¿Cómo incorporar eficazmente los costos y beneficios ocultos de los sistemas agroalimentarios a la toma de decisiones para su transformación?
Los sistemas agroalimentarios aportan beneficios vitales a la sociedad, entre otras cosas porque producen los alimentos que nos nutren, dan trabajo a más de mil millones de personas y conforman identidades culturales. Sin embargo, también contribuyen al cambio climático, la degradación de los recursos naturales y la pérdida de biodiversidad, al tiempo que no garantizan el acceso a una alimentación saludable y asequible para todos. La complejidad y las interdependencias de los sistemas agroalimentarios dificultan que los responsables incorporen a la toma de decisiones los costos y beneficios que generan.
La edición de 2023 de la publicación principal de la FAO “El estado mundial de la agricultura y la alimentación 2023” (SOFA 2023) tiene como tema “Revelar el verdadero costo de los alimentos para transformar los sistemas agroalimentarios”. Al introducir el concepto de costos y beneficios ocultos de los sistemas agroalimentarios y ofrecer un marco que permita evaluarlos, este informe pretende iniciar un proceso que prepare mejor a los responsables de la toma de decisiones para adoptar medidas que orienten los sistemas agroalimentarios hacia la sostenibilidad ambiental, social y económica. El informe presenta los resultados de las evaluaciones de la contabilidad de costos reales (CCR) a nivel nacional para 154 países, y estima que los costes ocultos cuantificados a nivel mundial de los sistemas agroalimentarios ascienden a 10 billones de USD de paridad de poder adquisitivo (PPA) de 2020 o más (aproximadamente el 10 % del PIB mundial). Esto pone de relieve la urgente necesidad de tener en cuenta estos costos en la toma de decisiones para promover la transformación de los sistemas agroalimentarios hacia la sostenibilidad.
El informe SOFA 2023 afirma asimismo que, si bien las estimaciones mundiales de los costos ocultos cuantificados en el informe son útiles para concienciar sobre la magnitud del desafío, se necesitan más investigación y pruebas para el diseño y la aplicación de medidas e inversiones concretas que aborden los costos ocultos y mejoren los beneficios de los sistemas agroalimentarios. Esto debería hacerse mediante evaluaciones específicas basadas en la CCR, que tengan en cuenta los contextos locales para ajustar las estimaciones nacionales y considerar los costes de las diferentes vías de transformación.
Dada la relevancia de esta cuestión, por primera vez desde el lanzamiento de la publicación SOFA en 1947, la FAO dedica dos números consecutivos al mismo tema. El SOFA 2024 mostrará la flexibilidad de la CCR en su aplicación a diferentes ámbitos, desde un sistema agroalimentario completo hasta un único producto. A través de una amplia gama de estudios de casos, demostrará la importancia y los retos de incorporar los costos ocultos en la toma de decisiones para evaluar diferentes opciones de políticas y ordenación con el fin de transformar los sistemas agroalimentarios para mejor. Su objetivo último es preparar mejor a los responsables de la toma de decisiones para que adopten medidas que orienten los sistemas agroalimentarios hacia la sostenibilidad ambiental, social y económica.
El equipo del SOFA invita a las partes interesadas a compartir ejemplos ilustrativos (estudios de casos) de evaluaciones existentes o en curso de los costos ocultos y los beneficios de los sistemas agroalimentarios para garantizar una amplia cobertura en todo el mundo y en todos los sectores. Asimismo, alentamos las contribuciones que profundicen en cómo se han utilizado dichas evaluaciones para informar a los responsables de la toma de decisiones y a otras partes interesadas a la hora de aplicar medidas transformadoras hacia sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles.
Las contribuciones pueden incluir (entre otras cuestiones) la validación de la evaluación preliminar de los costos ocultos que ofrece el SOFA 2023, evaluaciones del modo en que el enfoque de la CCR puede adaptarse a las prioridades de los responsables de las políticas en diferentes contextos y la identificación de posibles zonas para un análisis más profundo. Reconociendo la complejidad de abarcar todas las dimensiones de los costos ocultos, esta convocatoria de propuestas se dirige también a contribuciones/estudios de casos que analicen dos o más aspectos de los costos ocultos en las categorías medioambiental, social o sanitaria. Puede tratarse de causas de costos ocultos como la escasez de agua, las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, las consecuencias para la salud de pautas alimentarias poco saludables o las consecuencias sociales (incluyendo la pobreza y la subalimentación) en un lugar concreto de un país o región.
El objetivo final es recopilar las aportaciones pertinentes, los mensajes clave y los estudios de casos a nivel nacional para contribuir al proceso de redacción del SOFA 2024 (que se publicará en noviembre de 2024). El equipo del SOFA examinará y seleccionará los estudios de casos pertinentes para incluirlos en el informe, teniendo en cuenta la relevancia y contribución a la diversidad (geográfica, sectorial y metodológica) de cada caso.
La convocatoria estará vigente hasta el 29 de enero de 2024.
Cómo participar en esta convocatoria de propuestas
Para participar en esta convocatoria de propuestas, regístrese en el Foro FSN, si aún no es miembro, o inicie sesión en su cuenta. Descargue la plantilla de presentación en cualquiera de los seis idiomas de las Naciones Unidas (inglés, francés, español, ruso, árabe y chino) y suba el formulario cumplimentado a la casilla "Publique su contribución" de esta página web. Le rogamos que limite la extensión de sus contribuciones a 2 000 palabras y que adjunte el material de apoyo pertinente. Para cualquier asistencia técnica, incluida la aplicación basada en la IA o la descarga o la carga de la plantilla de presentación, envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected].
Esperamos recibir sus valiosas contribuciones, que sin duda enriquecerán el contenido de SOFA 2024.
Cofacilitadores:
Andrea Cattaneo, Economista superior y Editor de El estado mundial de la Agricultura y la Alimentación (SOFA), División de Economía Agroalimentaria (ESA)
Aslihan Arslan, Economista, SOFA, ESA
Ahmad Sadiddin, Economista, SOFA, ESA
Theresa McMenomy, Economista, SOFA, ESA
Elisa Ranuzzi, Becaria, SOFA, ESA
- Leer 70 contribuciones
In order to effectively incorporate the hidden costs and benefits of agri-food systems into decision-making for transformation in Vanuatu, it is essential to conduct comprehensive cost-benefit analyses. This involves identifying and quantifying both the visible and invisible impacts of agricultural practices, such as environmental degradation, health implications, and social equity considerations. By utilizing tools such as economic valuation, life cycle assessments, and multi-criteria decision analysis, decision-makers can gain a more holistic understanding of the implications of different agricultural approaches. Furthermore, engaging with diverse stakeholders including farmers, consumers, and policymakers is crucial for capturing the full range of costs and benefits associated with agri-food systems. Additionally, building capacity for data collection and analysis within Vanuatu will be essential for ensuring that decision-making processes are informed by robust evidence. Ultimately, by integrating these hidden costs and benefits into decision-making processes, Vanuatu can work towards sustainable and resilient agri-food systems that deliver positive outcomes for both people and the planet.
Dear FSN Community,
As we are currently working on shaping SOFA 2024, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the valuable contributions we have received so far, both through the submission template and the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based interviewer application. We are closely following the submissions and expect to see an increased pace of promising submissions, such as the ones coming from TMG-Think Tank for Sustainability and the Food Insecurity Observatory. Your valuable inputs are truly appreciated!
We currently have case studies covering more than 20 countries (including those we have commissioned) and are aiming to increase our coverage in general and specifically of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Region. If you have not yet submitted your contribution or if you know of colleagues in the LAC region who could provide valuable insights, we invite you to share this call for submissions with them.
I would like to kindly remind that the extended submission deadline is January 29th.
Thank you and we look forward to receiving your submissions!
Aslihan
Dear madam/Sir
I hope first of all I am congratulate to the (FSN) Coordinator body, I am engaging long time in agriculture's media sector, how I can contribution my role in agriculture sectors. I came from yet still Agriculture family background. How can the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems be effectively incorporated into decision-making for transformation ?
I recognize the about the agriculture value how is important for men. I wish in terms of play role in agriculture sector from my side.
Many many thanks FSN Coordinator body' All of world FSN Members.
Giving me opportunity space of consultation Our dignified institution from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
With best regards,
Dhanbahadur Magar
Online portal : www.krishijournal.com.np
Veuillez trouver ci-joint mon dossier de candidature sur comment intégrer efficacement les coûts et les avantages cachés du système agroalimentaire dans la prise de décision en vue de la transformation.
Candidat: NZANGUE Faustin Médard
Centrafrique
Tanguy R. C. DJAKA YARISSI
Réalisateur de films documentaires
submitted by Dr Jemina Moeng on behalf of the team.
Input by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) Food Security Team
Introduction: Hidden costs are like a vicious cycle as they cost more in the future than in the present, making attempts to achieve sustainable development impossible.
To effectively incorporate the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems into decision-making requires:
- Recognition of the strengths and weaknesses in the current food systems, what purpose they serve, who they serve and whether they enable progress towards achieving the national goals.
- The most affected populations by hidden costs of agrifood systems should be identified e.g. the vulnerable, rural and peri urban. The food insecurity and vulnerability assessments should be constantly undertaken. These assessments should further analyse coping mechanisms of people that should be understood for informing agrifood systems decisions and proper targeting of the most affected.
- All role players in agrifood systems including all spheres of government, business, non-government actors, researchers and communities must integrate and streamline policies and legislation and national frameworks based on the agreed upon hidden costs and benefits of agri-food systems.
- The point of departure is recognition of the power of collective action and a need to forge powerful partnerships and creating mutually reinforcing and appropriate interventions.
- Inclusion of Traditional Leaders in cases of rural settings is critical to ensure that the communal areas and communities are consulted upon, noting that indigenous knowledge will enrich the policy process for transformation.
Thank you
CDFS Team
Good morning,
Please find attached the Food Insecurity Observatory's submission for the
How can the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems be effectively incorporated into decision-making for transformation?
For any questions or issues, please feel free to contact us ([email protected]).
Davide Marino, Italy, [email protected]
Bianca Minotti, Italy, [email protected]
Thank you
Kind regards,
Prof. Davide Marino
With appreciation to SOFA for its preliminary assessment of Hidden Cost in Agri food system, following points are offered:
- Though the TCA framework in SOFA 2023 is confined to Agri Food system, the aspect of Hidden Cost is ingrained in entire economic system. Hidden cost, connoting “demerit good” produced in other sectors of economy, possibly may not over score the most essential merit good of healthy and active life produced by Agri food system. The Hidden Cost is likely to be cascading and spilling over with expanding urbanization, changing food habits, transportation, trade, food preservation, processing and packaging. Therefore, the exercise of TCA, assessment of Hidden Cost and its spillover may be seen in the context of entire economic system.
- In the above context, the SOFA 2023 exercise coincides with the sustainable development agenda and It will be useful to reflect convergence in endeavors to control hidden cost and quests for SDGs. The aspect of Hidden Cost is related to SDG target 12.2 “ Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources” and its indicator 12.2.1 “Material footprint per capita, and per GDP”, with 3600 coverage of eco system in dimensions of bio mass, fossil fuel, metal and non metal ores material footprints. Similarly, SDG target 2.4 for ensuring sustainable food system will be resulting in decline in hidden cost and its 11 elements composite indicator 2.4.1 “Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture” is similar to the factors of Hidden Cost.
- There are some consistency observations. The Agri food Hidden Cost estimated for 2020 in PPP USD is about 10% of world GDP (in PPP 2020). Agri GVA on the other hand (about 4 Trillion USD nominal) was correspondingly about 4% of world GDP. This may be implying that hidden cost in Agri food system far exceeds the GVA of Agri food system. Secondly, the SOFA analysis reveals that Hidden Cost increased by 13% during 2016 to 2022. In the corresponding period, the real and nominal agri GVA (in USD $) increased by about 17% and 37% respectively. In the similar vein, the trend of global Total Factor Productivity (TFP) index of Agriculture (data source ERS USDA) has gradually increased from 101 in 2016 to 106 in 2021 (base 2015). Thus, the exercise of estimation, trend and control of hidden cost opens opportunity for coherence in policy analysis and decision support.
TMG – Think Tank for Sustainability is a partner in the Horizon Europe project PLAN`EAT on the topic of transitioning to sustainable and healthy dietary patterns in Europe. Under this project, TMG is currently building together with True Price an open-access European Database on the True Cost of Food consumed in the EU. The database includes details on production methods, country of origin, environmental, social, and health impacts, as well as the related costs of raw or minimally processed food consumed in the EU. Once completed, the database will serve as a valuable open-access tool for comparing the TCA of various food items, empowering stakeholders to make well-informed decisions.
Pour les coûts cachés des systèmes agroalimentaires, il faut aussi s'appuyer sur les pratiques qui reposent sur des enjeux de durabilité : réhabiliter l'approche systémique, les systèmes agroécologiques.
Voir mon article pour le congrès européen des économiste agricoles (EAAE 2023) : "Promote agroecological principles" pp. 10-12 - III - 1.
In developing country like Nigeria, a holistic approach should be used because there are several ways to effectively incorporate the hidden costs and benefits of agri-food systems into decision-making for transformation. One of these ways is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis including the hidden costs and benefits, for example, environmental and social impacts. Second way is to use a decision-making framework by incorporating these factors, such as the triple bottom line or the sustainability triple helix. And lastly, it is also important to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process, including farmers (small holders inclusive), consumers, and local communities. By incorporating these hidden costs and benefits into the decision-making process, agri-food systems can be transformed in a more sustainable and equitable way.
This means that decisions about food production, distribution, and consumption will take into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of agri-food systems. This transformation will help to ensure that food is produced in a way that is environmentally friendly, provides fair compensation for farmers, and promotes healthy and affordable food for consumers. It will also help to ensure that the benefits of agri-food systems are shared more equitably across all stakeholders mentioned above.
Dr. Muhammad Bello Garba
SSUES, Sokoto - Nigeria
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