Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

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Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems to achieve food security and nutrition in the context of urbanization and rural transformation

The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) produces the report “Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems to achieve food security and nutrition in the context of urbanization and rural transformation”, at the request of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS). The HLPE-FSN report will be presented at the 52nd plenary session of the CFS in October 2024.

With this e-consultation, the HLPE-FSN is seeking your feedback on the proposed scope of this report and the guiding questions below.

SCOPE AND RATIONALE

Almost sixty percent of the global population is currently living in urban centres (UNDESA, 2018; Acharya et al., 2020). These centres are widely seen as engines of growth and employment, producing over 80 percent of the global GDP, but also facing huge challenges in guaranteeing access for all residents to essential services such as health, education, transportation and food (Ibid.). Urban populations are rapidly increasing, with a growth curve particularly sharp in Africa and Asia. The fifteen fastest-growing cities in the world, for example, are in Africa. Alongside urbanization, there has been a “geographical decoupling” (Langemeyer et al., 2021) of cities from sources of food supply, with urban and peri-urban land use being reoriented for “more profitable” uses. As such, cities and towns are fast losing peri-urban agricultural lands, which have historically provided them with fresh and healthy food. Urban areas are also experiencing higher rates of extreme weather events that affect people’s livelihoods and incomes, while inequalities among urban populations are growing (Pelling et al., 2021). These trends mean that urban and peri-urban areas also concentrate risks for food insecurity and malnutrition, which became clear during the COVID-19 pandemic (see for example Rede PENSSAN, 2021), exacerbated by natural disasters and conflicts. At the same time, urban and peri-urban areas are resourceful, serving as hubs for education, technology and innovation, health and social services as well as for food production, processing and distribution, all roles that could be enhanced.

Often, in impoverished urban areas, informal economic and market relationships in food systems can be critical for food security, but suffer from policy and regulatory neglect. Informal food systems comprise a complex network of suppliers, transporters, hawkers, retailers and street and market food vendors, in addition to farmers, and contribute to making food more accessible and affordable to urban consumers. Yet, these informal sector actors mainly rely on their own resources and capital and have very little policy support for strengthening their enterprises and ensuring quality, such as support for access to market intelligence, transport and logistics, cold chains or waste reuse facilities (Tefft et al., 2017). In fact, in the absence of specific food system planning, the sale and consumption of highly processed foods is growing in most urban centres, while local commerce offering healthy, fresh food at affordable prices, and often in smaller quantities, is neglected, contributing to the so-called “food deserts”. These trends typically have negative impacts on food security and nutrition (Peyton, Moseley and Battersby, 2015; Battersby, 2017; Acharya et al., 2020).

This policy incoherence insists on a general lack of coordination between policies and actors concerned with food security, agriculture, environment, etc., and urban planning, and it is exacerbated by the general dearth of city-level data, analyses and empirical evidence to inform decision-making on urban and peri-urban food policy. As such, it is difficult for policymakers to plan, prioritize, design and track urban and peri-urban food system interventions and ensure coherence across policies and sectors. Furthermore, governments and other organs like famine early warning systems (FEWS) have also not been as good at monitoring food insecurity in urban areas as they have been in rural areas, beyond very basic indicators such as food prices (Moseley, 2001; Krishnamurthy, Choularton and Kareiva, 2020).

Cities can play a vital role in shaping food system policies to bolster their resilience in several ways. They can source locally or regeneratively grown food where appropriate, facilitate sustainable urban and peri-urban production of nutritious food, avoid food waste by strengthening investments in circular bio-economy (broadly defined as an economy based on the sustainable use, re-use and regeneration of natural resources), build inclusive food markets by investing in infrastructure for smaller scale traders and retailers to market healthier food products. They can also play a role in promoting resilience by mitigating and adapting against the adverse impacts of climate change (HLPE, 2020; Heck and Alonso, 2021).

Urban and peri-urban agriculture is an important option with potentially positive impacts on dietary diversity, the quality of city spaces, and community action and empowerment. Yet, in most cities, especially in the Global South, there is little state support for urban and peri-urban agriculture. Instead, current regulations in cities and the rising market value of peri-urban land limit opportunities for local production. A recent FAO survey indicates that municipal governments play an enormous role in identifying and connecting food system actors to foster innovative community-based initiatives to support food security and nutrition (FAO, 2020). In the face of the dramatic consequences of the pandemic, for example, home gardens provided nutritious and healthy food supplements and ecosystem services (Lal, 2020). Local markets multiplied, as did initiatives by family producers for home delivery of baskets of fresh food and initiatives for food donations to low-income communities. Many people in urban areas, especially new migrants, undocumented people and informal workers, were forced to go to food banks and charities, with great harm to their dignity and agency (Rao et al., 2020). These experiences point to the importance and potential of the territorial dimension of food systems for the realization of the human right to food (Recine et al., 2021).

Given the social and economic significance of urban areas, it is imperative to address the challenges of urbanization in relation to rural transformation to “build back better” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions to supply chains caused by the war in Ukraine, internal conflicts and natural disasters. It is vital that policies address poverty and inequality, build resilience and social inclusion and foster sustainable livelihoods. The specific needs of diverse rural and urban contexts, the difference between different types of urban areas (e.g. megacities and towns in largely rural areas) and the linkages between them in the rural-urban continuum, should be considered in formulating food policies. The New Urban Agenda, for example, calls for the integration of food and nutrition security into urban and territorial planning (UN Habitat, 2016). The report could also explore the specific issues concerning food security and nutrition that cities face in situations of conflicts, natural disasters and other crises, especially where there is dependence on imported food and vulnerability to price volatility.

A more in-depth analysis of food systems is needed in the context of urbanization and rural transformation to ensure that the right to food and nutrition security, in all its six dimensions (HLPE, 2020), are met. In particular, the report could investigate the potential of territorial and informal markets, the circular economy, and shorter supply chains to strengthen the linkages between urban and peri-urban food production and consumption. The role of food environments in urban areas is particularly important, considering the coexistence of organized distribution (supermarkets) with territorial and informal markets, and the adverse impacts of supermarketization pushing out small and/or informal food retail outlets (Peyton et al. 2015). As such, parts of cities, often the poorest, have become ‘food deserts’ for fresh and healthy produce, thus affecting city diets, which are already characterised by increasing prioritization of processed and convenience food. In addition, urban centres, and especially informal settlement areas, are often characterized by lack of basic infrastructure such as access to potable water and sewages.  Specific attention to water and sanitation needs is thus required in relation to food utilization in urban and peri-urban areas.

At the same time, urban and peri-urban areas are home to interesting innovations for food production, processing and distribution, such as vertical gardens, ethical purchasing groups and marketing innovations, which could be replicated in other contexts. To strengthen the role of urban and peri-urban food systems, it is essential to reflect on the architecture of food security and nutrition governance, and especially on how city councils, urban planning experts and other partners can engage with actors that are traditionally involved in food systems and food security and nutrition policies to enhance synergies. Some of the policy measures that have been recommended in recent years to enhance the role of urban and peri-urban food systems concern the promotion of equitable access to land and productive agricultural resources for small-scale producers. They also include investment in rural and urban infrastructure, the development of territorial markets and short supply chains, prioritizing people living in poverty in cities and rural areas to access nutritious food and healthier living conditions, and anticipating the inter-connected future of urbanization and rural transformation (HLPE, 2020; Heck and Alonso, 2021).

Building on the outcomes of the CFS Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Urbanization, rural transformation and implications for food security and nutrition (CFS 2017/44/6 and CFS 2016/43/11), recent literature and policy debates, the report will explore these issues and formulate policy recommendations to the attention of the CFS.

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE THE E-CONSULTATION ON THE SCOPE OF THE HLPE-FSN REPORT

The HLPE-FSN is seeking your feedback on the proposed scope of the report “Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems to achieve food security and nutrition in the context of urbanization and rural transformation”, in particular, you are invited to:

A

Share your comments on the objectives and proposed content of this report as outlined above.

Do you find the proposed scope comprehensive to analyze and discuss the key issues concerning the role of urban and peri-urban food systems in achieving food security and nutrition? Are there any major gaps or omissions?

B

Share good practices and successful experiences on strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems in the context of urbanization and rural transformation, including in the case of emergencies or conflicts.

C

Share recent literature, case studies and data that could help answer the following questions:

1.            What are the main bottlenecks hampering the contribution of urban and peri-urban food systems to food security and nutrition?

2.            How can urban and peri-urban food systems be transformed and made more equitable and accessible both for food system actors and in terms of food security and nutrition outcomes?

3.            How can urban food supply chains, formal and informal, local and global, be made more resilient to ensure food security and nutrition within urban settings?

4.            What changes are needed in urban planning to better support all dimensions of food security – including support for human rights, agency and sustainability? Which are some of the measures that can strengthen the agency of local actors in urban and peri-urban food systems? 

5.            How can national and municipal governments strengthen the potential for low-carbon, inclusive, relatively self-sufficient and resilient cities and towns to drive improved food security and nutrition in the wake of climate change and other crises?

6.            What are the most appropriate policies (and gaps in existing policies) along the rural-urban continuum to address issues of land tenure, urban expansion into farmland and the growing competition for natural resources?

7.            How can urban and peri-urban food systems ensure that food and nutrition needs of specific groups of people, such as migrants, the internally-displaced, children, adolescent, etc., are met?

8.            What are the potential benefits and challenges of territorial markets for strengthening food security and nutrition for urban populations?

9.            In what ways can the incorporation of climate resilient agricultural and circular economy practices in urban and peri-urban agriculture provide climate co-benefits for all and enhance climate resilience?

10.         How can citizens be engaged and empowered to drive inclusive, transparent, participatory processes for urban transformations, ensuring synergies and complementarity with city councils?

11.         Which experiences of urban communities to increase access to fresh food and healthy diets can inspire broader public policies?

 

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 accepted in English, French and Spanish languages.

The HLPE-FSN looks forward to a rich consultation!

Évariste Nicolétis, HLPE-FSN Coordinator

Paola Termine, HLPE-FSN Programme Officer

References

Acharya, G. Cassou, E. Jaffee, S., Ludher, E.K. 2020. RICH Food, Smart City: How Building Reliable, Inclusive, Competitive, and Healthy Food Systems is Smart Policy for Urban Asia. Washington, DC, World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35137   

Battersby, J. 2017. Food system transformation in the absence of food system planning: the case of supermarket and shopping mall retail expansion in Cape Town, South Africa. Built Environment, 43(3): 417-430.

FAO. 2020. Cities and local governments at the forefront in building inclusive and resilient food systems: Key results from the FAO Survey “Urban Food Systems and COVID-19”, Revised version. Rome.

Heck, S. & Alonso, S. 2021. Resilient Cities Through Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agrifood Systems. Montpellier, France, CGIAR. Resilient-Cities.pdf (storage.googleapis.com)

HLPE. 2020. Food security and nutrition: building a global narrative towards 2030. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security. Rome. http://www.fao.org/3/ca9731en/ca9731en.pdf

Krishnamurthy, P. K., Choularton, R. J., & Kareiva, P. 2020. Dealing with uncertainty in famine predictions: How complex events affect food security early warning skill in the Greater Horn of Africa. Global Food Security, 26: 100374.

Lal, R. 2020. Home gardening and urban agriculture for advancing food and nutritional security in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food Security, 12: 871-876. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12571-020-01058-3

Langemeyer, J., Madrid-López, C., Mendoza Beltrán, A. & Villalba Mendez, G. 2021. Urban agriculture — A necessary pathway towards urban resilience and global sustainability? Landscape and Urban Planning, 210: 104055. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204621000189

Moseley, W. G. 2001. Monitoring urban food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Geographical Review, 21(1): 81-90.

Pelling, M., Chow, W. T. L., Chu, E., Dawson, R., Dodman, D., Fraser, A., Hayward, B. et al. 2021. A climate resilience research renewal agenda: learning lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for urban climate resilience. Climate and Development, 0(0): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2021.1956411

Peyton, S., Moseley, W. & Battersby, J. 2015. Implications of supermarket expansion on urban food security in Cape Town, South Africa. African Geographical Review, 34(1): 36-54.

Rao, N., Narain, N., Chakraborty, S., Bhanjdeo, A. & Pattnaik, A. 2020. Destinations Matter: Social Policy and Migrant Workers in the Times of Covid. The European Journal of Development Research, 32(5): 1639–1661. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7590571/

Recine, E., Preiss, P.V., Valencia, M. et al. 2021. The Indispensable Territorial Dimension of Food Supply: A View from Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Development, 64: 282–287. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41301-021-00308-x    

Rede Brasileira de Pesquisa em Soberania e Segurança Alimentar (Rede PENSSAN). 2021. VIGISAN National Survey of Food Insecurity in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Brazil https://olheparaafome.com.br/VIGISAN_AF_National_Survey_of_Food_Insecurity.pdf

Tefft, J., Jonasova, M., Adjao, R. & Morgan, A. 2017. Food systems for an urbanizing world. Washington DC, World Bank and Rome, FAO.

UNDESA (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs). 2018. 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects. New York. Cited June 2022. https://desapublications.un.org/file/615/download

UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme). 2016. The New Urban Agenda. Nairobi. https://habitat3.org/wp-content/uploads/NUA-English.pdf

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Dear contributors, 

We take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who have contributed to the consultation on the scope of the upcoming CFS HLPE-FSN report “Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems to achieve food security and nutrition in the context of urbanization and rural transformation”. 

We received 96 insightful and sharp contributions from 42 countries, diverse public and private organizations working in different fields of expertise, academia, civil society and other institutions. These inputs will allow the HLPE-FSN to address the critical issues facing both policymakers and practitioners working on urban and peri-urban food systems. 

Given the social and economic significance of food systems in urban and peri-urban areas, addressing the challenges of urbanization and rural transformation is fundamental for food security and nutrition. We truly appreciate the time and effort you devoted to provide your comments, especially because your valuable insights are fundamental to ensuring legitimacy, scientific quality, and the incorporation of diverse forms of knowledge and expertise in the HLPE-FSN reports and recommendations. 

The scope you kindly contributed to will be used for the development of the report “Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems to achieve food security and nutrition in the context of urbanization and rural transformation” that will be presented at the 52nd plenary session of the CFS in October 2024, and which will mark the start of the policy convergence process on this theme.

Paola Termine, HLPE-FSN Programme Officer, co-facilitator of this e-consultation

Based on the guiding questions, Commission services wish to contribute the following to part B:

Share good practices and successful experiences on strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems in the context of urbanization and rural transformation, including in the case of emergencies or conflicts.

 The Food 2030 R&I policy provides a vision for a systemic approach to “how we think and do” R&I, with “whom” we do it (inter and transdisciplinary, multi-actor approach), on “what” (leverage points) and “for what”? The focus is on impact-driven R&I via which to develop, test and deploy solutions to the urgent, complex and interconnected challenges inherent to food systems. We have been advocating and investing in multi-actor systemic approaches to future–proof our food systems for co-benefits: 1) Nutrition for sustainable and healthy diets, 2) Climate smart and environmentally sustainable food systems 3) Circular and resource-efficient food systems 4) Food Systems innovation through empowerment of communities.

Food 2030 is operationalised via 10 thematic action pathways and one of them is “Urban food system transformation”. We have taken stock of urban food system projects across European R&I projects funded under H2020, Horizon Europe, and Life,  and will release a report “Urban food system transformation in the context of Food 2030” based on projects’ valuable input end of May 2023, to help guide other cities and regions with tangible solutions, to learn from mistakes, foster scaling and reproducibility, and further enhance the linkages between urban and rural areas.

Hopefully this will contribute to the comprehensive development of the report and apologies for not keeping within the given DL. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts.

Kind regards

Ioannis FERMANTZIS

Policy Officer

European Commission

Directorate-General International Partnerships

Unit F.3 – Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and Fisheries

Ninon SIRDEY

CIRAD MoISA / Bureau d'analyses Macro-économique
Senegal

Dear facilitators, 

The subject and the themes already addressed seem very relevant to us. Here some additional empirical contribution.

-   La prise en compte des changements climatiques est important pour comprendre les risques qu’ils représentent sur l’approvisionnement des villes, sujet encore peu étudié en particulier pour les filières horticoles. Le Projet SAFOODS (site prochainement en ligne : www.safoods.org)  entend contribuer à ce gap et espérons avoir des résultats préliminaires à vous partager d’ici la publication de ce rapport.

-          Nous voulions aussi partager avec vous une étude menée par le GRdr, le CIRAD et la municipalité de Ziguinchor sur ces questions. Cette étude repose sur des jeux de données collectées auprès de 497 points de vente (sur 56 pro­duits) de 10 quartiers de la ville, de 40 consommateurs de 6 quartiers, 450 lieux de restauration de rue des 35 quartiers que compte la commune de Ziguinchor. On y montre qu’effectivement les enjeux de mobilité sont clés dans ces villes, où les consommateurs (souvent les femmes) perdent énormément de temps et d’énergie à se déplacer pour accéder aux marchés les plus abordables, représentant ainsi une forte inégalité territoriale intra-urbaine et inégalité sociale. L’inégalité territoriale se matérialise aussi par une offre alimentaire distincte selon les quartiers. Les produits transformés, principalement industriels, sont relativement plus disponibles dans les quartiers défavorisés, tandis que certains produits riches en nutriments comme les produits halieutiques et les fruits en sont absents. La concentration de l’offre dans les grands marchés centraux pénalise les familles les plus vulnérables, en particulier les femmes, vivant dans les quartiers périphériques mal-lotis. L’étude confirme que la question alimentaire se pose surtout en termes d’accessibilité physique et écono­mique. Elle confirme aussi l’importance économique du secteur de l’économie informelle, en particulier pour les femmes les plus vulnérables pour lesquelles la vente de produits alimentaires ou la restauration de rue constitue l’unique opportunité de génération de revenus.  Source : Grdr 2023 Le système alimentaire de Ziguinchor. Focus sur l'environnement alimentaire.. Dakar : GRDR, 24 p. ISBN 979-10-95026-20-4 https://grdr.org/Le-systeme-alimentaire-de-Ziguinchor-1907

-       La sécurité sanitaire des produits est clé, en particulier lié à l'usage excessif de pesticides et d'intrants, notamment en zone périurbaine sur les cultures maraichères. Au delà de l'impact en termes de santé publique, ces pratiques peuvent avoir un impact négatif sur la capacité de conservation des produits , générant des pertes post récolte. 

Thank you very much for your attention to this work, and for coordinating this next issue which promises to be very interesting.

Best regards

Ninon Sirdey

Chercheure, Economiste

CIRAD MoISA (M0ntpellier Interdisciplinary center on Sustainable Agri-food Systems. Social and nutritional Sciences)

ISRA Bame (Bureau d'analyses Macro-économique)

Dakar, Sénégal

Dr Christine AUBRY

AgroParisTech
France

Deux éléments me semblent un peu manquer

* une analyse  de l'incohérence des politiques foncières urbaines et péri-urbaines, souvent fortement marquées par la superposition des "droits fonciers" et de la spéculation foncière parfois ignorée voire de fait encouragée par les bailleurs lors de grands travaux de "villes nouvelles". la sécurisation foncière pour l’agriculture familiale est une condition absolue de la pérennisation de systèmes alimentaires locaux

* la rareté pour ne pas dire l'absence d'appuis de développement agricole spécifiques et publics pour ces agricultures intra et péri-urbaines souvent totalement délaissées (par ex à Antananarivo jusqu'à récemment l'appui du ministère de l'agriculture commençait à 35 kms de Tana, autant dire que toute l'AU et l'APU passaient sous les radars de l'appui au développement agricole..)

Dr Christine AUBRY

Chargée de mission retraitée INRAE à partir du 1/01/2023

Professeure Consultante AgroParisTech

Directrice de la Chaire partenariale Agricultures Urbaines

UMR SADAPT, France

A Compartir sus comentarios sobre los objetivos y el contenido propuesto de este informe. ¿Considera que el alcance propuesto es suficientemente amplio para analizar y debatir las cuestiones fundamentales relacionadas con el papel de los sistemas alimentarios urbanos y periurbanos en el logro de la seguridad alimentaria y la mejora de la nutrición? ¿Hay alguna laguna u omisión importante?
=======================================================
-1) SE PARTE DE LA RELACION URBANA-RURAL(CENSOS CONSIDERAN POBLACION RURAL AQUELLAS CON POBLACION MENOR A 2.000 HABITANTES/ARGENTINA. LA TENDENCIA A MEGACIUDADES EN ARGENTINA Y AL Y C SE HA ACENTUADO EN LAS ULTIMAS DECADAS. SE ARTICULAN MEDIANTE UNA ED DE CAMINOS ASFALTADOS(PRINCIPALMENTE AUTOVIAS Y GRANDES AUTOPISTAS). Son la via principal de traslado de la gente a sus lugares de trabajo desde sus lugares de residencia( Caso: Ciudad de Buenos Aires recibe diariamente 3 millones de personas y el GBA cifra menor,donde viven 17 mill.de personas en 17 municipios. A su vez por estas grandes vías se transportan la gran mayoría de los alimentos para la gente:frutas, vegetales,granos y carnes. Por una parte. Por otra parte,estos Alimentos se producen en regiones que reúnen condiciones muy favorables para producción en gran escala: alta rentabilidad, generalmente con precios para el mercado internacional.Condiciones físicas, económicas, sociales: para la producción intensiva de alto rendimiento (OGM) (inversiones en capital, tecnologia , logística).Una nueva etapa de Sistema de Plantaciones Esta tendencia (que arriba el Informe menciona) en los ultimas décadas, ha generalizado el Sistema de Producción y Consumo de alimentos sea el prevaleciente. Esto trae como consecuencia el acrecentamiento de la Migración interna, asentamientos informales, desigualdad social el acrecentamiento de la renta de la tierra urbana y periurbano hace que la tierra y la forestación vaya decreciendo paulatinamente para destinarla a la artificializacion creciente (Altieri CEPAL,1980).
Si a este escenario nacional, regional y local alrededor de las grandes y medianas ciudades le agregamos que el Comercio de Granos y vegetales frescos y conservas se realiza en grandes Contenedores que surcan mares y ríos. A nivel Nacional e Internacional muestra que es Insostenible:ambientalmente, social y económico. La fotografía de tal sistema de producción e intercambio aporta la explicación de gran parte de deterioro en las condiciones del conjunto de la Población: precios, calidad, inocuidad y consecuencias en la salud y bienestar general (calidad de vida) de toda la población. El deterioro del Ambiente: de la Calidad de Agua de los Ríos navegables y manglares y afluentes, deterioro de las Reservas Naturales/biodiversidad del Aire en las Ciudades y en zonas Rurales por la polución del transporte automotor principalmente.(PNUMA para AL y C)

La Conferencia de Reforma Agraria y Desarrollo Social rural, aprobo por unanimidad en julio de 1979 el Diagnostico y Plan de Accion y la Conferencia Regional para AL y C de Brasil, posteriormente dieron las Bases para Objetivos, Medidas e Instrumentos de Politicas para el DRI.

Por otra parte,para el Proceso de Diferenciación Social Economica y efecto Ambiental se puede partir de una Tipología que vincule la Demanda(Tipos de Empresas) con la (Agropecuarias,Agroindustriales) por una parte (Capital, Trabajo, Tecnologia, Conocimiento) y la Oferta Institucional (Instituciones de Educacion, Formación, C & T, comunicación).
Para visualizar un Escenario ubicado en Zonas Periurbanas y Rurales y su intercambio con Zonas Urbanas vinculadas a la Oferta y Demanda de alimentos.

Este Esquema de razonamiento fue utilizado para el Programa de Investigacion de AL y C (PROTAAL) que auspicio en IICA y que dirigieron el Dr. Martin Pineyro y J.Trigo.
En CA realizamos una Investigacion similar en sus Propósitos. Con un Esquema de Vinculación de Objetivos,Medidas e Instrumentos de Politicas de C & T y sus Efectos sobre la Estructura Productiva y producción de Alimentos. Complementada por un Estudio de Caso de Cultivo de Maíz en Valle de Guayape, familias de Pequeños Productores familiares. donde se cultiva en los meandros de los Rios de crecimiento estacional.
Los dos Programas de Investigacion revelaron (1980) ya las claras tendencias hacia el Sistema ,ahora generalizado en Al y C de :Plantaciones: mano de obra estacional,elevada utilización de agroquimicos, semillas y plantas mejoradas genéticamente,alto rendimiento fisico y rentabilidad.
Este Escenario fue estudiado por el UNSRID (ONU) para cultivos alimenticios en Asia y Mexico (Maíz).
Estas evidencias empíricas de trabajos de investigacion evidenciaron los efectos diferenciados desfavorables :ambiente,los recursos para la producción de alimentos:tierra, agua,la vegetación.
tal realidad evidenciada en los anos 1980, continuo agravando y las sucesivas Conferencias del Sistema de Naciones Unidas sobre Nutrición y Alimentación se han manifestado al respecto: la Conferencia de Rio ,primero y la Conferencia de la Asamblea General de la ONU en setiembre de 2010 que aprobó los 17 ODS para el Desarrollo Sostenible.

por separado he enviado los Casos en Situaciones de emergencia y Desastres naturales.
tambien los Casos de Desarrollo de Capacidades en el Gran Buenos aires realizados por el INTA en Convenio con la Dirección de Certificación de Competencias Laborales:
muchas gracias al Equipo que apoya al CSA/FAO y al GANESAN por la valiosa Tarea de Facilitar el "Camino hacia el Nuevo RUMBO" del Desarrollo Sostenible :ODS/2030 ONU.
Cordiales saludos.
Guillermo F. Gramaglia Ingaramo.

B) COMPARTIR BUENAS PRÁCTICAS Y EXPERIENCIAS EXITOSAS. CASOS DE CERTIFICACIÓN DE COMPETENCIAS LABORALES. HUERTEROS -QUINTEROS DEL GRANA BUENOS AIRES .ARGENTINA. EN EL MARCO DEL CONVENIO DEL INTA Y LA DIRECCIÓN DE CULTURA Y EDUCACIÓN DE LA PCIA. DE BUENOS AIRES SE LLEVÓ A CABO UN PROCESO "PILOTO" DE CERTIFICACIÓN DE COMPETENCIAS LABORALES. UN EQUIPO TÉCNICO EXTENSION Y CAPACITACION E INVESTIGACION DE LA ESTACION EXPERIMENTAL DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE TECNOLOGÍA AGROPECUARIA ÁREA METROPOLITANA DE BS AS. INTA EEA AMBA Y UN EQUIPO DE EDUCADORES-INVESTIGADORES DE LA DIRECCIÓN DE CERTIFICACIÓN DE COMPETENCIAS LABORALES. COORDINADAS POR EL DIRECTOR DE LA AGENCIA de CCL/DCE Y GUILLERMO F. GRAMAGLIA ING.AGR.Msc. SOCIOLOGÍA RURAL. LLEVARON A CABO UNA EXPERIENCIA DE CERTIFICACIÓN DE COMPETENCIAS LABORALES,de acuerdo a las herramientas de evaluación del proceso Educativo y ATENDIENDO AL PROTOCOLO DEL MINISTERIO DE TRABAJO Y EMPLEO DE LA NACION).UN PROCESO DE CERTIFICACIÓN DE COMPETENCIAS LABORALES EN TRES CASOS DIFERENCIADOS REPRESENTATIVOS DE SITUACIONES MAYORES:1) Caso de Jóvenes egresados de Escuelas Especiales.Para realizar Cultivos de Huertas de Transición hacia la producción agroecológica. Institución:ONG "el Puente Verde" partido del GBA. Ezeiza.(Fortaleza :vinculo con Sistema Educativo Formal) Donde los jóvenes trabajan, estudian y viven con sus familias donde se trasladan para descansar,integrados al grupo familiar.Además la Experiencia se extiende a las Escuelas del Área de Influencia de Educacion Especial de la zona.El Centro atendido por la ONG EL PUENTE VERDE cuenta con el apoyo de Asociación de Italianos en Argentina y tiene un Convenio de Investigación aplicada con la Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora ,donde el INTA EEA AMBA tiene un Centro de Información técnica. Segundo Caso: Adultos Mayores que cultivan sus Huertos familiares en el Centro Demostrativo del INTA EEA AMBA, establecido en Predio del Hospital Italiano.Sede Ciudad de San Justo.partido de La Matanza en Pcia de Bs As. Allí se desarrolló el proceso similar con el Proceso de Evaluación Práctica y Teórica para Cultivos Hortícolas con prácticas y técnicas de Transición a la Producción Agroecológica.Además se impartieron Cursos de Formacion para Adultos Mayores.Se ilustran casos de produccion agroecologica y casos ;por ej. Una Sra cultiva desde hace años 1 m2 de Trigo .Selecciona la semilla para el año siguiente y aprovecha la "cosecha" anual para HACER PAN destinado al consumo !!!El Centro funciona además, como apoyo para Terapia del Hospital Italiano.Sede San Justo Bs As.El Centro de Capacitación del INTA Tiene un Convenio de Cooperación con la Fsc Agronomía de la Universidad Nacional de Morón. Para Investigación en Producción, Procesamiento e Inocuidad de Alimentos. 3) tercer Caso.Asociación Amigos/Familias de la Cooperativa de calle 1810. En Lomas de zamora . Allí se produce para la Venta en el Mercado Local.Se realizo uan Experiencia de Investigación aplicada con Nitrógeno Líquido como fertilizante en un Programa Latinoamericano de la OIEA/ONU. Y cuenta con el apoyo de la Facultad de Agronomía de la Universidad Nacional de Bs As.Cultivan Alcauciles y Hortalizas con técnicas de Riego por Goteo. constituyen una Cooperativa de vecinos y son un ejemplo de experiencia sostenible :ingreso, empleo, salud, medio ambiente. 4) centro demostrativo de la EEA AMBA en san Isidro. En este caso operan Tres Oportunidades de Aprendizaje así: Un Conjunto de 4 Invernáculos instalados por la Facultad de Agronomía de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. realizan capacitación y enseñanza para cultivos Hidroponicos:hortalizas. Tambien el Programa Pro Huerta realiza capacitacion para Cultivos Alimenticios linea Agroecologia 5) Convenio de Investigación de Doctorando :INTA/CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones C y T de la Nación). El propósito es desarrollar una Investigación (periodo 5 años) en Acuerdo con Universidades de la Región del AMBA y UBA y en Centro de Altos Estudios Latinoamericanos de la UN Córdoba. Proposito de la Investigación es :"Demostrar Empíricamente como ocurre el "Proceso de Aprendizaje-Ensenanza". Componente de Educación/Trabajo y un Componente de Investigación del Aprendizaje durante la práctica Laboral".mediante un Modelo de Módulos Conceptuales y Módulos Tecnológicos orientados a los ODS "=#= /ONU. Centrado en Educación Técnica. Como y que aprendemos y como Certificamos Capacidades para Aplicación en el trabajo de ODS 2030/ONU.(Desarrollo:viable social,económico,ambiental). Centrado Vínculo Educación,C y T Politicas Desarrollo: estrategia Centros Locales de Aprendizaje ODS: Que, Como,Efecto/alcance Aprendizaje: - Escuelas técnicas y Universidades:Estrategia intermedia: Laboratorios Didáctico/pedagógicos:Producción/aprendizaje :centrado en ODS /ONU 2030.:SPAA,Capacidades ODS.") Estrategia Lineamientos FAO y CSA: Directrices FAO/CSA:SAA y Nutrición .ODS/2030 ONU.Desarrollo Capacidades :Sistemas de Producción y Alimentación/Nutrición.3) Proceso de Certificación de Competencias laborales Convenio:Educación e INTA:( Casos: Jóvenes ,Adultos Mayores, Familias y Asociaciones. Centros de Formación y Educación Técnica. Articulación/Vinculación .( Acceso a capacidades para ODS, Empleo,Sistemas Producción :Agroecologia.SASP,BPA. Alimentación/Nutricion.en Periurbano y urbano). Vinculación/Articulación Institucional :INTA ;CONICET;Educación(Técnica y Universitaria). DESARROLLO LOCAL/DIMENSIÓN ESPACIAL/ASENTAMIENTOS. Objetivo Central: Estrategia hacia NUEVO RUMBO: ODS 2030 ONU. Por razones de TIEMPO no puedo continuar. Ya que vence el periodo de recepción. Agradezco la gentil atención del Equipo de apoyo al CSA/FAO y GAMESAN. Estare atento a continuar por via de Email esta Presentación. Nota: tenemos experiencia desarrolladas en programas de Situación de Conflictos: plan de Paz para Centroamérica: Honduras, Nicaragua y El salvador. producción de alimentos y artesanía en Centro de Refugiados y Agricultura para familias Desplazadas.Primer Proceso de Vínculo: Programa de Transición De Ayuda Humanitaria(ACNUR/CIAV-ONU;PMA,OMS) a Programa de Apoyo al Desarrollo (PRODERE/PNUD/Gob.Italia). Programa Plan de Paz para Centro America. Programa de Socorro y Recuperacion .Huracan George. Republica Dominicana.PMA7Sistema ONU, Vinculo Agencia bilateral (AID-USA) faltan desarrollar los demas puntos solicitados para los que tengo opinion y experiencias. Fundamentalmente en la Estrategia dee Facilitacion de Acceso a Capacidades: centrado en el Sistema de la ONU que lidera la FAO a Travez del CSA y apoyado por el aporte valioso del GANESAN. Pero debemos escuchar el llamado del secretrai Gral de la OU:Sr.Antonio Guterres. Podemos y debems ser mas fuertes y efectivos si Recurrimos a todas las Especialidades del Sistema de la ONU.En este Caso Liderado por la FAO,el CSA y GANESAN. Con la articulacion7vinculacion estrecga pa "Desarrollo de Capacidads de la Gente:Habitat,UNESCO.OIT.OMS.PNUMA .IPCCT.UNSRID:UNCTAD. Gracias, se me termimo la hora. Muchas.muchas Gracias. Un Abrazo desde el Sur del Planeta. Cordiales saludos. Guillermo F. Gramaglia Ingaramo.  NOTA:sidejan el acceso para poder manana enviar los ARCHIVOS

Bonjour chers collègues

Recevez ainsi mes réponses aux questions qui ont été posées. Merci! Oura!

Faites-nous part de vos commentaires sur les objectifs et le contenu proposé pour ce rapport, tels que décrits ci-après.

Pensez-vous que le champ d'application proposé est suffisamment large pour permettre d'analyser et de discuter des questions clés concernant le rôle des systèmes alimentaires urbains et péri-urbains dans la réalisation de la sécurité alimentaire et de la nutrition? Y a-t-il des lacunes ou des omissions majeures?

Non, je pense que le champ d’application proposé n’est pas suffisamment large pour permettre d’analyser et discuter des questions clés concernant le rôle des systèmes alimentaires urbains et périurbains. En effet, la question de la sécurité alimentaire prend en compte la qualité et la quantité. Et si on doit aborder la qualité, je pense les questions d’usage des pesticides est très importante en situation d’étalement urbain et d’urbanisation. Face à la forte demande, les producteurs s’adonnent en effet à un surdosage des pesticides pour répondre à la fois à la contrainte foncière et à la forte demande de maraîcher. De deux, les objectifs doivent prendre en compte la lutte contre l’étalement urbain. En effet, tout projet de développement s’inscrit dans la durabilité. Lutter pour un accès durable à la nourriture sans chercher à lutter contre l’étalement urbain représente une faiblesse dans la lutte.

Faites-nous connaître les bonnes pratiques et les expériences réussies en matière de renforcement des systèmes alimentaires urbains et péri-urbains dans le contexte de l'urbanisation et de la transformation rurale, y compris dans les situations d'urgence ou de conflit.

Il faut dire que l’agriculture urbaine ne peut pas répondre à toute la demande urbaine en vivres. Il faut l’appui des villages périphériques. Ainsi, en Côte d’Ivoire, il existe « des marchés matinaux » de vivriers, approvisionnés par les paysans en produits frais venant chaque matin de ces campagnes proches. Ces marchés permettent aux paysans d’écouler facilement leurs produits mais permettent à la fois aux citadins de se nourriture de façon saine, avec une réduction de pesticide sur les produits, contrairement à ceux produits en ville. Et même en situation de crise, comme le Covid-19, ces marchés ont continué de tourner, en s’adaptant d’ailleurs à la circonstance.

Veuillez partager la littérature récente, les études de cas et les données qui pourraient aider à répondre aux questions suivantes :

1.            Quels sont les principaux goulets d'étranglement qui freinent la contribution des systèmes alimentaires urbains et péri-urbains à la sécurité alimentaire et à la nutrition?

Les principaux goulets sont la restriction quotidienne de la terre agricole dédiée à l’agriculture urbaine et l’usage abusif des pesticides dans ce type d’agriculture sans une politique publique forte qui vienne contrôler le mode d’usage de ces produits. Par ailleurs, il y a un racket très fort sur les routes d’approvisionnement des villes de sorte à dissuader les paysans à se rendre sur ces lieux et écouler convenablement leurs produits. Par ailleurs, il n’y a aucun moyen chez nous de faire la part entre les produits bio et les produits avec pesticide. Cela ne peut encourager les producteurs du bio de sorte qu’ils commencent tous par tendre vers le mésusage des pesticides. En absence de distinction en ces produits sur le marchés, ils sont vendus au même coût au grand dam de ceux qui essaient de produire du bio.

2.            Comment transformer les systèmes alimentaires urbains et péri-urbains et les rendre plus équitables et accessibles, aussi bien pour les acteurs du système alimentaire qu'en termes de sécurité alimentaire et de résultats nutritionnels?

La ville est peuplée de populations d’origines diverses, avec des cultures diverses. Les produits de l’agriculture urbaine, considérés parfois comme des produits occidentaux, ne peuvent répondre aux besoins de tous les citadins.  Il faut donc, en plus de la proximité géographique souhaitée dans le système alimentaire, rechercher aussi une proximité culturelle qui pourra garantir une sécurité alimentaire de tous les citadins, surtout ceux qui restent attachés à la culture africaine en leur proposant des produits locaux venus des villages proches.

3.            Comment renforcer la résilience des chaînes d'approvisionnement alimentaire urbaines, formelles et informelles, locales et mondiales, afin de garantir la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition en milieu urbain?

L’agriculture urbaine n’est pas à mesure de répondre à toute la demande de la ville en produits vivriers. Il faut donc pour une résilience des chaînes d’approvisionnement, intégrer les campagnes périurbaines à la chaîne, en soutenant cette agriculture de ces campagnes par une meilleure organisation des paysans en coopératives de production et de commercialisation de leurs produits.

4.            Quels changements faut-il apporter à la planification urbaine pour mieux soutenir toutes les dimensions de la sécurité alimentaire, y compris le soutien aux droits de l'homme, à l'agencéité et à la durabilité? Comment renforcer l'action des acteurs locaux dans les systèmes alimentaires urbains et péri-urbains? 

La première action doit être dans le sens de la préservation des terres agricoles du périurbain. Il faut une politique publique qui face de la lutte contre l’étalement urbain, une étape fondamentale de la lutte contre plusieurs fléaux urbains dont la question de la sécurité alimentaire. L’étalement urbain limite l’accès aux produits agricoles tant sur le plan de la quantité que la qualité, à cause justement des contraintes foncières et par ricochet de l’usage abusif des pesticides.

5.            Comment les autorités nationales et municipales peuvent-elles renforcer les potentialités des villes à faible émission de carbone, inclusives, relativement auto-suffisantes et résilientes pour améliorer la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition à la suite du changement climatique et d'autres crises?

L’une des principales sources d’émission de carbone dans nos villes, c’est d’abord la destruction des ressources naturelles dont elles sont responsables. Les autorités doivent veiller à cette perte de ces ressources foncières et naturelles  par les villes. Aussi, en cas de changements climatiques, les bas-fonds deviennent des espaces de culture qui permettent aux paysans d’être résilients. Malheureusement, nos bas-fonds sont devenus des espaces de compétition entre les bâtis et l’agriculture. Il revient aux autorités de garantir la survie de ces bas-fonds, sans que les bâtis ne viennent les faire disparaître.

6.            Quelles sont les politiques les plus appropriées (et les lacunes des politiques existantes) dans le cadre du continuum rural-urbain pour résoudre les problèmes de régime foncier, d'expansion urbaine sur les terres agricoles et de concurrence croissante pour les ressources naturelles?

En Côte d’Ivoire, il revient aux populations du rural périurbain de décider du lotissement de leur terroir villageois. Cette liberté qui leur est offerte, sans les accompagner sur les risques de la perte de leurs terres au profit des lotissements, conduit bien souvent à des lotissements anarchiques et à des spéculations foncières qui conduisent à l’étalement urbain. Il faut que l’Etat ait à nouveau le contrôle de ces lotissements qui se font sans le moindre respect des règles de l’urbanisme. Les populations bradent les terres et se retrouvent quelques années après sans aucune ressource foncière pour répondre à la demande sans cesse croissante de la ville en vivres. L’anarchie est si prononcée que la promotion immobilière est devenue une activité assez rentable mobilisant du même coup plus d’une vingtaine d’acteurs aux enjeux divergents (articles). C’est donc la course à la terre pour le bâti au détriment de la terre agricole.

7.            De quelle manière les systèmes alimentaires urbains et péri-urbains peuvent-ils garantir la satisfaction des besoins alimentaires et nutritionnels de groupes spécifiques de personnes, tels que les migrants, les personnes déplacées à l'intérieur du pays, les enfants, les adolescents, etc.?

Ces catégories sociales sont généralement les plus vulnérables devant l’urbanisation galopante. Et quand ces situations arrivent ou en situation de difficulté, l’agriculture urbaine devient une source d’emplois. Lutter donc contre la perte accélérée de ces terres pourraient permettre à certains d’entre eux de continuer à pratiquer cette activité et se maintenir un peu dans le système alimentaire en garantissant par exemple l’autoconsommation.

8.            Les marchés territoriaux peuvent-ils renforcer la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition des populations urbaines, et quels sont les avantages et les défis qu'ils représentent?

Il ne peut pas avoir de sécurité alimentaire dans les villes sans qu’elles ne recourent à d’autres marchés autres que ceux que leur offre l’agriculture urbaine. Il faut donc une facilitation des échanges entre les villes, surtout les plus grandes, et les marchés territoriaux. Ils présentent l’avantage de satisfaire aux besoins immédiats des citadins mais présentent le défi de réduire le pouvoir d’achat des autres populations qui voient souvent les prix des produits grimper localement, alors les villes qui n’en produisent pas en reçoivent en quantité suffisante.

9.            En quoi l'incorporation de pratiques liées à l'agriculture résiliente au climat et à l'économie circulaire dans l'agriculture urbaine et péri-urbaine peut-elle apporter des co-bénéfices pour tous sur le plan climatique et renforcer la résilience climatique?

L’économie circulaire peut renforcer la rentabilité agricole et réduire l’usage de produits phytosanitaires aux effets ressentis tant sur le plan sanitaire qu’environnemental. Cette agriculture résiliente peut donc lutter contre la dégradation continue de l’environnement et garantir a contrario la sociale à travers de nouveaux emplois agricoles créés. Une agriculture à fort rendement peut permettre à beaucoup de paysans de poursuivre leur activité d’agriculteur sans qu’ils se mettent en conflit. Ce qui veut dire qu’une telle agriculture est source de cohésion puisqu’elle réduit les risques de conflits. Bref, c’est une agriculture durable puisqu’elle réduit les risques de pollution environnementale, les risques sanitaires et garantit la cohésion sociale.

10.         Comment les citoyens peuvent-ils être impliqués et habilités à conduire des processus inclusifs, transparents et participatifs pour les transformations urbaines, en assurant les synergies et la complémentarité avec les conseils municipaux?

Il faut une co-construction des espaces périurbains pour les villes ne se bâtissent plus au détriment des populations rurales et de la sécurité alimentaire de tous. Or, telle que les choses se passent en ce moment, les populations rurales ne font que subir sans qu’on leur laisse le choix de décider de comment penser ou imaginer leur environnement de vie.

11.         Comment les expériences des communautés urbaines pour améliorer l'accès aux aliments frais et aux régimes alimentaires sains peuvent-elles inspirer des politiques publiques plus larges?

Les marchés matinaux qui se créent un peu partout dans nos villes ivoiriennes sont des expériences des communautés elles-mêmes qui ne sont pas encore saisies par les autorités municipales pour innover davantage dans le sens d’améliorer  ces fonctionnements informels qui font bénéficier au moins aux citadins la consommation de produits sains

 

 

Good morning

feedback to the consultation:

In the Pampas region of Argentina, there are experiences of horticultural crops in urban and peri-urban areas already beginning in 2000. The crisis of 2002, makes the need for food and income generation, horticulture is a possibility articulated statewide to fairs of sales of fresh products. Then the experience continues, after the different conflicts with marketing channels, and with those who continue in the activity. Since there were those who return to the usual informal jobs as employees. Others are still in the activity, although by 2008 they see it as an activity of women in the neighborhoods, or of people from another culture, of the generally older country culture. The options of preparing vegetables and even cooking presents difficulties, because sometimes getting firewood, coal and in the best of cases bottled gas was a problem. As much as the subject was accompanied with nutritionists and schools.

Another period can be placed approximately after 2010 where conflicts begin to be generated by productions that use agrochemicals and standards are generated that delimit the possibilities of application and therefore production alternatives in the lots adjacent to the populations. The experiences are varied. It is noticeable in these movements a claim of healthiness, of healthy food for which the norms that limit the use of agrochemicals are generated. The analysis of these productions, their commercialization and the analysis regarding the contribution to nutrition and the population involved is varied and case studies are found because they cannot be generalized. Different is the experience of Rosario, Iraola Park in Buenos Aires or Mar del Palta. Localities that present different populations.

As well as the periods mentioned, they are based on these populations for different reasons and with questions about who should produce these foods, a multiplicity of similar questions and different experiences in the territories.

 I hope the comment is relevant.

Greetings Marisa Gonnella

Dear Paola,

Thank you for your contact and the possibility to participate in your study.

Please, find attached my contribution. Best,

Julia Pinedo Gil

Agroalimentación y Procesos

Agrofood and processes Researcher

Fundación CARTIF (SPAIN)

CONTRIBUTION

This is a timely topic. Trying to answer all the questions you suggest and under my expertise on the topic by coordinating FUSILLI (Fostering the Urban Food System Transformation through Innovative Living Labs Implementation) project, please find below my comments:



Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems is critical for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable development in the context of urbanization and rural transformation. Here are some good practices and successful experiences in this area:

  1. Community Gardens: One successful experience is the establishment of community gardens in urban and peri-urban areas. These gardens can provide fresh and healthy produce to urban residents and promote social cohesion and community building.
  2. Urban Agriculture: Urban agriculture is another successful experience in strengthening food systems in cities. Urban agriculture involves the cultivation of crops and raising of livestock in cities and can provide a source of fresh produce and food for local residents.
  3. Food Hubs: Food hubs are centralized locations where farmers can sell their produce directly to consumers. These hubs can help to connect local farmers with urban consumers, thereby strengthening local food systems and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
  4. Emergency Food Systems: In the case of emergencies or conflicts, it is important to establish emergency food systems to provide food to those in need. These systems can include food banks, food pantries, and other emergency food distribution programs.
  5. Public-Private Partnerships: These partnerships can involve collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private businesses to promote sustainable agriculture practices, support small-scale farmers, and provide access to healthy food for urban residents.
  6. Food Waste Reduction: By reducing food waste, more food can be made available to those in need, and resources can be conserved.

Overall, these practices and experiences demonstrate that it is possible to strengthen urban and peri-urban food systems in the context of urbanization and rural transformation, even in the face of emergencies or conflicts. By working together and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, we can create more resilient and sustainable food systems for the future.

1. What are the main bottlenecks hampering the contribution of urban and peri-urban food systems to food security and nutrition?

There is a growing body of literature, case studies, and data that identify several bottlenecks hampering the contribution of urban and peri-urban food systems to food security and nutrition. Here are some key examples:

  • Land use and urbanization: Urbanization is causing a loss of agricultural land and pressure on peri-urban agricultural areas, reducing the availability of land for food production. This, in turn, affects the food supply and availability, especially for low-income households.
  • Limited access to markets: Many small-scale farmers in peri-urban areas face challenges accessing markets due to inadequate transportation infrastructure, high transaction costs, and low market
  • prices. This limits their ability to sell their produce, reduces their income, and limits the diversity and availability of food for urban consumers.
  • Limited access to finance: Small-scale farmers often lack access to finance to invest in their farms, making it difficult for them to improve their productivity and expand their operations. This limits their ability to produce enough food to meet local demand and contributes to food insecurity.
  • Poor infrastructure and services: Lack of basic infrastructure and services such as water, electricity, and sanitation make it difficult for small-scale farmers to operate effectively and efficiently. This, in turn, limits the quality and quantity of food they can produce.
  • Lack of policy support: In many countries, policies and regulations do not adequately support urban and peri-urban food systems, which can limit their ability to contribute to food security and nutrition. This includes policies related to land use, urban planning, and agricultural support.
  • Climate change and environmental degradation: Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to urban and peri-urban food systems, including impacts on water availability, soil quality, and crop productivity. This can lead to reduced food supply and quality, which can negatively affect food security and nutrition.

Overall, these bottlenecks are only some examples of significant challenges that need to be addressed to improve the contribution of urban and peri-urban food systems to food security and nutrition. Efforts to address these bottlenecks will require a coordinated approach involving multiple stakeholders, including governments, farmers, civil society, and the private sector

2. How can urban and peri-urban food systems be transformed and made more equitable and accessible both for food system actors and in terms of food security and nutrition outcomes?

Transforming urban and peri-urban food systems to be more equitable and accessible for food system actors and in terms of food security and nutrition outcomes is a complex task that requires multiple interventions at different levels. Here are some recent literature, case studies, and data that shed light on the potential solutions:

  • Building local food systems: Local food systems can enhance food security and nutrition outcomes by increasing access to fresh and healthy food, supporting local farmers, and reducing the environmental footprint of food production. Case studies from cities like Belo Horizonte in Brazil and Toronto in Canada demonstrate the success of local food policies and initiatives in improving food security and nutrition outcomes.
  • Supporting small-scale farmers: Small-scale farmers in peri-urban areas often face challenges in accessing finance, markets, and technical assistance. Supporting them through targeted policies and interventions can improve their productivity, income, and ability to contribute to local food systems. For example, in Ghana, the government has established a program that provides subsidies to small-scale farmers for inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
  • Promoting inclusive business models: Inclusive business models can provide opportunities for small-scale farmers to participate in value chains and improve their access to markets. For example, the social enterprise Grow Ahead has created a crowdfunding platform that supports small-scale coffee farmers in Latin America by providing pre-harvest financing and market access.
  • Strengthening community-led initiatives: Community-led initiatives can empower local communities to take ownership of their food systems and improve food security and nutrition outcomes. For example, in Kenya, the Ushirika Hub is a community-led initiative that provides training, resources, and support for small-scale farmers to improve their productivity and access to markets.
  • Adopting a multi-sectoral approach: Transforming urban and peri-urban food systems requires a multi-sectoral approach that involves collaboration across different sectors and stakeholders. For example, in Ecuador, the government has established an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate policies related to urban and peri-urban agriculture, food security, and nutrition.

Overall, these solutions demonstrate that transforming urban and peri-urban food systems to be more equitable and accessible requires a combination of policies, programs, and interventions that involve multiple stakeholders and sectors. By working together and adopting a holistic approach, it is possible to build more resilient and sustainable food systems that benefit all actors and improve food security and nutrition outcomes

3. How can urban food supply chains, formal and informal, local and global, be made more resilient to ensure food security and nutrition within urban settings?

Ensuring food security and nutrition in urban settings requires resilient food supply chains that can withstand shocks and disruptions. Recent literature, case studies, and data offer insights into how urban food supply chains, both formal and informal, local and global, can be made more resilient. Here are some examples:

  • Diversifying supply sources: Dependence on a single source of food can make urban food supply chains vulnerable to disruptions. Diversifying the sources of food can improve resilience. For example, the city of Amsterdam has launched a food strategy that promotes a circular and regenerative food system, including increasing the diversity of food sources and supporting local production.
  • Again, building local food systems: Local food systems can improve resilience by reducing reliance on global supply chains and increasing the availability of fresh and healthy food. The city of Detroit has adopted a food systems approach that supports local production and processing, improving the resilience of the food supply chain.
  • Enhancing logistics and transportation: Efficient logistics and transportation systems can improve the resilience of food supply chains by ensuring that food reaches its destination quickly and efficiently. Innovative approaches, such as last-mile delivery by electric vehicles or drones, can improve food distribution in urban areas.
  • Supporting informal food systems: Informal food systems, such as street food vendors, play a critical role in urban food supply chains, particularly in low-income areas. Supporting these systems through policies and regulations can improve their resilience and ensure that they contribute to food security and nutrition outcomes. For example, in the city of Accra, Ghana, the government has established a licensing scheme that regulates informal food vending and provides support for vendors.
  • Strengthening food safety and quality control: Ensuring the safety and quality of food is essential for improving the resilience of food supply chains. Robust food safety and quality control systems, including testing and certification, can help to prevent foodborne illness and protect public health.

These examples demonstrate that building resilience in urban food supply chains requires a multi-faceted approach that involves diverse stakeholders and interventions. By adopting a comprehensive approach, it is possible to improve food security and nutrition outcomes in urban settings.

4. What changes are needed in urban planning to better support all dimensions of food security – including support for human rights, agency and sustainability? Which are some of the measures that can strengthen the agency of local actors in urban and peri-urban food systems?

Urban planning plays a crucial role in shaping the food systems of cities and can influence food security outcomes. Recent literature, case studies, and data highlight the need for changes in urban planning to better support all dimensions of food security, including human rights, agency, and sustainability. Here are some examples:

  • Integrating food into urban planning: Urban planning should explicitly include food as a key consideration in the design and development of cities. This can involve incorporating food systems into land-use planning, infrastructure development, and community engagement processes. For example, the city of Melbourne has developed a food policy that integrates food into urban planning and emphasizes the importance of sustainable and healthy food systems.
  • Promoting food sovereignty: Food sovereignty refers to the right of people to control their own food systems and the resources and knowledge needed to produce their own food. Urban planning can support food sovereignty by creating spaces for urban agriculture, supporting small-scale food producers, and ensuring equitable access to land and resources. In the city of Havana, Cuba, urban agriculture has played a critical role in improving food security and promoting food sovereignty.
  • Creating equitable food systems: Urban planning should prioritize equity in the design and development of food systems, ensuring that all residents have access to healthy and affordable food. This can involve addressing food deserts, supporting local food businesses, and promoting food justice. In New York City, the City Council has passed legislation to establish a citywide food policy council, with the goal of promoting equitable and sustainable food systems.
  • Emphasizing sustainability: Urban planning should prioritize the sustainability of food systems, considering environmental, social, and economic factors. This can involve promoting sustainable food production practices, reducing food waste, and prioritizing local and regional food systems. The city of Milan, Italy, has developed a food policy that emphasizes the importance of sustainable food systems and has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce food waste and promote sustainable consumption.

These examples demonstrate that changes in urban planning are essential for supporting all dimensions of food security, including human rights, agency, and sustainability. By prioritizing food in urban planning, it is possible to create more resilient and equitable food systems that can support the health and well-being of urban residents.

Strengthening the agency of local actors in urban and peri-urban food systems is important for improving food security and nutrition outcomes and promoting more equitable and sustainable food systems. Here are some measures that can help to strengthen the agency of local actors:

  • Promoting participation and engagement: Local actors should be involved in decision-making processes related to food systems, including planning, policy-making, and implementation. This can involve creating spaces for public participation, such as food policy councils or citizen assemblies, and ensuring that local actors have access to relevant information and resources.
  • Supporting capacity-building: Local actors should have access to the knowledge and skills needed to participate effectively in food system governance and management. Capacity-building initiatives can include training on food production, processing, marketing, and distribution, as well as support for entrepreneurship and business development.
  • Facilitating networking and collaboration: Local actors should have opportunities to connect and collaborate with each other, building social capital and fostering collective action. This can involve creating platforms for networking, such as farmers' markets, food hubs, and food cooperatives, as well as supporting the development of social enterprises and community-based organizations.
  • Strengthening institutional arrangements: Local actors should be supported by strong institutional arrangements that provide a supportive policy and regulatory environment for food systems. This can involve creating legal frameworks that protect small-scale food producers and processors, supporting informal food vendors, and providing incentives for sustainable and healthy food production and consumption.
  • Ensuring access to resources: Local actors should have access to the resources needed to participate effectively in food systems, including land, water, seeds, and other inputs. This can involve creating policies and programs that support access to land for urban agriculture, providing access to credit and financial services for small-scale food producers and processors, and ensuring access to water and other natural resources.

5. How can national and municipal governments strengthen the potential for low-carbon, inclusive, relatively self-sufficient and resilient cities and towns to drive improved food security and nutrition in the wake of climate change and other crises?

National and municipal governments have an important role to play in strengthening the potential for low-carbon, inclusive, relatively self-sufficient, and resilient cities and towns to drive improved food security and nutrition in the wake of climate change and other crises. Here are some ways in which they can do this:

  • Promote sustainable food production: Governments can promote sustainable food production by supporting low-carbon agriculture, agroforestry, and urban agriculture. This can involve providing incentives for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, supporting research and development of low-carbon farming methods, and investing in the development of urban agriculture infrastructure.
  • Invest in food system infrastructure: Governments can invest in food system infrastructure, including transportation, storage, processing, and distribution facilities. This can involve supporting the development of local food hubs, farmers' markets, and other distribution networks that connect small-scale farmers and processors with local consumers.
  • Support local food economies: Governments can support the development of local food economies by providing access to credit and financial services for small-scale food producers and processors, supporting the development of local food processing and value-added industries, and promoting the consumption of locally produced foods.
  • Strengthen food system governance: Governments can strengthen food system governance by creating policies and regulatory frameworks that support sustainable and healthy food production and consumption. This can involve promoting the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, protecting small-scale food producers and processors, and providing incentives for the development of sustainable food systems.
  • • Build community resilience: Governments can build community resilience by supporting community-based initiatives that promote food security and nutrition, such as community gardens, food cooperatives, and community kitchens. This can involve providing support for these initiatives, including technical assistance, funding, and other resources.

6. What are the most appropriate policies (and gaps in existing policies) along the rural-urban continuum to address issues of land tenure, urban expansion into farmland and the growing competition for natural resources?

Land tenure, urban expansion into farmland, and competition for natural resources are complex issues that require a multi-faceted policy response along the rural-urban continuum. Here are some of the most appropriate policies that can address these issues, as well as some gaps in existing policies:

  • Land tenure policies: Policies that ensure secure land tenure for both urban and rural populations are essential for addressing land tenure issues along the rural-urban continuum. These policies should include measures to protect the land rights of small-scale farmers and indigenous communities, as well as measures to regulate land use in urban areas to prevent encroachment on farmland. Gaps in existing policies include inadequate protection of land tenure rights for small-scale farmers and indigenous communities, and a lack of regulation to prevent urban expansion into farmland.
  • Spatial planning policies: Policies that guide the spatial distribution of urban and rural development are important for managing urban expansion and reducing competition for natural
  • resources. These policies should include measures to promote compact urban development, protect natural areas and farmland, and ensure that infrastructure development is integrated with land use planning. Gaps in existing policies include inadequate enforcement of spatial planning regulations, and a lack of consideration for the impact of urban development on surrounding rural areas.
  • Agricultural and environmental policies: Policies that support sustainable agriculture and protect natural resources are important for addressing competition for natural resources along the rural-urban continuum. These policies should include measures to promote sustainable agricultural practices, protect water resources, and conserve biodiversity. Gaps in existing policies include inadequate support for sustainable agriculture and a lack of enforcement of environmental regulations.
  • Social policies: Policies that address the needs of urban and rural populations are important for reducing poverty and inequality along the rural-urban continuum. These policies should include measures to provide access to basic services such as education, health care, and social protection, as well as measures to promote social inclusion and reduce discrimination. Gaps in existing policies include inadequate access to basic services for rural populations, and a lack of policies to promote social inclusion.

In summary, policies that ensure secure land tenure, guide spatial planning, support sustainable agriculture and protect natural resources, and address the needs of urban and rural populations are essential for addressing issues along the rural-urban continuum. However, there are gaps in existing policies that need to be addressed in order to effectively manage land tenure, urban expansion, and competition for natural resources.

7. How can urban and peri-urban food systems ensure that food and nutrition needs of specific groups of people, such as migrants, the internally-displaced, children, adolescent, etc., are met?

Urban and peri-urban food systems can ensure that food and nutrition needs of specific groups of people, such as migrants, the internally-displaced, children, adolescents, etc., are met by taking a targeted and inclusive approach to food system planning and management. Here are some ways that this can be achieved:

  • Conduct needs assessments: Urban and peri-urban food systems should conduct needs assessments to identify the specific food and nutrition needs of different population groups, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized, such as migrants, the internally-displaced, children, adolescents, etc. This information can help to guide food system planning and management.
  • Increase access to affordable and nutritious food: Urban and peri-urban food systems should ensure that all population groups have access to affordable and nutritious food. This can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as promoting urban agriculture, supporting local food markets, and providing food subsidies for vulnerable populations.
  • Improve food safety and quality: Urban and peri-urban food systems should prioritize food safety and quality to ensure that all population groups have access to safe and nutritious food. This can be achieved through measures such as food safety regulations, food labelling, and quality control measures.
  • Promote social inclusion: Urban and peri-urban food systems should promote social inclusion to ensure that all population groups are able to participate in food system activities and benefit from them. This can be achieved through measures such as community engagement, promoting diversity in food system actors, and addressing discrimination and exclusion.
  • Provide nutrition education: Urban and peri-urban food systems should provide nutrition education to promote healthy food choices and behaviours among all population groups. This can be achieved through a variety of channels, such as schools, community centres, and social media.

8. What are the potential benefits and challenges of territorial markets for strengthening food security and nutrition for urban populations?

Territorial markets, which are food markets that prioritize the sale of locally produced food, have the potential to strengthen food security and nutrition for urban populations in a number of ways. Here are some potential benefits and challenges of territorial markets:

Benefits:

  • Access to fresh and healthy food for urban populations, which can help to improve their overall nutrition and health.
  • Supporting local farmers by providing a market for their products, which can help to boost their income and support the local economy.
  • Reducing food miles, reducing the distance that food needs to travel to reach urban consumers, which can reduce the environmental impact of food transport and support more sustainable food systems.
  • Promoting food culture and heritage by providing a space for the sale and promotion of traditional or culturally significant foods.

Challenges:

  • Limited availability: Territorial markets may not be able to provide a sufficient range or quantity of food to meet the needs of all urban consumers, particularly those who are reliant on non-local or imported food.
  • Cost: Territorial markets may not always be able to offer food at competitive prices compared to large-scale retailers, which can make them less accessible to low-income consumers.
  • Infrastructure and logistics: Setting up and maintaining territorial markets requires infrastructure and logistics, which can be costly and require ongoing support from local authorities.
  • Limited diversity: Territorial markets may be limited in the range of food available, which can lead to a lack of diversity in the diets of urban consumers.

9. In what ways can the incorporation of climate resilient agricultural and circular economy practices in urban and peri-urban agriculture provide climate co-benefits for all and enhance climate resilience?

The incorporation of climate resilient agricultural and circular economy practices in urban and peri-urban agriculture can provide climate co-benefits for all and enhance climate resilience in several ways:

  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Climate resilient agricultural practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and crop rotation can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Circular economy practices such as composting and waste reduction can also reduce emissions from waste.
  • Increased carbon sequestration: Agroforestry and other climate resilient agricultural practices can also help to sequester carbon in soils and vegetation, thereby contributing to carbon storage and climate change mitigation.
  • Improved resource efficiency: Circular economy practices such as nutrient recycling, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient irrigation can improve resource efficiency in urban and peri-urban agriculture, reducing demand on scarce resources and enhancing climate resilience.
  • Enhanced biodiversity: Climate resilient agricultural practices can enhance biodiversity by promoting the conservation of natural habitats and the use of diverse crop varieties. This can enhance ecosystem resilience and support the provision of ecosystem services that benefit people and the planet.
  • Reduced vulnerability to climate change impacts: By promoting resilient farming practices and enhancing resource efficiency, urban and peri-urban agriculture can help to reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events.

10. How can citizens be engaged and empowered to drive inclusive, transparent, participatory processes for urban transformations, ensuring synergies and complementarity with city councils?

Citizens can be engaged and empowered to drive inclusive, transparent, and participatory processes for urban transformations, ensuring synergies and complementarity with city councils in the following ways:

  • Build trust and relationships: Engage citizens early and build trust by being transparent and open to their feedback. This can help to create a foundation for a collaborative relationship between citizens and city councils.
  • Use diverse engagement methods: Use a variety of engagement methods, such as public consultations, community meetings, online platforms, and citizen juries to reach diverse communities and encourage broad participation.
  • Provide clear and accessible information: Provide clear and accessible information about the urban transformation process, including the goals, objectives, timelines, and outcomes of the project. This can help citizens understand the project and feel empowered to engage in the process.
  • Foster co-creation: Foster a co-creation process where citizens and city councils can work together to develop solutions that are responsive to community needs and priorities.
  • Build capacity: Provide training and support for citizens to develop the skills and knowledge they need to participate effectively in the urban transformation process.
  • Create feedback mechanisms: Establish feedback mechanisms that allow citizens to provide input and feedback throughout the process, and ensure that their voices are heard and considered in decision-making.
  • Use digital technologies: Use digital technologies, such as online platforms and social media, to reach and engage citizens and facilitate dialogue and collaboration between citizens and city councils.

By engaging citizens in inclusive, transparent, and participatory processes for urban transformations, city councils can tap into the knowledge, skills, and resources of local communities to drive more effective, efficient, and equitable urban transformations that meet the needs and priorities of all citizens. 1

11. Which experiences of urban communities to increase access to fresh food and healthy diets can inspire broader public policies?

There are several inspiring experiences of urban communities that have successfully increased access to fresh food and healthy diets. Some of these experiences can provide insights and ideas for broader public policies. Here are a few examples:

  • Community gardens: Community gardens are a great way for urban residents to grow their own fresh produce, improve their diets, and create a sense of community. Cities like New York and Toronto have created policies that support the development of community gardens on public and private land.
  • Farmers' markets: Farmers' markets provide a direct connection between urban consumers and local farmers, allowing consumers to access fresh, locally grown produce. Cities like San Francisco and Seattle have implemented policies to support the establishment and operation of farmers' markets.
  • Food co-ops: Food co-ops are community-owned grocery stores that provide access to healthy, fresh, and sustainably produced food. Cities like Madison and Minneapolis have policies that support the development of food co-ops.
  • Healthy corner stores: Healthy corner store initiatives provide funding and technical assistance to small corner stores in low-income areas to help them stock and sell healthier food options. Cities like Philadelphia and New Orleans have implemented policies to support healthy corner stores.
  • School food programs: School food programs are an important way to ensure that children have access to healthy meals during the school day. Cities like Oakland and Chicago have implemented policies to improve the quality and nutritional value of school meals.

These experiences demonstrate that urban communities can take action to increase access to fresh food and healthy diets, and that public policies can play a role in supporting and scaling up these efforts. By learning from and building on these experiences, policymakers can develop more effective and equitable policies that support healthy food access for all urban residents.

FUSILLI project and their demos have also different a interesting examples, that when we obtained results could be published.

 

See the attachments:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Share recent literature, case studies and data that could help answer the following questions:

1.            What are the main bottlenecks hampering the contribution of urban and peri-urban food systems to food security and nutrition?

My answer here is India specific and may apply to South Asians in general, even those settled in industrialized countries.

Bottleneck: Religio-cultural beliefs lowering meat consumption leading to low blood vitamin B12 levels 

 1. Prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to paralysis from sub acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SACD).  This disease is generally observed in people in their 70s and 80s.

2. However, due to increasing popularity of plant based diets, either due to religious reasons or concerns for animal well-being, SACD and other B12 deficiency induced neurological injuries are now emerging in children and young adults.

3. This is now an issue because increasing hygiene in developing countries eliminates microbial contamination as a source of vitamin B12.

Source: https://www.fao.org/3/Y2809E/y2809e0b.htm#bm11.8 

Solution: Introduce vitamin B12 warnings on vegan, vegetarian and plant based content on social media. 

1. Social media content about plant based diets can have a vitamin B-12 information link to FAO Chp 5 Vitamin B12 page 

https://www.fao.org/3/Y2809E/y2809e0b.htm

Readers will be subtely nudged to read more on vitamin B12 without hurting their religious sentiments. 

2. Aggressively raise awareness about the availability of vitamin B12 from animal sourced foods only via existing UN social media channels. Vitamin B12 is ideally got from red meat.

3. It is not industrially possible to manufacture vitamin B-12 tablets for huge portions of the population. So people in India and South Asians everywhere need to be educated about the importance of consuming livestock and fisheries derived foods.

4. Peri-urban food systems will have to encourage raising of small ruminants to meet increased demand for red meat. More sales can take place through increased demand for small ruminant meat and fishes.

Idea:

The proposition is that Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Tiktok, Snapchat and Twitter posts related to veganism, vegetarianism, plantbased eating and exclusive breastfeeding in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka be linked to the Vitamin B12 page of the FAO. This will catalyze access to knowledge and technical expertise among the general public on the common problem of vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency among South Asians.
 
Reason:
 
1. Too many people forget that they were taught in class 10 (roughly age 15) that vitamin B12 is obtained from animal origin food only.
 
2. Underage children who use social media either through their own accounts or those of their elders, must have some warning about vitamin B12 in case if they get 'influenced' to go vegan or vegetarian. Many of them, may not yet have learnt in school that vitamin B12 is obtained exclusively from animal sourced food. 
 
3. Prolonged, undiagnosed and untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anaemia, peripheral neuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. 
 
4. There are newspaper reports from time to time, of neurological injuries and brain damage in breast fed babies of vegetarian and vegan mothers.
 
5. Processed foods such as Nestlé Cerelac and formula milk which contain artificial B12 are indispensable for breast-fed babies of mothers who don't regularly consume meat. Exclusive breastfeeding advocates vehemently deny any usefulness of formula milk and vitamin B12 enhanced baby food. These individuals seem to be unaware of any consequences of a vitamin B12 deficiency/insufficiency in both mother and baby.
 
6. There is a trend on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to defame nutrient enhanced malt powders such as Horlicks, Bournvita, Boost, Milo, Complan and Kelloggs breakfast cereals because they contain sugar. However, these products have artificial vitamin B-12, along with other artificial nutrients that have been proven to be well-absorbed in the intestines.
 
There is research to show that Indian children who regularly received these products in milk had high iron, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 levels in their blood, comparable to children who regularly eat fish.
 
Worldwide, vegetarian children and children of families who are unable to eat meat frequently deserve to receive artificial vitamin B12 through fortified food, whether they know it or not.
 
Why a FAO link?
 
1. Linking to an UN page will be neutral and apolitical.
 
2. Social media companies have previously linked COVID related posts to a WHO link that wasn't functional and wasn't getting updated. The FAO page is highly informative and up-to-date.
 
3. WHO, WFP and IFAD don't have equally good educative pages about vitamins and minerals.
 
4. It is not just vitamin B12 but some other nutrients are also obtained from animal origin food only. Linking posts related to veganism, vegetarianism, plantbased eating and exclusive breastfeeding (and related hashtags) to the FAO vit B12 page will be a good start.
 
Expected impact:
 
1. People will be nudged into reading about vitamin B12 through social media sites.
 
2. Nobody changes religious opinions or socio-cultural values because of science. However, they will at least have a possibility of stumbling upon information that they are deliberately excluding a nutrient from their diet that is only available from animal sourced food or certain processed foods. 
 
3. More people will actively get tested and seek corrective action from their physicians.
 
4. People will have access to a correct source of information about vitamin B12. Many articles and videos on the net wrongly list plant sources of vitamin B12 when there are none.
 
SDG 2 reiterates the global commitment to ending all forms of malnutrition by 2025. ICTs can be effectively deployed for gender responsive digitalization to raise awareness surrounding targets to stop stunting and wasting in children below the age of 5 & to tackle the nutritional needs of pubescent girls, expectant and lactating mothers and senior citizens. 
 
 

I remain available for further answers and discussion.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Best regards, 

Natalia Hule