital and networks, civil society and infrastructure. Communities with well-developed social networks and inclusive infrastructure, functioning civil society organizations, lower crime rates, higher participation in public life and decision making, and better access to services may mobilize collective responses to shocks and thus maintain integrity of food systems even during crises (Fraser, E.D., 2006).
Fourth, the resilience of food supply chains in their entirety must be considered (Davis et al., 2021). Efficient and smooth-running supply chains are a vital part of a functioning food system, yet they can easily get disrupted at the onset of a shock, as it has happened in conjunction with COVID-19 and the restrictive policies enforced to contain the pandemic. In addition, food transportation, processing, packaging and retail are a vital source of economic opportunity and livelihoods for millions. Understanding the resilience of supply chains, therefore, is a critical aspect of understanding food system resilience.
A fifth important element in any resilience framework is linked to the institutional resilience of state/local governments. States, local authorities and other institutions that can provide safety nets, early warning systems and good governance offer greater resilience to citizens and are better able to timely implement effective responses when crises emerge.
In the face of the growing frequency and intensity of shocks, making food systems more resilient, as well as more equitable and sustainable, is essential for FSN. Potential measures to improve the functioning of the supply chain include: encouraging greater diversity at all stages of food production, processing, trade and retail, allowing for a better balance between food supply chains at global, regional and local levels, to reduce overreliance on a single food supply channel; promoting shorter supply chains that support local producers; making supply chains more inclusive by creating more equitable employment and income opportunities; finding innovative means of connecting input suppliers to producers and producers to processors and traders, including through widely accessible digital technologies; instituting more effective measures to ensure environmental sustainability at all points along food systems from production to consumption; increasing the transparency of input and output markets and developing international agricultural trade rules that support resilient food systems; strengthening infrastructure to support supply chains at multiple scales, including the local and regional level; strengthening food environments so that they become more resilient and can play a role in mitigating the impact of shocks on access to food; and adopting more coherent policies that support measures for improving food systems’ resilience.
Understanding the different types of vulnerabilities of agriculture and food systems, and their implications for the different actors involved, will set the stage for the CFS to be a catalyst for exchange and convergence on the policy measures needed to enhance the resilience of local, regional and global food systems, including adequate consideration of inclusive and just employment opportunities, the role of trade, environmental sustainability, access to affordable healthy diets and equitable food environments, underpinned by the realization of human rights.
QUESTIONS TO GUIDE THE E-CONSULTATION
ON THE SCOPE OF THE HLPE-FSN REPORT
Based on this framing, in this consultation we seek inputs to the following thematic areas:
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Different ways of defining resilience :
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Understanding what we must be prepared for – the nature of shocks:
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Understanding and mitigating trade-offs:
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Existing programmes and policies to promote resilience – a gap analysis of current strategies and recommendations:
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| 5. | Share recent literature, case studies and data that could help answer the questions listed above. |
The results of this consultation will be used by the HLPE-FSN to elaborate the report, which will then be made public in its V0 draft for e-consultation, and later submitted to peer review, before finalization and approval by the HLPE-FSN drafting team and the Steering Committee.
We thank in advance all the contributors for reading, commenting and providing inputs on the scope of this HLPE-FSN report. The comments are welcome in English, French and Spanish languages.
This e-consultation is open until 17 June 2024.
The HLPE-FSN looks forward to a rich consultation!
Co-facilitators:
Paola Termine, HLPE-FSN Coordinator ad interim, HLPE-FSN Secretariat
Silvia Meiattini, Communications and outreach specialist, HLPE-FSN Secretariat
Please note that in parallel to this scoping consultation, the HLPE-FSN is calling for interested experts to candidate to the drafting team for this report. The call for candidature is open until 12 June 2024. Read more here
References
Colon, C., Hallegate, S. & Rozenberg, J. 2021. Criticality analysis of a country’s transport network via an agent-based supply chain model. Nature Sustainability, 4: 209-215.
Committee on World Food Security (CFS) (2023). CFS Multi-Year Programme of Work 2024-2027. CFS 2023/51/7.
Davis, K. F., Downs, S., & Gephart, J. A. (2021). Towards food supply chain resilience to environmental shocks. Nature Food, 2(1), 54-65.
FAO. 2021a. The State of Food and Agriculture 2021. Making agrifood systems more resilient to shocks and stresses. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/ cb4476en
Fraser, E. D. (2006). Food system vulnerability: Using past famines to help understand how food systems.
HLPE. 2022. Critical, emerging and enduring issues for food security and nutrition. A note by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security. Rome.
Machado Nardi, V. A., Auler, D. P., & Teixeira, R. 2020. Food safety in global supply chains: A literature review. Journal of Food Science, 85(4): 883-891.
Matsushita, K., Yamane, F., & Asano, K. (2016). Linkage between crop diversity and agro-ecosystem resilience: Nonmonotonic agricultural response under alternate regimes. Ecological Economics, 126, 23-31.
Nchanji, E.B. & Lutomia, C.K. 2021. Sustainability of the agri-food supply chain amidst the pandemic: Diversification, local input production, and consumer behaviour. In: Cohen, M.J., ed. Advances in Food Security and Sustainability, 6: 1-288. https:// hdl.handle.net/10568/115941
Popkin, B. M. (2002). The dynamics of the dietary transition in the developing world. In The Nutrition Transition (pp. 111-128). Academic Press.
Stringer, L., Fraser, E., Harris, D., Lyon, C., Pereira, L., Ward, C., & Simelton, E. (2019). Adaptation and development pathways for different types of farmers: key messages.
Taherzadeh, O., Bithell, M. & Richards, K. 2021. Water, energy and land insecurity in global supply chains. Global Environmental Change, 67: 102158.
United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021. Secretary-General’s Chair Summary and Statement of Action on the UN Food Systems Summit https://www.un.org/en/food-systems-summit/news/making-food-systems-work-people-planet-and-prosperity
[1] FAO defines Shocks as “Short-term deviations from long-term trends that have substantial negative effects on a system, people’s state of well-being, assets, livelihoods, safety and ability to withstand future shocks. Shocks impacting on food systems include disasters, extreme climate events, biological and technological events, surges in plant and animal diseases and pests, socio-economic crises and conflicts. Shocks may be covariate or idiosyncratic.” SOFA 2021, https://www.fao.org/3/cb4476en/cb4476en.pdf
[2] FAO defines Stresses as Long-term trends or pressures that undermine the stability of a system and increase vulnerability within it. Stresses can result from natural resource degradation, urbanization, demographic pressure, climate variability, political instability or economic decline. SOFA 2021, https://www.fao.org/3/cb4476en/cb4476en.pdf
Topics
- Read 12 contributions
Mr. Julio Prudencio
1. Diferentes formas de definir la resiliencia
- Como definen la resiliencia los…
. En términos generales, los Pueblos Indígenas (PI) definen la resiliencia como la capacidad de afrontar los desastres naturales en base a la solidaridad; a las tradiciones y costumbres de sus ancestros; en base a la amplia participación y a la cultura de cada uno de los PI.
- Cuales las principales vulnerabilidades que enfrentan los PI…
. Los diferentes riesgos político sociales; que se manifiestan, por ejemplo, en los bloqueos de carreteras, paro de transportistas, cerco de poblados, entre otros.
. Los desastres climatológicos: sequía, lluvias torrenciales y a destiempo; inundaciones, desmoronamiento de cerros, inhabilitación de carreteras.
. Problemas económicos como el alza de precios de los productos, la especulación/ocultamiento de productos; el desabastecimiento de materias primas.
- Que marcos de resiliencia existen..
Las tradiciones y costumbres varían de una zona ecológica a otra; y también de un Pueblo Indígena a otro (según sus usos, su cultura…)
- Como medir y/o evaluar la resiliencia…
Determinando claramente los indicadores que pueden variar de una región a otra; o de un PI a otro.
- Que indicadores medirían la resiliencia de los sistemas alimentarios…
En el consumo=Diversificación de los alimentos consumidos
Cantidad de alimentos consumidos por miembro familiar
En la cadena de suministros= el intercambio de alimentos entre poblados
= mayor o menor incorporación al mercado
= formas de incorporarse al mercado
En la producción= Diversificación productiva
- Cuales los puntos débiles de los sistemas alimentarios..
Los puntos débiles son los precios de los alimentos básicos que son determinados por las Empresas Transnacionales que controlan los mercados internacionales haciendo subir o bajar los precios según sus intereses.
A nivel interno de cada país, la especulación/ocultamiento de los alimentos por parte de individuos que lucran con su capital.
2. Comprender para qué debemos estar preparados: la naturaleza de las crisis…
Que tipos de crisis…..
- Las crisis económicas en las que la inflación económica hace incrementar los precios de los alimentos básicos y las materias primas; y el Estado no tiene capacidad de controlar los precios ni el abastecimiento de alimentos y tampoco la distribución de éstos a las poblaciones vulnerables.
- Las crisis generadas por los desastres naturales y el cambio climático, lo que incide en la producción, sobre todo; y también en el transporte/distribución de los alimentos.
- Las crisis generadas por el uso de una tecnología inadecuada a determinado tipo de suelos (Uso de tractores inmensos que destrozan los suelos por su magnitud, quitando todos los nutrientes al suelo; o derrumbando pequeñas colinas que generan microclimas)
Uso de suelos no agrícolas cultivando productos agrícolas (suelos de tipo forestal con cultivos agrícolas)
Uso intensivo de agroquímicos contaminando el suelo, el aire, la tierra, los ríos, matando la biodiversidad e inclusive dañando la salud humana.
- Existen formas de mejorar la resiliencia ante crisis desconocidas…..
Sí, a través de la creación de una Empresa Estatal como el caso de EMAPA/Bolivia por ejemplo, que interviene en el sistema alimentario abasteciendo de materias primas y/o alimentos cuando escasean en el mercado; regulando precios máximos de venta a través de sus reservas de alimentos; a través de la venta directa al consumidor a precios establecidos; interviniendo cuando hay especulación; apoyando directamente la producción de productos básicos; invirtiendo en centros de procesamiento de alimentos o inclusive importando directamente alimentos, entre otros.
Este tipo de empresas deben ser estrictamente técnicas y no de uso político, canalizando subvenciones e inversiones pero a productos esenciales del sistema alimentario, y con tiempos limitados para no crear ineficiencia y déficits económicos.
3. Comprender y mitigar las compensaciones
4. Programas y políticas existentes para promover la resiliencia: un análisis de brechas de las estrategias y recomendaciones actuales:
- Existen asociaciones/iniciativas actuales que hagan ..…
Existen iniciativas productivas llevadas a cabo por algunas ONGs/proyectos de la sociedad civil que están demostrando que la Agricultura de Conservación complementada con la producción agroecológica constituyen las mejores prácticas contra la crisis, generando mayor resistencia.
La lección aprendida es que se conservan más los recursos productivos (tierra, agua, biodiversidad) y se incrementan los rendimientos productivos sin aumentar la superficie cultivada; sin deforestar, sin destruir plantas no forestales.
- Que tipo de cambios de políticas se necesitan…
Se necesita que cambien los Programas de Desarrollo/Políticas Públicas de fomento a las exportaciones (aquellos programas de exportaciones -soya transgénica; palma africana; carne vacuna; oro, entre otros - que corresponden a un modelo extractivista que está destrozando irreversiblemente los recursos productivos y no es sostenible en el tiempo; que no duda en incendiar la Amazonía ni contaminar los ríos con mercurio y con todo tipo de agroquímicos) por Programas y Políticas de Seguridad Alimentaria Nutricional; programas de soberanía alimentaria; de protección de los recursos naturales y productivos sostenibles, generando alimentos sanos y limpios.
Se necesita que se establezcan políticas de consumo adecuado de alimentos sanos y nutritivos, en base al fomento a la producción interna diversificada y hábitos de consumo adecuados (no fritos); establecer limites a las importaciones de alimentos chatarra “preparados” (medidas en el comercio global) que causan sobrepeso y obesidad.
- El Estado debe establecer Políticas Públicas más adecuadas para reconstruir los sistemas alimentarios más resilientes considerando:
. Políticas de subvenciones hacia el fomento y protección de los productos básicos de procedencia interna; hacia los sistemas Agroforestales establecidos en cada región (sobre todo en la Amazonía y el Chaco en América Latina) subsidiando a las familias de los Pueblos Indígenas que protegen el medio ambiente, cuidan la foresta, la biodiversidad, las plantas no maderables e implementan la diversificación productiva (agrícola, ganadera, forestal, plantas no maderables, piscícola)
. Políticas de inversión y apoyo a la agricultura familiar campesina para mejorar su infraestructura productiva (silos, plantas de transformación/procesamiento de productos); mejoramiento de las tierras (dotándolas de más nutrientes); dotación de agua de riego; tecnología adecuada.
. Políticas de mayor capacitación y enseñanza a los agricultores; con técnicos especialistas de campo; con un seguimiento y asesoramiento continuo en el uso de tecnología adecuada; en gestión/administración; en técnicas productivas; en uso de insumos; en creación de bancos de semillas (resguardo/intercambio) entre otros.
. Políticas de créditos y dotación de capital en condiciones accesibles a la economía familiar; apoyando la creación de emprendimientos productivos agroalimentarios.
. Sistemas de información para todos los productores en términos de precios de venta de los alimentos en los principales mercados; costos de producción determinando los costos ocultos; demanda de productos y oferta entre otros, para regular el mercado de alimentos.
. Se debe apoyar la producción y diversificación de semillas de la agricultura familiar y su diversificación, resguardo, investigación constante; sus adecuados resultados ante las variaciones climáticas, impidiendo la privatización de este recurso y conocimiento de los Pueblos Indígenas.
5. Comparta literatura reciente, estudios de casos y datos que podrían ayudar a responder las preguntas enumeradas anteriormente.
Todos las investigaciones siguientes en https://Julioprudencio.com
- Las subvenciones a los productos alimenticios (2024)
- Estrategia Nacional de Desarrollo de la Agricultura Familiar Sustentable (2020)
- Planteamientos para la elaboración de una política pública para el desarrollo sostenible de la agricultura
- L'Agriculture paysanne indigène dans les Andes face au changement climatique
I was responsible for the design, initiation, supervision and development of farmers in the UK which composted municipal and industrial wastes on a variety of scales from 1000 tonnes pa to 125,000 tones per annum, for recycling by composting for use on their own land. The effect on crop production took time to build the SOM (soil organic matter) but heavy dressings did reduce drought stress, cultivation energy and crop disease, and did increase crop yield and consistency., while reducing, and in some cases eliminating purchase of manufactured fertilisers. So - this is Closing the Loop and potentially eliminating the purchase and use of manufactured N fertiliser and the energy (and CO") involved in that production. This group was set up on a Reverse Franchise basis, i.e. the franchisees owned the franchisors and it was the professionals in the centre who took the legal responsibility which enabled small farmers to co-operate on big projectswithout risk to their sovereignty over their own land.
I am now working in collaboration with NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany, University of Cambridge, UK) on again looking to eliminate the purchase and use of manufactured fertilisers by using MNPs ()micro and nano plastics).
Now working on trials with NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany, University of Cambridge, UK) on using MNP’s (micro and nano plastics) which contain Nitrogen nutrient with the objective of managing MNPs and using them as fertilisers instead of manufactured N which, of course, takes very significant energy in manufacture. There are also implications for managing MNP’s which do not have N in the molecule.
Here is my submission to the HLPE-FSN of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS).who are preparing a report on "Building resilient food systems - HLPE-FSN consultation on the scope of the report"
My response to "Share recent literature, case studies and data that could help answer the questions listed". "What gaps are there in the current portfolio of country adaptation / resilience policies?"
FAO African food security country adaptation/ resilience policy experts may want to address the biodiversity and food security policy gaps identified in the following article. “The New Colonialist Food Economy - How Bill Gates and agribusiness giants are throttling small farmers in Africa and the Global South” at https://www.thenation.com/article/world/new-colonialist-food-economy/
We are promoting the use of the Three Sisters Gardening for resilient food systems in Cameroon. Three Sisters Gardening involves planting corn/sunflowers, squash/pumpkin, and bean seeds together in a mound of dirt. The plants work together symbiotically. Beans provide nitrogen for the soil, corn/sunflowers serve as trellises for beans, and squash protects both plants from invasive weeds and pests. The plants work together to make growing a bountiful harvest easier. This is how Native Americans provided food security in the past.
There are two types of Three Sisters Gardening Seed Kits that can be used in Cameroon. One type uses the hybrid field corn, hybrid pole field beans (DOR-701), and hybrid pumpkins or hybrid watermelons that are currently available in Cameroon. The other type of Three Sisters Garden Food Security Seed Kits uses non-hybrid sweet corn, non-hybrid green pole beans, and non-hybrid squash (such as Waltham Butternut or Yellow Crookneck) seeds that are commonly used by gardeners and Native Americans in the USA. Here are some websites that describe how Native Americans used this technique for food security and income:
· The Three Sisters: A Lesson in Sustainable Architecture https://www.transformationholdings.com/agriculture/three-sisters-sustainable-agriculture/
· Growing Native American Heritage: The Three Sisters https://www.farmproject.org/blog/2016/3/31/growing-native-american-heritage-the-three-sisters
· Companion planting is key to food security https://www.renature.co/articles/companion-planting-is-key-to-food-security/
· Native American Gardening https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/home_and_garden/native-american-gardening/article_283dd7de-e8f7-11e8-a239-67504cd77f0a.html
· The Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash How to Plant a Three Sisters Garden https://www.almanac.com/content/three-sisters-corn-bean-and-squash
· “Northern Cheyenne nonprofit builds gardens to fight hunger” https://billingsgazette.com/news/local/northern-cheyenne-nonprofit-builds-gardens-to-fight-hunger/article_55bf161d-e5da-5bd3-a3ea-42f53f96311f.html
We can only test the hybrid version of Three Sisters Garden Food Security Seed Kits in Cameroon. We would like Cameroon youth to test both the hybrid and non-hybrid version of Three Sisters Collection. It is possible that Cameroon youth will prefer the hybrid version because it may be more resilient to plant diseases and insect pests. They may prefer the non-hybrid version because the seeds can be saved for use in subsequent years and because they will have a unique cash crop that they may be able to sell for more money.
The selection of crops for each Cameroon Province will be reviewed by the Cameroon government. It is expected that some changes will be made because of the different agriculture growing conditions in each Region.
I can't get the non-hybrid seed supplies I need to help small farmers in Cameroon and most other African countries (except South Africa). Initially I noted that most African countries have a very limited number of seed suppliers and that these seed suppliers sold a very limited number of products. I also was told by the Botswana embassy personnel that they wanted to use only non-GMO seeds.
After a little investigation I determined that African countries sell most of their vegetables in the European market and Europeans wanted to buy only non-GMO products. Botswana embassy personnel noted that it is very difficult to distinguish between a GMO seed product and a non-GMO seed product. Most African countries limit the number of seed companies in their country and limit the import of seeds into their country to ensure that they are selling only non-GMO products.
It also is very difficult and expensive to get an Import Permit to import seeds into an African country even when you are importing seeds that have been declared to be non-GMO by a US grower such as those at Seed Saver Exchange. I must use only the seeds that are available unless I want to spend more than two years to get the proper Import Permit and Phytosanitary certification. I may need to wait a few years to obtain non-GMO, non-hybrid green pole bean seeds or non-GMO, non-hybrid corn seeds with strong stalks if I am lucky. These non-hybrid seeds are very common in other parts of the world including Europe. More information on this problem is available for FAO food security experts in the following article. “The New Colonialist Food Economy - How Bill Gates and agribusiness giants are throttling small farmers in Africa and the Global South” at https://www.thenation.com/article/world/new-colonialist-food-economy/
More information on how strict import requirements are inhibiting emerging technologies and innovations in Africa agrifood systems are described here
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14735903.2023.2210005 and https://www.thenation.com/article/world/new-colonialist-food-economy/
The FAO the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) needs to review the seed policies that they have recommended to African countries. The following new projects can change this situation in Cameroon:
· Cameroon, FAO sign $2.7mln deal to support smallholder farmers https://www.businessincameroon.com/agriculture/2304-13775-cameroon-fao-sign-2-7mln-deal-to-support-smallholder-farmers
· OCP Africa renews commitment to Cameroon’s agricultural sector https://www.businessincameroon.com/agriculture/2702-13647-ocp-africa-renews-commitment-to-cameroon-s-agricultural-sector
· Cameroon invests CFA10.5bn to boost rural food security https://www.businessincameroon.com/agriculture/1812-13570-cameroon-invests-cfa10-5bn-to-boost-rural-food-security
· Cameroon govt sets CFA22bn+ food security fund for 2024 https://www.businessincameroon.com/public-management/1001-13587-cameroon-govt-sets-cfa22bn-food-security-fund-for-202
· Ngoulemakong inaugurates first of eight cassava processing plants in 2024 initiative https://www.businessincameroon.com/agriculture/1801-13600-ngoulemakong-inaugurates-first-of-eight-cassava-processing-plants-in-2024-initiative
The files that I attached show how we are using the small farm concepts developed by Dr Booker T Whatley in Cameroon
- Use of the Whatley Small Farm Plan Concepts in Cameroon
- Breadfruit Trees as a Cash Crop In Cameroon
- Cassava as a Cash Crop in Cameroon
- Providing Cameroon Youth with a Premium Food Security Educational Opportunity
The concepts that we are using in Cameroon can be applied to the situation in Gaza. We are suggesting that Cameroon use the Asian Approach to Economic Development that was used successfully by Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, China and at least five other countries in Asia. The first (of three) steps in the Asian Approach to Economic Development plan is to improve the livelihood of small farmers in Gaza so that the farmers will have food security and the ability to make a living. The Israel government and Gaza leadership will use the small farm concepts developed by Dr. Booker T Whatley. Dr. Whatley's small farm concepts were used to lift many small farmers in the southern parts of the US out of poverty. It was particularly successful for black farmers who had small farms. Israel should expect many international government agencies and NGOs will support a Gaza Peace Plan by providing the agriculture equipment and supplies that will ensure that the Gaza farmers will be successful in their food security efforts. See https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/small-farm-plan-zmaz82mjzkin/ and https://www.gatesnotes.com/How-Asia-Works
Different ways of defining resilience
Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations:
Holistic Balance: Resilience is defined in a holistic manner, focusing on the balance between people, the environment, and cultural practices. It emphasizes sustainability, community solidarity, traditional knowledge, and the ability to adapt to environmental changes while maintaining cultural identity.
Other key rights holders:
Human rights and equity focus: For human rights organizations, resilience includes ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities, protecting human rights, and reducing vulnerabilities across different population segments.
Types of vulnerabilities facing food supply chains
- Climate change and extreme weather events
- Economic and financial crises
- Social and political instability
- Pandemics and health crises:
Inequities and power imbalances in food systems; Large corporations often dominate food production and distribution, marginalizing small-scale farmers and producers. In addition, inequities in access to land, water, and financing disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, women, and marginalized communities. To add on workers in the food system, especially in developing countries, often face poor working conditions and low wages.
Resilience frameworks to explore
1. Socio-ecological resilience framework focuses on the interplay between social systems and ecological systems, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and community-based resource management.
2. Community resilience framework highlights the role of social networks, inclusive infrastructure, and civil society organizations in building resilience at the community level.
3. Food system resilience framework addresses the entire food supply chain, from production to consumption, considering diverse factors like environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social equity.
Weak points in global food systems include;
- Over-reliance on single supply channels
- Lack of local infrastructure hinders the ability to support local production and distribution.
- Inequitable access to resources disproportionately affects marginalized groups, reducing overall resilience.
Understanding and mitigating trade-offs in shocks
1. Adaptation vs. Fragility; Enhancing resilience to one type of shock (e.g., droughts) may create vulnerabilities to another (e.g., floods). Balance and holistic approaches are needed.
2. Impact on resilience programming; Different understandings of food security (e.g., focusing on nutrition vs. the four pillars) can influence the design and effectiveness of resilience programs.
In my opinion, advancing the economic and social regeneration theory and practice could have a role on the resilience. Therefore, this report should eye on it.
When we talk about food security and resilience, we need to focus on climate change in different dimensions. So in this atmosphere all definitions and actions would be meaningful.
https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/fulltext/journalArticle/How-much-land-based-greenhouse-gas-mitigation/991005544501007891?repId=12136417270007891&mId=13137057580007891&institution=61MUN_INST
How much land‐based greenhouse gas mitigation can be achieved without compromising food security and environmental goals?
http://lfccsandclimatechange.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/140099415/Book%20Chapter1_%20CC%20%26%20FS.pdf
Climate Change and Food Security: a Glance at Principles and a Strategic Road Map
Dr. Zeynab Jouzi
Important, Yet Overlooked Theme: The Vital Role of Small-Scale Farmers in Developing Countries in Building Resilient Food Systems
Small-scale farmers in developing countries are crucial to building resilient food systems. As primary food producers globally, they paradoxically suffer from poverty and food insecurity. Conventional agriculture has failed to meet their needs, but promising alternatives are available. For instance, a comprehensive study on small-scale farmers and organic farming in developing countries demonstrates that organic farming, which is based on natural systems, can significantly increase resilience in both farming practices and the livelihoods of smallholders who are vulnerable to food insecurity.
Given the pivotal role that small-scale farmers play, it is crucial to recognize and address their unique challenges and opportunities. This thematic area deserves specific focus in the current draft as it highlights an often-overlooked segment of the agricultural community that holds the key to sustainable and resilient food systems. Without targeted attention to small-scale farmers, efforts to create robust food systems may fall short, perpetuating cycles of poverty and food insecurity.
Therefore, incorporating a dedicated section on the small-scale farmers will not only enhance the comprehensiveness of the draft but also align with global goals of sustainability and equitable development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Regarding mainly these two questions:
"What are the main types of vulnerabilities facing food supply chains and what are the potential consequences for food system actors (including input suppliers, food producers, traders, food system workers and consumers), considering different kinds of potential shocks?
What kind of inequities and power imbalances are present in food systems and how do they affect resilient FSN and especially for those groups facing multidimensional and intersectional aspects of inequality and vulnerability?"
I would like to raise the topic of gender differences in food systems. Differences related to gender (but most times in intersection with other axes of possible discrimination) have been found in all stages of the food system, and I believe it is relevant to mention them explicitly to make sure they don't remain invisible.
Gender disaggregated data should be collected to make such differences more visible, but after data is available, a further step to operationalize actions that address them is needed. This step is however impossible without the data.
It is also very relevant to act in a twofold way on gender equality: from one side, women have traditionally been more in charge of household nutrition and often their education and empowerment is related to a more food secure household. From the other side, though, it is important to implement a process of co-responsabilization to make sure this task (which is unpaid and often unrecognized, but still a type of work) stops weighting so disproportionately on women's shoulders, and that the objective of more food secure households does not become (or remain) a mostly feminine responsibility.
Literature on this is vast, I will only cite some examples:
P. Allen, and C. Sachs. 2007. “Women and Food Chains: The Gendered Politics of Food.” International Journal of Sociology of Agriculture and Food 1–23.
A. V. Avakian, B. Haber, Feminist Food Studies: A Brief History, 2005.
C. Bergonzini, "Just food transition: For a gender mainstreaming approach in urban food policies. A review of 20 cities", Cities, 148, 2024.
M. L. DeVault, Feeding the Family: The Social Organization of Caring as Gendered Work, University of Chicago Press, 1994.
J. Halliday, D. Joshi, L. Young, and R. van Veenhuizen. 2020. "Gender in Urban Food Systems". 37. Urban Agriculture Magazine. RUAF.
OECD (2022) Gender and food systems: overcoming evidence gaps. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/publications/gender-and-food-systems-355ba4ee-en.h…;
Need to address the local scale
The scale matters. The resilience of Agriculture and Food systems looks very different if we compare household, community or national level, as the socio-economic and political and cultural-historic realities are very different according to the perspective taken.
I miss the local level, as being situated between the community and national level. This local scale, including local governments (communes), indigenous peoples and cultures, local authorities and leadership, concrete agroecological settings, knowledgeable private sector knowing the concrete business opportunities, local markets and its (untapped) potentials, infrastructures and particularly concrete agency with concrete and interlinked actors (both individual and collective) could be the most relevant scale if it comes to resilience building (but also when dealing with developing potentials and increasing system performance related to food systems).
This missing perspective looking at the local scale as defined here (between communities and national scale) is one of the weakest points in the current global food system. Whenever shocks happen, they are always local (and only sometimes national and beyond). The lack of local perspectives, plans and budgets are may be the biggest gap in the current portfolio of country adaptation / resilience policies.
I plead to reconsider the local level understood as including communities, local governments and landscape-agroecological context including local culture, history and agency.
Households become more resilient when they develop a ''Savings Culture''. This would be even more effective when women exercise full ''control'' of such resources.... While flexible micro-credit programmes (following Grameen Bank model) have been advocated for in many contexts of developing countries, women tend to be more reluctant to fully participate and apply for credit (even when such services are available nearby, and easily accessible) if they are NOT sure of having control of their hard earned income from credit-financed business, and when more ''trust'' is not promoted among couples.
Such opportunities to earning more income for women, especially in drought-affected areas could be supported through encouraging diversification to off-farm incomes. For example, with appropriate support programmes, women often proved to be effective local traders, delivering agricultural products (e.g crops, livstocks, etc) to urban and semi-urban areas, and in turn availing ''industrial'' products to rural people (e.g soup, edible oil, salt, clothes, etc) -- thus satisfying demands for such commodities, but (often) also creating new demands (and propmoting aspirations for more hard work to earn income to acquiring such goods).... When rural-urban roads are deficient, women manage this by travelling long distances by foot.... CARE, CRS and others have been supporting such efforts through ''micofranchise women programmes'' in some East African countries (Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda....??)
Regards, Getaneh