المنتدى العالمي المعني بالأمن الغذائي والتغذية

How can the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems be effectively incorporated into decision-making for transformation?

Developing countries are hardly affected by overpopulation, climate change, disease burden and conflict. They almost dependent on agrofood which still under production efficiency hampered by aforementioned challenges. Wider range of agriculture inputs are also imported and used without cost benefit analysis, health risk assessment and risk of resistance.

Thus, need to assess and provide these hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems to be effectively incorporated into decision-making for sector and community transformation in Africa, particularly in over growing populated Ethiopia.

A holistic approach should be used because there are several ways to effectively incorporate the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems into decision-making for transformation. One of these ways is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis including the hidden costs and benefits, for example, environmental and social impacts. Second way is to use a decision-making framework by incorporating these factors, such as the triple bottom line or the sustainability triple helix. And lastly, it is also important to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process, including farmers (small holders inclusive), consumers, and local communities. By incorporating these hidden costs and benefits into the decision-making process, agrifood systems can be transformed in a more sustainable and equitable way. This means that decisions about food production, distribution, and consumption will take into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of agrifood systems. This transformation will help to ensure that food is produced in a way that is environmentally friendly, provides fair compensation for farmers, and promotes healthy and affordable food for consumers. It will also help to ensure that the benefits of agrifood systems are shared more equitably across all stakeholders mentioned above.

Dr. Muhammad Bello Garba 

SSUES, Sokoto - Nigeria 

How can the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems be effectively incorporated into decision-making for transformation?

Effectively incorporating the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems into decision-making for transformation requires acknowledging both tangible and intangible factors. Known elements include visible economic expenses, such as production and transportation costs, which can be readily quantified. However, the challenge lies in capturing the hidden costs, such as environmental degradation and health impacts, which often elude standard accounting methods. Recognizing these hidden impacts necessitates a shift towards holistic valuation frameworks that consider ecological, social, and health dimensions. What remains unknown is a universally accepted methodology for quantifying and valuing these hidden dimensions consistently. The lack of standardized metrics hinders the seamless integration of these factors into decision-making processes. Developing comprehensive and standardized approaches to assess both the costs and benefits, along with fostering a broader understanding of their interconnectedness, is essential for steering agrifood systems towards sustainability and resilience.

Hence, incorporating hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems requires holistic valuation, considering environmental and societal impacts. Standardized metrics are crucial for consistent assessment, fostering informed decision-making for sustainable transformation.

Au moins 10.000 milliards de dollars par an. C'est le montant des coûts cachés des systèmes agroalimentaires actuels, calculé par l'Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (Food and agriculture organisation, FAO), dans un rapport publié ce lundi 6 novembre. L'impact de ces systèmes sur la santé, l'environnement et la société, équivaut ainsi à presque 10% du produit intérieur brut (PIB) mondial, alerte la FAO.

Plus de 70% des frais occultes liés à la production de biens et de services agroalimentaires sont dus à des régimes alimentaires trop riches. Or, ils causent des maladies chroniques non-transmissibles, et donc, une perte de productivité de la main-d'œuvre, alerte un rapport de l'Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (FAO). Un cinquième de ces coûts sont environnementaux.

L'étude, menée dans 154 pays, chiffre notamment les frais occultes de ces systèmes : émissions de gaz à effet de serre et d'azote, utilisation de l'eau, effets sur la conversion des terres et sur la pauvreté, pertes de productivité générées par de mauvais régimes alimentaires. Résultat, plus de 70% de ces coûts sont dus à une alimentation trop riche en produits ultra-transformés, en sucres et en graisses. Or, ceux-ci sont à l'origine d'obésité et d'autres maladies chroniques non-transmissibles, générant des pertes de productivité de la main-d'œuvre. Ces coûts sont particulièrement importants dans les pays à revenus élevés et à revenus intermédiaires de la tranche supérieure, observe la FAO.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE/FOOD WASTE IS NEITHER A RISKY NOR AN UNCERTAIN/IMPOSSIBLE BUSINESS SINCE 1975 AT LIAQAT CORP (PVT) LTD, BY FIELD-BASED MOBILE COMMERCIAL INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIALIZATION FOR ZERO FOOD WASTE AT TECH TRANSFER BASIS.

1. Effectively incorporating the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), into decision-making for transformation requires a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder approach. Here are key steps to achieve this:
   • 1. Comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA):
     • Conduct a thorough CBA that goes beyond direct economic impacts. Include environmental, social, and health-related costs and benefits associated with agrifood systems.
     • Assess the positive externalities, such as ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and cultural values linked to traditional agricultural practices.
   • 2. Stakeholder Engagement:
     • Involve diverse stakeholders, including farmers, local communities, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector, in the decision-making process.
     • Understand the perspectives and priorities of different stakeholders to ensure a holistic view of the hidden costs and benefits.
   • 3. Data Collection and Research:
     • Invest in research to gather region-specific data on hidden costs and benefits. This should include environmental degradation, health impacts, and socio-economic factors.
     • Collaborate with research institutions and local organizations to enhance the quality and relevance of data.
   • 4. Technology Integration:
     • Leverage technology for data collection and monitoring. Remote sensing, IoT devices, and data analytics can provide real-time information on environmental impacts and agricultural productivity.
     • Use digital platforms to disseminate information and gather feedback from farmers and communities.
   • 5. Policy Integration:
     • Integrate findings from comprehensive CBAs into policy frameworks at local, provincial, and national levels.
     • Advocate for policies that incentivize sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices while internalizing the hidden costs associated with conventional methods.
   • 6. Capacity Building:
     • Build the capacity of local communities and farmers to understand and adopt sustainable practices.
     • Provide training on modern and sustainable farming techniques that reduce hidden costs and enhance overall system resilience.

   • 7. Climate-Resilient Agriculture:

   • • • Develop and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices that consider the changing climate patterns in the region.
       • Invest in research and technology that enables farmers to adapt to climate-related challenges, reducing the vulnerability of agrifood systems.

   • 8. Incentivize Sustainable Supply Chains:

   • • • Work with supply chain actors, including retailers and processors, to create and implement sustainability standards.
       • Reward and incentivize adherence to environmentally friendly and socially responsible supply chain practices.

   • 9. Community-Based Initiatives:

   • • • Encourage and support community-based initiatives that focus on sustainable agriculture and food production.
       • Facilitate the establishment of local cooperatives and farmer groups to share knowledge and resources.

   • 10. Green Financing:

   • • • Explore opportunities for green financing and investment in sustainable agriculture.
       • Collaborate with financial institutions to create financial instruments that support eco-friendly farming practices.

   • 11.Policy Innovation:

   • • • Foster innovation in policy-making by exploring novel approaches to address hidden costs and benefits.
       • Pilot programs and policy experiments to test the effectiveness of new strategies before scaling up.

   • 12. Adaptive Management:

   • • • Implement adaptive management strategies that allow for continuous learning and adjustments based on evolving conditions.
       • Establish feedback mechanisms that involve stakeholders in the ongoing improvement of policies and practices.

   • 13. Crisis Preparedness:

   • • • Develop contingency plans and strategies to address agrifood system challenges during crises, such as pandemics or extreme weather events.
       • Ensure that transformation initiatives are resilient to shocks and can quickly recover from disruptions.

   • 14. Research and Development:

   • • • Allocate resources for ongoing research and development to stay abreast of emerging issues and opportunities in agrifood systems.
       • Support innovation that leads to the development of sustainable and technologically advanced farming practices.

   • 15. Policy Advocacy:

   • • • Engage in policy advocacy at various levels to create an enabling environment for sustainable agriculture.
       • Collaborate with NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy groups to amplify the impact of the transformation agenda.

   • 16. International Certification:

   • • • Work towards obtaining and maintaining internationally recognized certifications for sustainable and organic agriculture.
       • Access global markets by aligning with international standards, fostering economic opportunities for local farmers.

   • By incorporating these strategies, policymakers and stakeholders can navigate the complexities of agrifood systems in Pakistan, with a specific focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and make informed decisions that lead to transformative and sustainable outcomes.

How can the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems be effectively incorporated into decision-making for transformation?

Agrifood systems have numerous hidden costs and benefits that impact social, environmental, and economic aspects. Incorporating these into decision-making involves several strategies:

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): This method evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or system throughout its life cycle. It assesses inputs, outputs, and environmental impacts, aiding in understanding hidden costs like carbon emissions, water usage, etc.

Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA): CBA assesses the monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits associated with agrifood systems. It helps in quantifying impacts that might not be immediately apparent, such as ecosystem services, health implications, or social welfare.

Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement: Encouraging transparency in the supply chain and engaging stakeholders—farmers, consumers, policymakers, and NGOs—helps identify and understand hidden costs and benefits better.

Policy Integration: Creating policies that internalize externalities—like imposing taxes on pollution or incentivizing sustainable practices—can better reflect the hidden costs and benefits within agrifood systems.

By integrating these approaches, decision-makers can have a more comprehensive understanding of the hidden complexities within agrifood systems, allowing for more informed and sustainable transformations

I have attached a paper I wrote with two colleagues for the University of Barcelona journal. It provides a policy option for the encouragement of regenerative farming. It is aimed at the European Union where farming has received generous subsidies for more than 70 years. In spite of this I think it has wider application as a mechanism to encourage regenerative farming in countries where such funding it not possible.

Hello,

Regarding your request for information for SOFA 2024: Chemical agriculture has failed as food is depleted in nutrients and soils, as well as being toxic & acidified, are depleted in organic matter, moisture, microbes & worms.

My 2018 meta-analysis showed average loss by about 83% - https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8789/2/2/33/htm .

Other meta-analyses found non-organic food depleted by up to 50% in nutrients with higher toxins & heavy metal burden - doi: 10.1017/S0007114514001366 ; DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2021.1981831.

Crop yields - despite counterclaims - are the same, or lower, in chemical farming which has been well proven at Rohamsed - https://vermecology.wordpress.com/2023/08/29/critical-decline-of-minera… .

Regarding SDGs, these will continue to fail without proper and solid soil foundation. Image source – https://vermecology.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/image-27.png from https://vermecology.wordpress.com/2021/03/09/triage-time/. Official global SDGs mention “soil” only twice in passing – www.globalgoals.org/goals/15-life-on-land/ (“forest” gets 15 hits, “water” 4!); many of the deadlines are by 2020 and all have failed.

Soil erosion & species extinction rates are now at extremes which should be priority issues.

Regards, Rob Blakemore PhD; VermEcology.