Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

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    • 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: