Foro Global sobre Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (Foro FSN)

Dear Madam/Sir:

Some contribution to the consultation.

Have the key elements of governance issues and integrated approaches to addressing rural-urban linkages been captured? If not, what is missing?

The implementation of decentralization provided local governments with an avenue to have greater control over local resources, which can be used to improve services and enhance the welfare of constituents. However, providing better services may involve greater expenses that will require a larger amount of funds, which can be obtained from generating greater revenues. Generation of local revenues can be increased by investing local resources and prioritizing economic activities that can have greater returns.

Strengthening of urban-rural linkages can potentially enhance the performance of food systems because it can provide for the efficient flow of commodities, inputs, information and technology. However, this will require coordination among local governments who generally have their autonomy because of decentralization. There is a need to look at the political dynamics in terms of the configuration or structure of governments. There may be a need to look at how collaboration between local governments can work to improve urban-rural linkages.

Where/how do you think CFS can add the most value to current initiatives aimed at addressing food security and nutrition in the context of urbanization and rural transformation?

There is very little doubt that city/town planning can contribute to initiative addressing food security and nutrition. However, there is a gap in the knowledge and skills of city/town planners particularly in the area of integrating the food system in city/town plans. This was mentioned in Pothukuchi and Kaufman’s work in the US. This issue was also identified by the Meeting Urban Food Needs Project (MUFN). Technical assistance can be provided by the CFS in equipping these city/town planners with skills and knowledge to address the gap.

A Policy Guide Book that has a dynamic framework for addressing the concerns may be developed by the CFS.

Kind regards,

Luis

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Luis Antonio T. Hualda

School of Management

University of the Philippines Mindanao

Davao City, Philippines

Website: www.upmin.edu.ph