The Food Systems Integrated Program supports the transformation of food systems in sectors with the highest potential to enhance biodiversity conservation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve land and water management, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
These priority sectors provide strategic entry points for country-driven interventions that apply an integrated, “whole-of-food-system” approach. The program aims to catalyze transformative change across landscapes, value chains, and livelihoods—from production to consumption.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is booming worldwide, especially in Asia. It is a promising solution for meeting the increasing global demand for protein, thanks to its efficient use of land and feed.
Additionally, it can help restore ecosystems by serving as a nutrient sink, particularly in areas with nutrient overload and hypoxia.
However, to ensure environmental sustainability, the growth of aquaculture requires careful management, considering its potential environmental impacts.
Foodcrops
Key food crops like rice, wheat, and maize are crucial for global food supply, but their unsustainable production has significant environmental impacts. To address this, we need improved management practices emphasizing sustainability and resilience.
Additionally, well-thought-out crop diversification can complement these efforts. Balancing international trade in these crops with the support of local food systems and short value chains is essential.
This approach fosters vibrant and inclusive local economies while providing a buffer against vulnerabilities in global food supply chains, such as conflicts, pandemics, and economic cycles.
Livestock
Livestock plays a crucial role in providing protein and income globally, and is an important element in the livelihood strategies of many smallholders.
However, it also contributes significantly to deforestation, land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
To tackle these issues, we can make a positive impact by enhancing livestock system management, exploring alternative sources, and encouraging healthy diets with less reliance on animal protein. This approach has great potential to bring about significant environmental benefits on a global scale.
Commodities
Commodities like cocoa and soy are crucial for many developing economies and play a key role in the global food supply, especially in the case of soy. However, their production ofen comes with significant environmental and social impacts, including:
- Deforestation, pollution from pesticide and nutrient runoff, and land degradation;
- Undermining of food production for local needs;
- Displacement of smallholders and local communities, including indigenous peoples, and traditional sustainable farming systems;
- Increased vulnerability of farmer livelihoods and national economies that depend on these commodities, due to the volatility of global markets and prices.
