Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

This member contributed to:

    • Shashi Bhooshan Sharma

      Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University; World BioProtection Research Foundation
      Australia

      Let me take this opportunity to thank you for sharing information on an important project - Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems to achieve food security and nutrition in the context of urbanization and rural transformation. The proposal is well researched and comprehensive. The project team must be congratulated for this excellent work. Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback. The project aims to address the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition in urban and peri-urban areas resulting from urbanization, rural transformation, and policy neglect. However, it could benefit from additional information on specific interventions, policies, and best practices that have been successful in strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems. Additionally, it would be helpful to discuss the challenges of implementing such interventions and policies in different contexts and the need for a tailored approach to suit different urban and peri-urban areas. There appear to be some potential gaps that could be addressed. Here are a few examples:

      1. While the proposal discusses the importance of addressing food security and nutrition in urban and peri-urban areas, it does not provide clear goals or objectives for the project.

      2. There is limited discussion of policy solutions to the some of the challenges faced by urban and peri-urban food systems. It does not include a comprehensive discussion of potential policy solutions to these challenges.

      3. The consideration given to concerns relating to equity and social justice appears to be inadequate. A detailed analysis of how these inequalities are produced or perpetuated by food systems may be helpful in developing plans for addressing these inequalities.

      4. While the proposal notes the lack of city-level data and empirical evidence to inform decision-making on urban and peri-urban food policy, it does not provide a plan for how to address this data gap in the proposed project. Without data and evidence, it may be difficult to make informed decisions and ensure that the project is effectively addressing the identified issues.

      5. Inclusion of policy and preparedness provision for ensuring biosecurity of the urban and peri-urban food systems.

      6. Emphasis on food education such as implementation of concepts like Shokuiku.

      In addition to the above, the project may benefit from further consideration of the following to strengthen urban and peri-urban food systems:

      • Technology and innovation: The use of modern technology and innovation can help to increase food production and efficiency in urban and peri-urban areas. This can include initiatives such as hydroponics, precision agriculture, and vertical farming.
      • Food policy: Developing policies that promote healthy and sustainable food systems can have a significant impact on food security and nutrition. This can include measures such as promoting locally sourced food, reducing food waste, and supporting small-scale farmers.
      • Food education: Educating urban residents about healthy eating and food preparation can help to promote better eating habits and reduce the incidence of malnutrition. This can include initiatives such as cooking classes, nutrition education programs, and community gardens.
      • Food waste reduction: Food waste is a major problem in urban areas and reducing it can free up resources and increase food availability. This can be achieved through composting, food banks, and other initiatives that encourage the redistribution of surplus food.
      • Urban farming and gardening: Encouraging the cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock within cities and peri-urban areas can provide a source of fresh and nutritious food for residents. It can also create employment opportunities and promote community participation.
      • Urban food markets: Establishing food markets in urban areas can help to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas by facilitating the exchange of goods and information. It can also promote healthy eating by providing access to fresh and nutritious food.
      • Small-scale food producers: Small-scale farmers and food producers should be supported with access to land, financing, technology, training, and other resources to increase their productivity and profitability.
      • Food policies that prioritize equity: Food policies should prioritize equity and social justice, with a focus on promoting local food systems, supporting small-scale farmers, and ensuring that food is accessible and affordable for all.
      • Food infrastructure: Food infrastructure such as storage facilities, processing plants, and markets should be built to support local food systems and increase access to fresh and nutritious food.
      • Food distribution networks: Food distribution networks should be developed to ensure that fresh and nutritious food is accessible and affordable for all residents, regardless of their income level or location.
      • Food literacy: Increasing food literacy among urban residents can help to promote healthy eating habits and reduce food waste.
      • Food justice and anti-hunger initiatives: Food justice and anti-hunger initiatives should be supported to ensure that all residents have access to adequate and nutritious food.

    • Shashi Bhooshan Sharma

      Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University; World BioProtection Research Foundation
      Australia

      I wanted to express my gratitude for sharing information on the Theory of Change and Draft Result Framework. Your comprehensive explanation covers everything one would expect in a project management document.

      I do, however, believe that there are simpler alternative options to achieve the goal of sustainable, regenerative, and inclusive food systems that are nature-positive, resilient, and pollution-free. With this in mind, I have prepared a brief document outlining a framework for achieving such food systems. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you require any further information or clarification.

      3Ps: A Framework for Achieving Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems Worldwide

      Agriculture continues to be one of the least efficient industries, causing significant harm to our natural resources and posing a threat to the health of the planet. It is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land use change. Furthermore, agriculture can have negative impacts on biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem function.

      In order to promote conservation, efficiency, and resilience, agriculture must shift to sustainable practices that are environmentally responsible. Achieving this goal will require a total reform of the global agriculture value chain, from production to consumption, in order to ensure food security, protect the environment, and promote human health and safety. The adoption of a 3P Strategy for the agri-food value chain could be the solution to address the multifaceted challenges of ensuring sustainable and equitable food production, distribution, and consumption. The three Ps in this framework are Produce, Protect, and Provide. Implementation of this framework was recommended and considered integral to achieving planet-friendly green revolution (see link) https://greens.org.au/wa/magazine/planet-friendly-green-revolution.

      P1: Produce food sustainably. The first P emphasizes the importance of sustainable food production practices that do not compromise the long-term productive capacity of ecosystems. The concept of treating land as a principal resource, and food production practices and technologies as investment strategies, is an important shift in mindset towards sustainable agriculture. The diversification of food sources is also crucial for achieving food security, as it reduces reliance on a few crops and promotes the exploration of alternative sources of protein and nutrition. It involves maximizing resource use efficiency, diversifying food sources, and investing in innovative agricultural technologies that promote ecosystem health and resilience. The goal is to ensure that we produce food in a way that maintains the long-term productive capacity of our land and water resources and promotes biodiversity and ecological health.

      P2: Protect food from loss in the value chain. The second P highlights the need to protect food from loss in the value chain. This is an often-overlooked aspect of food security, as significant amounts of food are lost or wasted during storage, transportation, and processing. The concept of zero tolerance to food waste is particularly important, as it not only reduces hunger but also minimizes environmental pollution. This P highlights the need to protect food from loss or waste during storage, transportation, and processing. It involves developing supply chain infrastructure and post-harvest treatments that increase the storage life of food, maintain food quality, and prevent pest infestations. It also involves promoting a zero-tolerance approach to food waste, where unused food energy is repurposed for better purposes, such as animal feed and bio-fertilizer. The goal is to minimize food waste and ensure that the food produced is utilized efficiently and effectively.

      P3: Provide bio-secure and safe food. The third P addresses the need to provide bio-secure and safe food. Ensuring that food trade and distribution do not expose importing regions and communities to unacceptable biosecurity risks is critical to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases. The emphasis on promoting 'glocalisation' and community engagement is also important for creating a more resilient and sustainable food system that is responsive to local needs and preferences. It involves ensuring that food is clean, green, and free from pests and diseases, and that food safety standards are met throughout the entire value chain. It also involves promoting 'glocalisation' - localisation at a global scale - which reduces energy consumption and biosecurity threats. Finally, community engagement is key to enhancing awareness of food security, biosecurity, and food safety issues, as well as promoting a sustainable food system that is responsive to local needs and preferences.

      Overall, the 3Ps provide a comprehensive framework and a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interconnected challenges of sustainably feeding the human population, which requires the cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders.  It also highlights the need for innovation and diversification in food production and  provides a useful framework for policymakers, food system stakeholders, and individuals to think about and address the complex and pressing issues related to global food security with a ‘vision infinity for food security’ - one that prioritizes food security for all forever - we can ensure that the future is bright and secure for everyone. (See link for Vision Infinity for Food Security https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-23249-2).

      Best regards,

      Shashi Sharma PhD

      Adjunct Professor, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia

      Independent Consultant - Global Food Security, Biosecurity and Planetary Health