Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Re: Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems - HLPE-FSN consultation on the scope of the report

Indigenous Food Systems: A Cornerstone of Sustainable Futures

Introduction

Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of the Earth, cultivating intricate and sustainable food systems that have endured for millennia. These systems, deeply rooted in cultural practices and ecological knowledge, offer invaluable lessons for addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss.

The Indispensable Role of Indigenous Food Systems

1. Biodiversity Conservation: Indigenous food systems often prioritize agrobiodiversity, cultivating a vast array of crops and livestock breeds that are adapted to local environments. This diversity not only enhances food security but also contributes to ecosystem resilience and genetic diversity.

2. Climate Change Resilience: Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has equipped Indigenous communities with strategies to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Practices like agroforestry, rotational cropping, and water harvesting enable them to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure food production.

3. Nutritional Security: Indigenous diets are often rich in diverse, nutrient-dense foods, contributing to optimal health and well-being. These diets can play a crucial role in addressing malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.

4. Cultural Identity and Sovereignty: Indigenous food systems are integral to cultural identity, spirituality, and social cohesion. Preserving these systems is essential for maintaining cultural heritage and empowering Indigenous communities.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite their significance, Indigenous food systems face numerous threats:

Land Dispossession: Loss of land and access to natural resources undermines Indigenous peoples' ability to practice traditional agriculture.

Market Integration: The integration of global markets can erode local food systems, leading to dependency on external inputs and the loss of traditional knowledge.

Climate Change: Increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and extreme events pose significant risks to Indigenous food production.

To address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by Indigenous food systems, we must:

  1. Recognize and Respect Indigenous Rights

  2. Secure land tenure, 

  3. promote self-determination, and 

  4. uphold Indigenous peoples' rights to practice their cultural traditions.

Support Indigenous-Led Initiatives: Empower Indigenous communities to lead sustainable food initiatives, leveraging their knowledge and skills.

Invest in Research and Development: Fund research on Indigenous food systems, including TEK, agroecology, and climate-smart agriculture.

Promote Policy Coherence: Develop policies that support Indigenous food systems, including subsidies, market access, and infrastructure development.

Foster International Cooperation: Facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity building among Indigenous communities worldwide.

Conclusion

By valuing and supporting Indigenous food systems, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all. These systems offer a blueprint for a world that is both ecologically sound and culturally rich.

Recommendations for the HLPE-FSN Report:

1. Prioritize Indigenous Food Systems: Dedicate a significant portion of the report to the role of Indigenous food systems in achieving food security and nutrition.

2. Highlight the Importance of TEK: Recognize the value of traditional ecological knowledge and its contribution to sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.

3. Advocate for Indigenous Rights: Emphasize the need to respect Indigenous peoples' rights to land, resources, and self-determination.

4. Promote Policy and Institutional Support: Recommend policies and programs that support Indigenous food systems, including funding, technical assistance, and market access.

5. Foster International Collaboration: Encourage international cooperation to share knowledge, resources, and best practices related to Indigenous food systems.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that Indigenous food systems continue to nourish people and the planet for generations to come.

References:

_UN Food and Agriculture Organization. (2020). The State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture._
_IPCC. (2019). Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report._
_FAO. (2018). The Importance of Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems._