FAO promotes the resilience of agrifood systems in intermediate cities for a sustainable future

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held the webinar Food System Resilience in Intermediary Cities to provide guidance to intermediary cities on innovative urban planning solutions for their agrifood systems and thus improve their resilience to extreme weather events. 

The event was inaugurated by FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin, who said: "Without a doubt, having more efficient and resilient agrifood systems can contribute to the sustainable development of cities. Strategies such as local production, reducing food waste, forestry, urban and peri-urban agriculture, promoting sustainable diets, circular economy and green technologies support the transformation processes".

The meeting is part of the work of Green and Sustainable Cities, which seeks to promote the creation of integrated agrifood systems between rural, peri-urban, and urban areas, ensure access to a healthy environment and nutritious food, promote the expansion of green spaces, contribute to the adaptation and mitigation of climate change, and manage natural resources sustainably.

Currently, more than half of the world's population lives in cities, and it is expected that by 2050, this figure will increase to 70%, adding more than 3.5 billion people to urban areas. In addition, it is estimated that 80% of the world's energy is consumed in urban areas, where inhabitants use 70% of food and generate 60% of greenhouse gases (GHG). Cities produce 70% of the world's waste. 

"This environmental impact is unsustainable and requires a rethinking of urban management and planning that we must address with urgency and creativity. Without proper planning, urbanization has significantly degraded soils and biodiversity, fragmenting and depleting essential natural resources. Urban centers must be better protected and prepared against climatic and environmental shocks to strengthen people's livelihoods and ensure access to nutritious food and essential services," explained Mario Lubetkin.

CISA Network in Latin America and the Caribbean

In Latin America and the Caribbean, 54 cities in nine countries participate in the Intermediary Cities and Food Systems Network (CISA Network), with technical support from FAO. This network facilitates cooperation and the exchange of knowledge on the governance of agrifood systems among municipal authorities and teams.

"From FAO, we will continue to promote an ambitious agenda for creating integrated agrifood systems between rural, peri-urban, and urban areas, ensuring access to a healthy environment and nutritious food," said João Intini, FAO Food Policies and Systems Officer.

In the region, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay are making progress in implementing policies and projects that strengthen urban food systems. These efforts include managing agrifood surpluses, reactivating food security councils, promoting healthy and sustainable supply chains, and creating inter-municipal agencies for watershed management.

An inspiring example of innovation is UNICIPIO, a Public Policy Coordination Council of the Metropolitan Area of Mendoza, Argentina, through which environmental and social challenges are addressed, developing projects, policies, and management of urban forestry at the metropolitan level, which includes a digital platform, but also the participation of citizens and students in the implementation of activities. For which the city recently received the FAO Green Cities award in the innovation category.