Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Preserving, strengthening, and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems is crucial for creating sustainable food systems. Here are key points to consider:

• Cultural Heritage and Identity:
  • Indigenous food systems are deeply rooted in cultural practices and traditions. Preserving these systems helps maintain cultural identity and heritage, which is vital for community cohesion and resilience.
  • Traditional practices often include unique agricultural methods, foraging, and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.
• Sustainable Practices:
  • Indigenous Peoples have developed sustainable food practices that are well-adapted to their local environments. These practices often emphasize the importance of seasonal cycles, local resources, and ecological stewardship.
  • By integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern agricultural practices, we can enhance sustainability and food security, addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change.
• Community Engagement:
  • Engaging Indigenous communities in the decision-making processes regarding food systems is essential. This ensures that their voices are heard and that their knowledge is respected and utilized.
  • Collaborative initiatives that involve Indigenous Peoples can lead to more effective and culturally appropriate solutions for food production and consumption.
• Education and Awareness:
  • Promoting awareness of Indigenous food systems and their benefits can foster respect and appreciation among broader communities. Educational programs can highlight the importance of traditional foods and practices, encouraging their use and preservation.
  • Workshops, community events, and partnerships with educational institutions can facilitate knowledge transfer and empower younger generations to continue these traditions.
• Policy Support:
  • Advocating for policies that recognize and protect Indigenous food systems is crucial. This includes land rights, access to traditional territories, and support for Indigenous-led initiatives.
  • Policies should aim to create an enabling environment for Indigenous Peoples to practice their food traditions and to share their knowledge with others.

In conclusion, preserving and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems is essential for sustainable food systems. It requires a multifaceted approach that includes cultural respect, community engagement, education, and supportive policies. By valuing and integrating Indigenous knowledge, we can create more resilient and sustainable food systems that benefit everyone.

The need to streamline Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems aligns closely with our recent scoping research, funded by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council Food Network.The project –  AIKPlatform - Preservation and Visualization of African Indigenous Knowledge for Resilient Food Systems – researched and co-designed with Indigenous farmers a prototype of a knowledge management platform aimed at capturing and sharing African Indigenous Knowledge of agriculture and food systems (AIK). The goal is to tackle the challenges associated with documenting AIK and to establish a strong connection between AIK, scientific knowledge and modern initiatives to achieve sustainable food production. The platform, which includes features such as image, text and video sharing and data analytics and visualisation, has the potential to empower Indigenous Farmers to learn and teach their knowledge and contribute to modern sustainable food production efforts in Africa. The platform also has the potential to inform policymakers and research communities on the intersection between AIK and scientific knowledge for improved food security. 

1.Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

Yes, I agree with the outlined guiding principles. However, I also suggest as part of the policy framework and recommendations to consider the following: 

• Review and recommend how Indigenous knowledge (IK) and practices can be maximised to become an integral part of emerging modern farming practices by small and medium size businesses particularly in Africa. Including/recognising indigenous people in modern farming can increase their confidence for knowledge sharing and the protection of sacred and sensitive information, food biodiversity and important agricultural heritage sites. 
• Policy recommendations on land ownership and distribution should be considered, particularly one that empowers indigenous people to maintain ownership of their farmlands. Our research shows that some indigenous farmers experienced challenges of maintaining their lands due to external pressure from SMEs and large-scale multinational companies. 
• Policy recommendations on how new technologies (e.g. mobile, AI and Large language models) can be leveraged not only to preserve and promote but also to improve indigenous knowledge food systems and practices beyond subsistence – if the focus is to create sustainable livelihoods and food security in the rural area, where most of the indigenous people live.
• Policy recommendations should consider issues such as ownership (or knowledge sovereignty) as a critical requirement for capturing, preserving and sharing indigenous knowledge. This will ensure that Indigenous People retain ownership and control of their knowledge. In addition, if any income generation is involved in the knowledge sharing framework, a fair revenue mechanism should be built into the policy/regulatory framework.  
• The framework should also consider investments in fundamental resources in the rural/regional areas to retain older adults and encourage the younger generations to learn and apply the practices. This will ensure a long-term sustainability of indigenous food systems. Our research identifies rural urban migration as a significant threat to preserving and strengthening indigenous farming practices. 

2. Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?

The objective of mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems should prioritise recognising Indigenous Peoples as rights holders. At the same time, the lessons learned from these systems should be focused on the benefit of all. This is particularly important because a significant proportion of the population in some regions relies heavily on Indigenous food systems and practices for sustenance and livelihoods. For instance, in some African countries, such as Sierra Leone, 80% of the population depends on Indigenous and traditional food systems for food, employment and household income. Therefore, investments in mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems should consider their broader benefits to society.

3. What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?

Indigenous knowledge is tacit knowledge held by Indigenous People and passed on by generations. Some of the challenges to consider in sharing or mainstreaming this knowledge include the following: 

Knowledge ownership (knowledge sovereignty) – Indigenous People may resist due to concerns around the access and use of their knowledge – particularly the fear of exploitation and misrepresentation of indigenous cultural heritage of food systems. Therefore, it is important to establish protocols for what I called ‘knowledge sovereignty’. As part of the consent, detailed information should be provided on how the knowledge is captured, preserved and shared, potential risks involved (including protection of sacred and sensitive information and cultural heritages) and ownership. The protocols for knowledge sovereignty should grant Indigenous People full control over their knowledge information/data. In addition, it is important to introduce self-governance and monitoring mechanisms – to determine how their knowledge is stored, accessed and used. For example, a similar approach is evident in the US-based open source knowledge management platform (Mukurto). The platform helps Indigenous communities manage and share their cultural heritage on their own terms. 

Challenge of fair benefit/revenue sharing – From my experience of researching with Indigenous People questions such as who benefits or how can we benefit from knowledge sharing are common. It is fair to say that the effort to streamline the knowledge should also consider how the sharing can benefit them. Adhering to frameworks such as UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.) and implementing revenue-sharing models to ensure equitable benefits for Indigenous People from their indigenous food systems and cultural assets could foster motivation and enhance the potential for sharing.

4 How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

Commercialisation risks the knowledge being exploited and appropriated beyond the intended purposes. It could lead to disrespect of the unique cultural norms and traditional practices of indigenous food system knowledge. Thus, in instances where commercialisation is involved, the following should be considered in the report:

• Efforts should be directed at working directly with Indigenous leaders and elders to identify what knowledge can be commercialised.
• As I mentioned above, an equitable compensation framework should be developed to ensure that Indigenous People benefit from any commercial or research use of their shared knowledge, such as through revenue-sharing models or licensing agreements.
• Reinforce the building of Indigenous People’s capacity to manage and benefit from shared knowledge 

Regarding the inclusion of marginalised groups, the report should outline methodologies such as participatory/community-led approaches that include the marginalised in knowledge collection and development of knowledge management platform/systems. Including marginalised groups as co-creators will ensure that their needs, values and governance structures guide the design of such systems. For example, in our research, we adopted citizen science approach which included three methods: 

1. Participatory photo and video elicitation – to capture Indigenous Farmers’ experience and everyday knowledge and practices of food production, processing and consumption 
2. Citizen- centred data interpretation and analysis where we engaged farmers to transcribe, translate, interpret, classify and categorise the data as non-scientific experts using the STFC’s Zooniverse platform. 
3. Co-design together with the Indigenous farmers a prototype platform for capturing, preserving and sharing the African indigenous knowledge of food systems and practices. 

5.How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

In my view, it is incredibly challenging to document oral knowledge and traditions of food systems in a single report. Generally, indigenous knowledge varies across different cultures, countries and regions.  I think what the report can document are best practices of oral indigenous knowledge using case studies and other resources such as academic literature, archives, websites and grey literature. I co-led a similar report writing for the FAO with my PhD supervisor at the University of Queensland in Australia in 2016, where we developed the first scoping research report on inclusive rural communication services. We drew on ‘literature review and 19 cases across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean to compare, analyse and document convincing evidence of evaluative approaches, methods and outcomes of communication programmes and rural communication services.

Another way the report can document oral knowledge is to provide guidelines and frameworks on how oral knowledge can be documented through documents or knowledge platforms like our (AIK) Africa Indigenous Knowledge management platform. Similarly, the report can develop a supplementary website where this knowledge can be documented in different formats such as texts, audios and videos of Indigenous farmers sharing their experiences/knowledge of farming practices.

6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

Since the task involves the development of a comprehensive report that is geared towards policy and practice recommendations, in my view, the report should predominantly focus on governance and practice issues related to the following: 

• Legal protection of Indigenous People’s knowledge on issues such as privacy, knowledge sovereignty and capacity building   
• Localisation and inclusive practices and solutions of the documentation, preservation, sharing and promotion indigenous knowledge 
• Responsible and ethical integration of indigenous knowledge into modern agricultural practices 
• Investment in both indigenous knowledge of farming practices and community resources to ensure continuing generational transfer of knowledge and long-term sustainability  

7. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?

Not to my knowledge 

8. Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?

• Berkes, F., Colding, J. and Folke, C., 2000. Rediscovery of traditional ecological knowledge as adaptive management. Ecological applications, 10(5), pp.1251-1262.
• Kuhnlein, H.V., Erasmus, B. and Spigelski, D., 2009. Indigenous Peoples' food systems: The many dimensions of culture, diversity and environment for nutrition and health (pp. x+-339).
• Continuance, C., 2018. Food Sovereignty, Justice, and Indigenous Peoples. The Oxford Handbook of Food Ethics, p.345.
• FAO and Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT., 2009. Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems: Insights on Sustainability and Resilience from the Front Line of Climate Change from the Front Line of Climate Change. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT [FAO].

9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

In addition to some of the practices mentioned above, the report may highlight the following: 

• Recognising and documenting best practices of how Indigenous People are adapting their farming practices to climate change variability and resilience.  This should also include respecting them as rights holders of their knowledge and resources.
• Engaging Indigenous People as active agents and decision-makers in all stages of documentation, preservation, and sharing of their knowledge. Through this we can learn from their experiences and adapt/integrate into modern climate change policies and adaptation and mitigation strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability. 
• Investing in education, tools, and resources that empower Indigenous communities to maintain and innovate their practices in response to climate challenges.

10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?

Promoting cross-cultural understanding of Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems requires strategies that emphasise respect, inclusivity and collaboration. This may include the following:

• Amplify Indigenous People voices through collaborative research, digital storytelling and knowledge management platforms that allow them to share their knowledge, traditions, and practices directly. For example, in our AIK project, we use the citizen science approach to amplify their voices and involvement in both the research and design of the knowledge management platform. 
• Highlight the importance of cultural exchange programmes, such as workshops, festivals and events, which demonstrate indigenous food systems and their significance.
• Another way we are trying to do this in our research project that might be a relevant strategy is creating learning resources that can be integrated into school curricula to raise awareness and teach future generations. 

1.Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

Yes, I do and must be adhered to. I think it is fair.

2. Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?

There is a lot IPK have to contribute to the on-going food systems transformation the world is calling for.  Mainstreaming IPK and lessons in the objectives would be helpful. 

3.What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?

Although these provisions are there to protect IP, the mistrust that have been built by earlier infringement still stands.  Special efforts must be made to built trust. Surely not all the information can be made available due to the sacredness of it. But, when trust and respect has been built, it is a huge way forward. 

4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

The report must be intentional about being inclusive but without losing focus on the purpose for the report- to highlight IPS Knowledge and its contribution to food systems transformation. 

5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

The drafters of the report must go at length to acknowledge  and recognize the source of the knowledge. Organized IP can provide guidance in this respect. 

6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

   I hope I understand this question. But, Gender roles, Youth participation in decision making. 

9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

Coping strategies that IP are using for the management of the effect of climate change on their food systems. 

Dear HLPE-FSN Members,

Having completed the IPBES nexus assessment, where I played a key leading role as a lead author and liaison for integrating IPLCs' issues into the assessment report, I am eager to participate in this HLPE-FSN consultation. As an expert in natural resource management with over a decade of experience exploring the nexus between biodiversity, food, water, and health under climate and environmental stressors—while emphasizing the role of IPLCs in managing their natural resources—I feel obligated to contribute to this important work.

Here are my responses

1.Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

I agree with the guiding principles, as they align with best practices for Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and sustainable food systems. They establish a strong ethical, legal, and scientific foundation for preserving Indigenous food systems and knowledge, while respecting their sovereignty and autonomy in contributing to sustainability.

2.Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?

Yes, the objectives should benefit both Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as rights holders and the broader global community. Any integration of IPs' food and knowledge systems must respect their rights and sovereignty, ensuring their consent, control, and benefit. Since IPs have inherent rights to their knowledge, practices, and resources, efforts to preserve and promote these systems must prioritize their direct benefits. This aligns with the principle of self-determination, allowing Indigenous communities to maintain control over their food systems. Protecting their rights and livelihoods is essential to prevent exploitation and misappropriation while fully respecting cultural, ecological, and spiritual contexts. Moreover, IPs' food and knowledge systems provide valuable insights into nutrition, sustainability, biodiversity, and resilience. These insights can enhance global food security and sustainability efforts, such as agroecology and biodiversity conservation, contributing to more climate-resilient food systems worldwide.

3.What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?

The challenges related to FPIC and ABS when promoting IPs' food and knowledge systems may include: 

-Power imbalances can often leading to manipulation of consent processes and inequitable benefits distribution.

- The potential for biopiracy (risks) threatens ILK, as external entities may exploit traditional practices without fair compensation or acknowledgment

-Lack of trust: Historical exploitation creates mistrust among Indigenous communities towards external negotiations, that also might complicate the establishment of effective ABS agreements in some communities

-Existing legal frameworks in many countries may not recognize or even adequately protect Indigenous rights or ensure equitable sharing of benefits derived from their knowledge systems

-Marginalized groups within Indigenous communities (such as women and youth) are sometimes overlooked in decision-making processes, leading to incomplete representation 

Reference:

https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/IPeoples/FreePriorandInformedConsent.pdf

https://archive.abs-biotrade.info/fileadmin/media/Knowledge_Center/Pulications/BCPs/community_protocols_and_ABS.pdf

https://www.fao.org/fsnforum/consultation/indigenous-peoples-food-and-knowledge-systems

4.How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

To ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups and protect Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems, the report can adopt these strategies:

• Involve marginalized groups, including women and youth, in decision-making to ensure diverse representation.
• Advocate for laws upholding FPIC and ABS principles to prevent exploitation.
• Recognize and document Indigenous knowledge to safeguard rights and prevent misappropriation.
• Implement awareness programs and train IPLCs on their rights and the sustainability of Indigenous food systems.
• Promote agro-ecological and regenerative practices aligned with traditional knowledge.
• Build partnerships (collaborative research) with researchers, NGOs, CBOs, and policymakers to support Indigenous systems without undermining traditions.
• Set up mechanisms to monitor impacts and ensure equitable benefits among the IPLCs.

More information here:

https://depenning.com/blog/ip-and-indigenous-communities-protecting-traditional-knowledge-and-cultural-heritage/

https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/indigenous-peoples-food-systems

https://www.iied.org/indigenous-food-systems-biocultural-heritage-agricultural-resilience

5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

To effectively document and reference oral knowledge and traditions in the report, the following approaches can be considered: 

• Engage with Indigenous communities to understand their perspectives on documenting oral traditions, ensuring that the process respects their cultural protocols and preferences. 
• Implement participatory methods, like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), to involve community members in the documentation process, fostering ownership and accuracy
• Utilize various formats for documentation, such as audio recordings, videos, and written narratives, to capture the richness of oral traditions accurately 
• Clearly reference sources of oral knowledge in the report, giving credit to individuals and communities who shared their traditions, thus promoting transparency and respect
• Cultural sensitivity: Acknowledge that some knowledge may be sacred or sensitive. Obtain explicit consent before documenting and sharing such information, respecting community-defined boundaries 
• Clearly reference sources of oral knowledge in the report, giving credit to individuals and communities who shared their traditions, thus promoting transparency and respect Read more here: 

https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_1049.pdf

https://greenfoundation.in/documenting-indigenous-knowledge

https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00XD3J.pdf

6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

To enhance Indigenous Peoples’ agency in governance issues, several key dimensions can be addressed i.e (i)  empowering Indigenous communities to exercise self-determination is crucial, as it will allow them to make decisions about their governance structures and policies. (ii) Data sovereignty is another vital aspect that would enable IP to control their own data and ensure it aligns with their priorities. (iii) Capacity building initiatives can strengthen Indigenous governance institutions, equipping them with skills in conflict resolution and resource management. (iv) Promoting inclusive governance models that will integrate ILK into broader political processes, ensuring that IPLCs voices are represented. (v) promoting gender equity by actively involving Indigenous women and marginalized groups in governance structures is essential for diverse representation. 

Never the less, by supporting IPs to take over control of their land and natural resources is critical for sustainable economic development and cultural preservation that can reinforce their rights and promoting self-determination. 

References; 

https://www.niaa.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2024-05/framework-governance-indigenous-data.pdf

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/162631492.pdf

https://www.ifad.org/documents/38714170/40272519/ips_land.pdf/ea85011b-7f67-4b02-9399-aaea99c414ba

7. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?

Asian Development Bank (i998) Policy on Indigenous Peoples

https://www.adb.org/documents/policy-indigenous-peoples

8.Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?

This is shown in specific sections above

9.What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

The report should emphasize:

Equity, ensuring marginalized groups benefit from climate actions; sustainable development, balancing ecosystem preservation with resilience; scientific integrity, using evidence-based, transparent decisions; community engagement, respecting traditional knowledge in climate initiatives; and renewable energy adoption to reduce emissions and foster a just transition.

10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?

The report should emphasize the importance of promoting cross-cultural understanding through several key strategies. First, fostering cultural awareness by educating individuals about diverse values and communication styles helps prevent misunderstandings and encourages respect. Active listening is essential, allowing people to paraphrase and clarify points to ensure mutual understanding. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue enables individuals to freely share their experiences and perspectives. Additionally, cultivating empathy and flexibility by recognizing diverse viewpoints and adapting communication styles strengthens connections. Understanding non-verbal communication, which varies across cultures, is also crucial for effective collaboration. Together, these strategies build stronger relationships in diverse environments.

11.Are the previous legal documents such as Prior and Informed Consent, enough in light of this evolution of thinking about Indigenous People’s knowledge, or do they need to be revised?

I haven't had the chance to review the documents in detail, but based on my initial assessment, I believe the current frameworks may fall short in addressing the collective, inter-generational nature of Indigenous knowledge and its deep connection to cultural identity. Furthermore, the genuine implementation of FPIC can be challenging for every community and aspect, and it should go beyond being a procedural formality. These documents could benefit from revision to incorporate flexible, culturally sensitive approaches that recognize the unique characteristics of Indigenous knowledge within local contexts. Additionally, national governments should be encouraged to integrate these considerations into local policies and regulatory frameworks.

Dear Candice, Rachel and Esteemed Earthlings,

Thank you for sharing this pivotal consultation on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems. As an indigenous person, a proud member of the KhoiSan Community (Gorachouqua Tribe), and a passionate advocate for sustainable and ethical practices, this topic holds profound significance to me. It aligns with the values I uphold through my work with Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa (BWC), Omni Wellness Media, Dr. Phil-Afel, and my ongoing involvement in the Human Animal Project (HAP).

Indigenous Wisdom for a Sustainable Future

Indigenous food systems are not merely historical remnants but dynamic, sustainable, and ethical frameworks that modern society can learn from. Our traditional practices demonstrate how humans can harmonise with nature rather than exploit it. While our ancestors may not have adhered to fully vegan practices, their predominantly plant-based diets reflected a profound respect for the environment, animals, and the interconnectedness of life.

Contrasting this with today’s industrial food systems, it becomes clear how far we’ve diverged from this sustainable path. The industrial model commodifies nature, treating animals as mere products, and devastates ecosystems. This is in stark contradiction to the principles of reciprocity, balance, and respect that indigenous systems embody.

Through the Human Animal Project, we have been bringing these critical conversations to the forefront, emphasising the intersection of indigenous wisdom, animal rights, and sustainable food practices. My PhD research, currently in development with the University of the Western Cape’s Sociology Department, explores these intersections deeply, focusing on how indigenous knowledge can inform and transform modern approaches to food systems and justice for all beings.

Rekindling Indigenous Practices

Some key takeaways I’d like to contribute to this consultation:

1. Respect for All Beings
   Traditional systems emphasised the sacredness of all life forms. Animals were honoured and never subjected to the exploitation we see today in factory farming and industrial agriculture.
2. Sustainability as a Core Value
   Indigenous practices inherently operated within the limits of nature, ensuring regenerative cycles and biodiversity conservation. This stands in sharp contrast to the destructive monocultures and wastefulness of industrial farming.
3. Education Through Storytelling
   Storytelling is a powerful pedagogical tool that transcends cultures and time. Through my work with the BWC Troopers Youth Program, we’ve used storytelling to instill values of compassion, respect for animals, and sustainable living in younger generations.
4. Documentation and Policy
   The preservation of indigenous knowledge is essential. Policies must not only protect these systems but also create avenues for their integration into modern practices.
5. Rights-Based Frameworks
   Indigenous communities must have agency and resources to reclaim, sustain, and innovate their traditional food systems. Their voices must lead this discourse.

Actions Through Advocacy

Under the umbrella of BWC and in collaboration with partners like Omni Wellness Media and Travel and Tours Cape Town, I am committed to advancing these principles through actionable campaigns and public education. Our initiatives include:

• The BWC Humane Guide, which empowers consumers with tools to choose cruelty-free products.
• The Human Animal Project, a movement dedicated to exploring the intersections of justice for humans, animals, and the environment.
• The Troopers Youth Program, which engages the next generation in compassionate leadership.

Our collective vision is a future where traditional knowledge informs a compassionate and sustainable world.

Call to Collaboration

I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to this consultation. As someone deeply connected to the land and culture of South Africa, I believe we can harness indigenous wisdom to address pressing challenges like food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss. I am also open to collaboration with other stakeholders, including those involved in this e-consultation, to further these goals.

For more information on my work and initiatives, please visit the following resources:

• Gorachouqua Tribe: gorachouquatribe.co.za
• Beauty Without Cruelty SA: BWC Linktree
• Omni Wellness Media: Omni Linktree
• Travel and Tours Cape Town: Travel and Tours Cape Town Linktree
• Human Animal Project: Dedicated to exploring justice for all beings through research and advocacy.

Thank you for this opportunity to engage with such an important topic. I look forward to contributing further and would be happy to participate in discussions or offer additional insights based on South Africa’s unique cultural and environmental context.

Warm regards,

Chad Cupido, 

Executive Officer

I have been filled with emotions since I have been recently made aware of this consultation. I so resonate because I am an indigenous person, who advocates and promote indigenous food, knowledge and systems. I have been saddened by the current state of how Indigenous/traditional food and knowledge systems are losing value in society and/or today’s world. To learn that Committee on World Food Security (CFS) adopted a Programme of Work (MYPOW 2024-2027), which includes a request to its High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) is remarkable.  Here is my contribution to the consultation on the Scope of the HLPE-FSN Report…

1. Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

Yes, the guiding principles align very well with the goal of respecting and preserving Indigenous food systems and knowledge.  

2. Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?

The objectives should focus on benefiting both mainstreaming indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems for broader benefits, however safeguarding and great benefit to the Indigenous Peoples'. For example, local food that serve as a vital source of nutrition and income for Indigenous communities, while their sustainable management could also benefit global food security and environmental sustainability when integrated respectfully into wider systems. 

3. What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?

Ensuring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is crucial, as mainstreaming indigenous knowledge systems could risks exploitation or misrepresentation of Indigenous knowledge. Other challenges could exclude inequitable sharing of benefits with local people, over-commercialization, and disturbance of traditional ecological balance and sensitivity.

4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

Engage Indigenous voices, use participatory methods, and implement protective frameworks against exploitation. Marginalized groups, especially women who are often involved food systems and knowledge, must be included in decision-making. 

5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

Collaborate with indigenous communities, whom are the custodians of Indigenous knowledge. Document oral traditions on the indigenous systems and knowledge, and ecological significance. Use storytelling and participatory methods to maintain cultural authenticity.

6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

Communities are the custodians of the indigenous knowledge and systems, therefore Inclusion of community driven governance, decision making rights, and participation in policy frameworks shall be highly beneficial. In some part of Southern Africa, community in-put is not encouraged or its dismissed, which is a missed opportunity for inclusion.

7. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?

Include documents addressing biodiversity, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, and frameworks for Indigenous food sovereignty, like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

8. Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?

Consider documents on food sovereignty, the Nagoya Protocol, and related FAO publications.

9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

Small scale farming systems. Indigenous people understand the concept of co-existence and preservation. However over the years there has been foreign/imported systems that have driven a gradual move away from traditional systems. Indigenous systems and knowledge address climate change while the modern systems are bad and increasingly effecting the climate.

10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?

Showcase inclusive education, intercultural events, and Indigenous culinary experiences and tourism to promote understanding. Policy that mandatory encourage retail to sell and/or include indigenous food in their shelves/baskets of goods on available on shelf.

11. Are the previous legal documents such as Prior and Informed Consent, enough in light of this evolution of thinking about Indigenous People’s knowledge, or do they need to be revised?

The Current FPIC frameworks might need updating to ensure stronger protections for Indigenous food systems. Also to address and to account for the evolving rights and global challenges and emerging threats like biopiracy, climate change, and the commercialization of Indigenous resources.

-end-

The attached may be relevant to your meeting (I attach a slide for info).

Best wishes

Roger
Prof RRB Leakey

Dear Participants,

The HLPE-FSN extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the consultation on the scope of the report.

Your insights are invaluable in enabling us to effectively address the important challenges faced by policymakers and practitioners. Considering that Indigenous Peoples have deep and enduring connections, along with inherent and granted roles and rights related to food systems, knowledge systems, and traditional practices, this report holds particular significance.

Indigenous Peoples possess unique and sophisticated knowledge of food systems, much of which remains undocumented and therefore un- or under-utilized. Even when documented, this knowledge is often overlooked and rarely recognized as having scientific value, leading to its exclusion from published literature. Through the CFS, we aim to highlight and integrate this vital knowledge, ensuring it benefits both Indigenous Peoples and the wider global community.

Thank you once again for your support and engagement.

1) Objective Scope: Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems should primarily benefit them as rights holders while informing global practices to foster sustainable food systems. This approach ensures their rights are respected, and safeguards are in place to prevent exploitation.

2) Challenges with FPIC and ABS: Key challenges related to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) include power imbalances between Indigenous Peoples and external actors, the risks of biopiracy, and the inequitable distribution of benefits. Addressing these requires transparent mechanisms, robust legal frameworks, and effective enforcement to ensure fairness and respect for Indigenous sovereignty.

3) Inclusion and Protection Against Commercialization: To ensure inclusion and protection against commercialization risks, marginalized groups within Indigenous communities, such as women, youth, and disabled individuals, must be actively engaged. Intellectual property rights frameworks should be established to safeguard traditional knowledge, and participatory processes must prioritize cultural sensitivity, equity, and the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples.

My contribution and opinion to the consultation on the scope of the HLPE-FSN report is below.

Best regards,

Oudah Yobom, Ph.D.

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1. Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

In my opinion, I find that the guiding principles set out respect the rights of indigenous peoples while guaranteeing their active participation in decisions that concern them, and in addition, they value the integration of traditional knowledge into scientific approaches.

I would just add that we need to focus on mechanisms that strengthen the land rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. For example, I find that land is a real problem in the Sahel. All community conflicts revolve around land.

2. Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?

The challenge is to successfully integrate indigenous peoples’ food and knowledge systems to enrich global food systems, while respecting their rights and autonomy. This special attention will allow us practitioners to benefit from their knowledge to find sustainable solutions, and to expect indigenous peoples to be the first beneficiaries. To hope to achieve a sustainable and just approach, we must find a balance between the general interest and the specific rights of indigenous peoples.

3. What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?

The main challenges related to FPIC and access and benefit sharing include are numerous and may vary depending on regional contexts. However, we can list for example, the marginalization of indigenous peoples, power imbalances, lack of information, economic pressure and insufficient protection of traditional knowledge.

To move towards a fair and above all equitable integration of indigenous peoples' food and knowledge systems, I think that efforts must be made to strengthen mechanisms for participation, transparency and benefit sharing, and all this must take place within a genuine framework of respect for the rights of indigenous peoples.

4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

In my opinion, we must directly prioritize the implementation and adoption of strategies aimed directly at improving the sustainable management of resources and favoring a system of equitable sharing of benefits. However, we should be vigilant about the risk linked to commercial exploitations that can easily trample on the resilience and acquired autonomy of this people.

5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

It is enough to consider their cultural rights and their personal aspirations. Such consideration requires the establishment of a collaborative and participatory approach. The documents must be based on ethics and share values ​​against the commercialization of knowledge. It should also be noted that the report can only promote knowledge in contexts and frameworks that are specific to them.

6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

Considering the dimension linked to the agency of this people in governance is a form of guarantee. For example, this allows us to guarantee their food systems and also the protection of their knowledge.

We must add above all the fact that we need mechanisms that allow us to manage their food resources, their lands and especially their knowledge to pass them on to future generations.

7. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

The Report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The FAO Framework for Action on Sustainable Food Systems (2014)

The Paris Climate Agreement (2015)

The FAO Guidelines on Food Systems and Agroecology (2018)

8. Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?

United Nations, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, A/RES/61/295, 2007.

https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_fr.pdf

FAO, Guidelines for the integration of traditional knowledge in the management of genetic resources, 2004.

https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/c43acc56-883e-…

Reference: FAO, Agroecology for Food Security and Nutrition (2018).

https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/c8a24cf1-4569-…

HLPE-FSN, Agroecology and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems (2019).

https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/en/

HLPE-FSN, Reducing inequalities in food security and nutrition (2023).

https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/en/

9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

The idea is to create a document that respects indigenous peoples and values ​​their know-how. This can be done by directly including the peoples, encouraging participatory and equitable governance. We can add issues related to the energy and agricultural transition.

10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?

It is sufficient that the report highlights an approach based on mutual respect, gender equality and the recognition of traditional knowledge. In this case, the report integrates best practices, promotes education and popularization. In other words, sets up forums for sharing traditional knowledge that can coexist with current scientific knowledge.

11. Are the previous legal documents such as Prior and Informed Consent, enough in light of this evolution of thinking about Indigenous People’s knowledge, or do they need to be revised?

There is a need for a review that considers the current developments of our time while integrating the main challenges related to the knowledge of indigenous peoples with the issues of sustainable and agricultural development. The challenges related to the effects of climate change on diseases and security issues are also very essential.

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An applied and development economist, my work focuses on the economics of climate change, agricultural economics and food security. My area of ​​expertise covers the entire Sahelian strip (including the different agroecological zones) from Senegal to the Horn of Africa via Mali, Niger and Chad.

My current work still focuses on the challenges of change and its effects on the agricultural sectors (agriculture and food security) in the Sahel countries. In this capacity, I am currently working on deciphering the macroeconomic factors that affect food security in Niger.