Member profile
Dr. Helen Onyeaka
Organization:
University of Birmingham
Country:
United Kingdom
Field(s) of expertise:
This member contributed to:
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It is, therefore, mandatory to apply the FAO recommendations on science-policy interfaces (SPIs) as they relate to improving the agricultural food system in Nigeria, for example, and also to adapt the recommendations to meet peculiar local needs. Nigeria’s agricultural sector contributes to a significant part of the country’s GDP. Between July and September 2021, agriculture contributed almost 30 per cent of the total GDP (Sasu, 2023). By 2022, this sector accounts for about 38% of the population employed in Nigeria (World Bank, 2024).
However, the problematic predicaments that the agricultural sector of Nigeria is concerned with cannot be overemphasized. These problems include low productivity, enormous post-harvest wastage, poor market access, and the effects of climate change (World Bank, 2021).
Challenges and FAO Guidance Application:
1. Inclusivity in Policymaking:
- Challenge: The existing agrofood systems in Nigeria are made up of different segments of the stakeholders including smallholder farmers, native communities, and urban food producers which may not have their voices always heard in policy talks (Chiaka et al., 2022).
- FAO Guidance Utilization: The use of guidance implies creating inclusive platforms, where all agricultural sectors, regardless of their size participate, thereby enhancing policy relevance and acceptance. Taking this approach, the Voluntary Guidelines on Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT) is supported because inclusive and participatory is shown as a vital decision making process (FAO, 2022).
2. Integration of Traditional Knowledge:
- Challenge: Nigeria identifies a wide range of informal indigenous agricultural knowledge in the national policy; however, such resources are rarely considered in planning the formal agricultural frameworks (Abioye et al., 2014).
- FAO Guidance Utilization: The guidance is encouraged whereby traditional knowledge and scientific research are mixed to aid formation of policies; hence, the policies presented are considered to be thoroughly scientifically and socially accurate. This correspond with the FAO acknowledgement of the importance of traditional knowledge systems in the creation of sustainable agriculture and food security (FAO, 2009).
3. Adaptation to Climate Change:
- Challenge: Nigerian agriculture is affected by climate change more than any other sector and increasingly witnessing extreme weather such as droughts and floods (FMARD, 2018).
- FAO Guidance Utilization: The guidance helps in developing the policies that can endure the impacts caused by climate change through the synthesis of relevant climate data and estimates into the management and planning of the agrifood industry. This align with the FAO’s Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) strategy which provides assistance in the adaptibility and resilience to climate change (FAO, 2013).
Suggestions for Practical Application in Nigeria:
- Local Context Adaptation: Specify in the guidance an approach that is specific for Nigeria’s own agriculture-related portrayals and facilities, such as improving the access of farmers to markets and improving upon the agriculture-processing technologies (FMARD, 2016).
- Capacity Building: Initiate trainings for both the stakeholders and scientists on the impactful implementation of the guidance by leveraging on functional programmes such as West Africa Science Service Institute for Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) (WASCAL, n.d.).
- Pilot Projects: To test the guidance, start with pilot projects in several parts of the country on a small scale in order to assess its initial effectiveness before a nationwide implementation. This is a reflection of the approach used in the Fadama III project of the World Bank (World Bank, 2013).
Key Elements and Suggestions for the Draft Guidance:
- Governance Structures: The guidelines should include models that weathered similar global contexts effectively, and specially those that have robustly weathered political and economic instability. Examples of these strategies best practice are the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) used in Uganda (Rwakakamba & Lukwago, 2014) and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) (NEPAD, 2003).
- Stakeholder Engagement: The draft should highlight the continuity of stakeholder engagement by stating the various ways for this engagement for the SPI to always remain adaptable and responsive to the emerging challenges and opportunities. To support this, experiences from platforms like the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform can be used (SAI Platform, n.d.)..
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The guidance should state the monitoring and performance evaluation process to be followed before the investigation begins. It should emphasize on sustainability and equity on agrifood systems. These protocols can be aligned with existing frameworks like the CAADP’s Biennial Review procedure (NEPAD, 2015).
Real-Life Success Story:
- Example: In Kenya, the implementation of the SPIs demonstrated its notable achievements by the creation of the Kenya Agriculture & Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO). KALRO is an organization that has successfully aligned scientific research with policy development to take forward food security and sustainability. This demonstrates effective partnership where different governmental and non-governmental organizations work together (KALRO, n.d.).
Additional Information Needs:
- Success Metrics: The guidelines need to define unambiguous metrics to assess the quality of SPIs and their effectiveness in empowering agrifood systems in terms of crop productivity, yields, incomes of farmers, and sustainability indicators. The introduced metrics could align with frameworks such the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (United Nations, 2015).
Case Studies: Presenting more case studies that center on countries in African regions, with particular emphasis on those which highlight the challenges and successes of SPIs as well as the local factors that contribute toward this success, would be a great source of information and also encourage the adoption of the best practices in the Nigerian environment. Significant examples include the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A) (FARA, n.d.) and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) (RUFORUM, n.d.).
Through customizing FAO projection to the direct impacts and corresponding suggestions, Nigeria can increase the effectiveness of its science-policy interfaces and stimulate a better development of sustainable and inclusive growth of its agrifood system.
References
Abioye, A. A., Zaid, Y. A., & Egberongbe, H. S. (2014). Documenting and disseminating agricultural indigenous knowledge for sustainable food security: The efforts of agricultural research libraries in Nigeria. Libri, 64(1), 75-84. https://www.ifla.org/past-wlic/2011/78-abioye-en.pdf
Chiaka, J. C., Zhen, L., Yunfeng, H., Xiao, Y., Muhirwa, F., & Lang, T. (2022). Smallholder farmer's contribution to food production in Nigeria. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 916678. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.916678
FARA (Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa). (n.d.). Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa. Retrieved from https://faraafrica.org/programs/s3a/.
FAO. (2009). What is Agrobiodiversity? Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/y5609e/y5609e02.htm.
FAO. (2022). Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/i2801e/i2801e.pdf
FAO. (2013). Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/i3325e/i3325e.pdf
FMARD (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nigeria). (2016). The Agriculture Promotion Policy (2016 – 2020). Retrieved from https://fscluster.org/sites/default/files/documents/2016-nigeria-agric-sector-policy-roadmap_june-15-2016.pdf
FMARD. (2018). National Policy on Climate Change and Response Strategy. Retrieved from https://climatechange.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/National-Policy-on-Climate-Change_Nigeria-2022.pdf
KALRO (Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization). (n.d.). About KALRO. Retrieved from https://www.kalro.org/about-us/
Sasu, D.D. (2023) Contribution of agriculture to GDP in Nigeria 2019-2021. Retrieved from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1193506/contribution-of-agriculture-to-gdp-in-nigeria/
World Bank (2024) Employment in agriculture (% of total employment) (modeled ILO estimate) – Nigeria. Retrieved from: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS?locations=NG
NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development). (2003). Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme. Retrieved from https://www.nepad.org/publication/comprehensive-africa-agriculture-development-programme-caadp
NEPAD. (2015). The CAADP Biennial Review Process. Retrieved from https://www.nepad.org/caadp/resources/guides-and-manuals
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As a food microbiologist , I commend the HLPE-FSN for their comprehensive approach towards addressing urban and peri-urban food systems in the context of urbanization and rural transformation. The V0 draft presents a thoughtful conceptual framework, but there are areas where further refinement and inclusion of specific elements could enhance its effectiveness.
1. Conceptual Framework Effectiveness: The framework effectively highlights key issues, yet it could benefit from a stronger emphasis on the role of microbiology in ensuring food safety and quality. This aspect is crucial in urban settings where food supply chains are longer and more complex.
2. Trends/Variables/Elements in Urban Food Systems: While the draft addresses many key elements, it may underrepresent the significance of emerging food technologies like vertical farming. These technologies are particularly relevant for space-constrained urban areas and can contribute significantly to sustainability and food security.
3. Additional Data: The draft could benefit from more case studies focusing on the microbiological aspects of food safety in urban settings. Quantitative data on foodborne illnesses and the effectiveness of various food safety protocols in urban areas would be valuable.
4. Redundant Facts or Statements:It's important to streamline the content to avoid redundancy, especially in the sections discussing general principles of food security which might already be well understood by the target audience.
5. Case Studies and Success Stories: The inclusion of success stories from cities that have effectively integrated microbiological techniques in food safety management would be beneficial. For example, cities that have employed innovative waste recycling methods or urban farming practices that utilize beneficial microbes for improved yield and sustainability.
Overall, the V0 draft is a strong starting point, but incorporating more specific examples and data related to the microbiological aspects of food security in urban settings would make the recommendations more robust and actionable
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Dr. Helen Onyeaka
Response to HLPE-FSN Consultation on Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems
Mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' Food and Knowledge Systems
Indigenous people have long been utilising sustainable practices to address global food security and tackle present-day environmental issues. Such systems, which are grounded in their connection with regional environments, are beneficial for understanding the practices of resources and species conservation (Ford et al., 2020). Mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems can benefit not only Indigenous peoples but also the worldwide agriculture domain as well. Integrated aquatic and terrestrial systems represent ecological and environmentally sustainable systems of food production that are useful in the context of current and projected global food insecurity (FAO, 2023). However, the ultimate beneficiaries must continue to be the indigenous peoples involved within the framework of recognising strict rights. The Coalition on Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems, founded in 2021, focuses on maintaining food systems based on the broader necessary food systems transformation while foregrounding Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination in these matters (FAO, 2024). Acknowledging that mainstreaming such systems can be benevolent in a way distinct from Indigenous peoples, the overall goal has to be in their service as the rightful owners of this knowledge. For indigenous peoples, their food systems are more than their farm management; they are their way of living and being. According to the Coalition, maintaining these systems is important for guiding change to the global food systems while respecting indigenous sovereignty. Evaluating mainstreaming calls for many precautions, where Indigenous Peoples’ Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) will always be respected.
Strategies for Safeguarding Indigenous Knowledge While Promoting Global Sustainability
Key lessons related to climate change and food security can be learnt from the Indigenous Peoples' food systems. These practices, including seed protection, use of trees as sources of food and feeds, farming on a rotation system and more, have enhanced the improvement of agroecological systems over several generations. Many of these involve insights for global sustainability that have been given global platforms such as COP27, which sees Indigenous knowledge as an invaluable game changer in climate change adaptation (Kuhnlein & Chotiboriboon, 2022). Nevertheless, it is critical to involve the required minorities adequately, champion sustainability, and prevent these systems from being commercialised. The report should emphasise that marginalised groups must be engaged in any international processes to avoid other people taking advantage and interpreting their knowledge systems in whichever manner they feel pleased. Prescribing competent collaborations with Indigenous peoples and reciprocal knowledge sharing, including the Global Hub on Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems, would be productive.
This would enhance the provision of possible solutions, which would help solve global challenges and embrace culture. The report must also address the problem of transforming Indigenous knowledge into commodities, without proper regard for the culture behind those systems (Kom et al., 2024). In this regard, the report should recommend legal instruments to ensure FPIC and ABS compliance on any planned development of the indigenous peoples' ancestral domains. These mechanisms ensure that the Indigenous communities give their permission to use their intellectual property and get paid for it.
Additionally, there is a need to seek cross-cultural understanding to fusion Indigenous knowledge with contemporary practices. Reciprocity for sustainability to be achieved will facilitate understanding Indigenous knowledge as having a spiritual, cultural, and environmental dimension. In this way, the report focuses on how these strategies can strengthen and sustain Indigenous food systems for future generations.
Documentation and Referencing of Oral Knowledge and Traditions
When developing the HLPE-FSN report, Indigenous peoples' knowledge and knowledge transmission processes and practices should, therefore, be recorded in ways that are sensitive to Indigenous peoples and in ways that are endorsed by Indigenous communities. Indigenous languages and forms of knowledge that do not depend on writing should be prioritised as they reflect the cultural value of the transmitted information. One highly useful example is the model of organisation development whereby learners are taken through community-based education programs that incorporate master knowledge bearers. The mentorship approach ensures that the expertise found in hunting, fishing, and the use of medicinal plants is genuine and cutting-edge (Oladele & Amara, 2024). Presenting actual people's knowledge with the use of audio narrations, videos, and participatory discussing tools averts the misrepresentation of actuality with formal written documentation, thus taking the knowledge into different audience spaces while retaining its originality. It is also important that, when archiving said practices, one employs a decolonial method of working. This means that attempts are being made to not fit indigenous knowledge into Western frameworks (Antonelli, 2023). The report should focus on the need to ensure Indigenous people’s participation in the documentation process, making sure that they determine how they want their knowledge to be portrayed. This type of information must be cited very carefully so that the origin and setting of such knowledge can be clearly seen. The efforts of knowledge holders and the communal attribute of Indigenous knowledge must be recognised.
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