A part of my contribution to the consultation on the Scope of the HLPE-FSN Report (High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition) can be found in attachment.
Thanks and best regards,
Khaldoun Othman Al Sane, PhD, Dept. Head
Dept. of Biodiversity Characterization and Multiplication of Plant Genetic Resources
National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Jordan
As long as the consultation report of HLPE-FSN (High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition) aims to collect a variety of viewpoints and insights, the expected goal is to make sure that the report takes into account the requirements and difficulties of many stakeholders, such as international organizations, smallholders, marginalized groups, politicians and legislators. The consultation promotes inclusion of and supports the development of practical suggestions for sustainable food systems and better nutrition by involving a diverse variety of perspectives.
In this state, it is essential to follow a rights-based policy framework since it guarantees that nutrition and food security policies are founded on people's fundamental rights, especially the right to enough food. A rights-based strategy encourages responsibility, fairness, and inclusivity by holding institutions and governments accountable for combating malnutrition and food insecurity. The necessity of safeguarding vulnerable groups is also emphasized by this framework, which makes sure that policies prioritize social justice, environmental sustainability, and human dignity in addition to economic efficiency.
Within the HLPE-FSN framework, the emphasis on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems identifies the critical roles that Indigenous communities play in biodiversity conservation, food security, and sustainable farming methods. Traditional knowledge, cultural customs, and a profound comprehension of the ecosystems in which people reside are all fundamental components of indigenous food systems. In addition to providing useful models for sustainable food production and land management, these systems frequently exhibit resistance to climate change and environmental deterioration.
To guarantee that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected and maintained within frameworks for food security and policy, it is essential to emphasize the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS):
1. Because it protects Indigenous Peoples' rights to self-determination and empowers them to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their land, resources, and traditional knowledge, FPIC is crucial. In order to respect Indigenous communities' sovereignty and avoid exploitation, it guarantees that any policies, initiatives, or activities that have an impact on them be only carried out with their express agreement.
2. In fields like biodiversity protection, genetic resources, and food systems, ABS principles are essential for guaranteeing that Indigenous Peoples gain fairly from the use of their traditional knowledge. In accordance with international agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol, these principles guarantee that Indigenous people receive just compensation and recognition when their resources or expertise contribute to wider society benefits.
By focusing on these values, the HLPE-FSN consultation supports moral collaborations and sustainable, just practices that respect Indigenous Peoples' environmental and cultural knowledge while defending their rights and improving their security of food and livelihood management.
The following summarizing table highlights the key needs and priorities of Indigenous Peoples regarding their food and knowledge systems:
Traditional Knowledge - Protection of traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights. Implementation of ABS principles for equitable benefits.
Land Rights & Tenure - Protection and recognition of land ownership, which is vital for sustaining their agricultural practices and livelihoods.
Biodiversity Conservation - Collaboration in environmental protection using traditional practices, safeguarding ecosystems against deforestation and climate change.
Climate Adaptation - Support for climate resilience programs that incorporate Indigenous knowledge in sustainable agriculture and land management.
Food Sovereignty - Control over food systems, secure land rights, and access to resources necessary for sustainable agricultural practices.
Health & Nutrition - Addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, ensuring access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food sources.
Cultural Integrity - Preservation of food-related cultural practices, traditions, and the spiritual significance of food in ceremonies.
Inclusive Governance - Active participation in policy-making processes, with a focus on FPIC to ensure that Indigenous voices are perceived and respected.
Furthermore, we have to take into consideration the following components to determine which important traditional knowledge and practices that need to be emphasized:
1. Environmental Knowledge
This includes Resource Management Practices, Crop rotation, agroforestry, sustainable water harvesting and conservation.
The use of natural indicators, such as weather patterns, plant phenology, and animal behavior, to forecast changes in the environment is known as ecological indicators.
The term "biodiversity conservation" refers to methods (such as protected habitats) that support the conservation of species, ecosystems, and genetic resources.
2. Health and Medicine
And this includes Traditional Medicine: Knowledge of medicinal herbs and their uses, in addition to Healing Practices: Herbal medicines, rituals, or therapies are examples of cultural approaches to wellness.
3. Agriculture and Food
4. Social and Cultural Approach
5. Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change
Information that aids in climate change adaptation, such as flood control techniques or drought-tolerant crops.
6. Utilization of Materials
Concerns about sustainable development, nutrition, and global food security are the main areas of interest for the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN). In this context, national policies, regional initiatives, and international frameworks all have an impact on Indigenous Peoples. The following are some important policies and their effects:
I- International Policy
It’s highly recommended to acknowledge the traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation and guarantees fair distribution of advantages resulting from genetic assets.
Impact: Encourages the preservation of the traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and equitable sharing of resources.
Goals such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15) address Indigenous food systems and environmental proper use and management of resources. This would has the impact of encouraging countries to integrate Indigenous practices into national strategies, though progress is often slow and uneven.
II. Policies at the Regional and National Level
National Laws Concerning Land Rights
In order to preserve traditional food systems, certain nations acknowledge the land rights of Indigenous peoples.
The impact of this could be land tenure promoting food sovereignty.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is one example of a regional framework. Protection of the traditional and subsistence food and land practices of Indigenous Peoples is one of the provisions and the impact would be good precedents for Indigenous rights, even though the fact that court cases can be drawn out and expensive.
III. Specific Food Security Policies
Provisions: Recognize the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Impact: Although indigenous knowledge is becoming more widely acknowledged, communities are frequently not adequately included in funding and implementation.
Challenges and Deficits
These polices and laws and their effects highlight the need for an all-encompassing strategy that upholds Indigenous rights and incorporates their understanding into international food security and sustainability plans.
Here are some issues, complications, and strategies for Indigenous Peoples in HLPE-FSN Context; These would be summarized in the attached file.
Policies that tackle these problems with inclusive and rights-based approaches can reduce negative effects on Indigenous Peoples and support global goals for sustainability and food security.
Thanks for this great opportunity to participate and best regards,
Khaldoun Othman Al Sane, PhD
Dept. Head, Dept. of Biodiversity Characterization and Multiplication of Plant Genetic Resources
National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Jordan
Dr. Khaldoun Al Sane
My CONTRIBUTION TO SHAPING THE DESIGN OF THE AGRIFOOD SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES & INNOVATIONS OUTLOOK (ATIO) KNOWLEDGE BASE (KB)
Dear Sir/ Madam
FSN Forum admin
Thanks for this appreciated initiative. As your synopsis on this crucial topic has indicated that "Agrifood system transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals requires increased attention to developing, adapting and diffusing impactful science, technology and innovation (STI)". Your short summary also has stressed that "current levels and patterns of STI uptake are inadequate to facilitate needed agrifood system transformations, especially in today's low- and middle-income countries". I would like to comment as follows:
A useful tool for compiling data on agricultural technology and innovations may be the Agrifood Systems technology and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) Knowledge Base (KB). Data-driven insights on cutting-edge agrifood technology that improve flood resistance are one way it could be beneficial. In addition to country-specific readiness levels, adoption hurdles, and comparative effectiveness in minimizing flood risks in various agricultural contexts, it could contain information on flood-tolerant crop varieties, water-retaining soil amendments, or smart drainage systems.
Finding innovations that support biodiversity-friendly agriculture, such agroecological techniques, pollinator-friendly farming methods, or AI-powered biodiversity monitoring systems, is another way the KB could be helpful. Statistics demonstrating relationships between the adoption of innovations centred on biodiversity and long-term gains in ecosystem services or agricultural yields would be very helpful.
Furthermore, the KB might make it easier to compare agrifood innovations according to important standards like sustainability, scalability, and socioeconomic impact—especially when it comes to mitigating and adapting to climate change. Researchers' and politicians' decision-making would be aided by access to case studies, expert assessments, and actual adoption rates. The KB would be much more useful for people working at the nexus of agriculture, environmental sustainability, and technology innovation if it contained these kinds of insights.
In reference to: FAO. 2022. Introducing the Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook. Rome. I could add that: the ATIO needs to address more than simply farm-level output because post-farmgate activities account for more than 70% of the value addition represented in global consumer food expenditures (Yi et al., 2021). Besides, in the primary sectors of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry as well as in downstream processing, manufacturing, and distribution, the unwavering pursuit of ever-greater efficiency has had predictable, if unintended, consequences for working conditions, resilience to shocks, and human and environmental health as indicated by Herrero and co-workers (2021).
Overall, the ATIO Knowledge Base holds the potential to bridge critical data gaps, enhance STI visibility, and foster a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood system.
Wish you all the best in shaping the design of the agrifood system technologies and innovations.
Best regards,
Dr. Khaldoun Othman Al Sane