How can FAO better support countries in addressing governance of agrifood systems transformation to make them more sustainable, inclusive and resilient?
For some years now, there has been a growing recognition of the urgent need to transform agrifood systems to make them more sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and equitable.
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What do we understand by agrifood systems and a systems approach? “The agri-food system covers the journey of food (for example, cereals, vegetables, fish, fruits and livestock) from farm to table – including when it is grown, harvested, processed, packaged, transported, distributed, traded, bought, prepared, eaten and disposed of. It also encompasses non-food products (for example forestry, animal rearing, use of feedstock, biomass to produce biofuels, and fibres) that also constitute livelihoods and all of the people as well as the activities, investments and choices that play a part in getting us these food and agricultural products.” (nf243en.pdf (fao.org) 42nd session of the FAO conference): Recognizing that systems are made up of a complex set of interrelated components that produce multiple goals, a systems approach helps a diverse set of actors to understand how systems are structured and how they operate. By collectively mapping out its different components, identifying drivers and the connections between them, and setting out possible courses of action, it can help to clarify what are the issues at stake and where decisions need to be taken. |
Agrifood systems can play an important role in rescuing and accelerating progress towards the SDGs; sustainable and resilient agrifood systems have enormous potential to positively influence the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The endorsement by the CFS of the Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition (VGFSN)[1] in 2021 was followed by the convening of the UN Food Systems Summit in September 2021, and more recently, the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment in July 2023. While there seems to be general agreement and consensus on the need to transform agrifood systems to make them more sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and equitable, the policy, legal and governance[2] requirements and implications for countries still need to be better articulated. Decades of development efforts around the world have shown that narrow approaches and technological quick fixes do not work, especially in the long term. Data, technology, and innovation can be a powerful engine to transform agrifood systems, but only when they are accompanied by the right enabling environment and governance system. As the UN Secretary General stated in his report[3], the path towards transformation requires “comprehensive planning, collaboration, and consideration of potential trade-offs, synergies, and international spillovers” and “countries will need to address the resistance and political backlash that may arise against change”.
In efforts towards a transformation of agrifood systems, some of the main barriers to overcome include the lack of policy coherence and coordination, insufficient capabilities and engagement of key stakeholders, increasing gender inequalities and socio-economic disparities within and among countries and the asymmetry of power and economic interests that are at the core of the political economy and the control of the agrifood system. For example, measures that seek to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change may affect the rights of those with the lowest incomes and those who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods; measures that seek to combat obesity through stricter regulation may affect the economic interests of private companies that sell ultra-processed products, and a progressive paradigm shift in agricultural production from an external input-dependent agriculture to a more sustainable, less chemical-dependent agriculture that prioritizes the production of more diverse foods for local consumption to meet both livelihood and community nutrition objectives- still seems to run counter to the dominant model.
Furthermore, in many cases, policies and laws are not aligned with the transformative goals, and not adapted to existing, institutional arrangements, political structures, raising inequalities and capabilities. Yet, these strongly influence the chances for them to be implemented (or not) on the ground and generate desired outcomes.
Conveners:
Corinna Hawkes, Director, Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF)
Donata Rugarabamu, Legal Counsel
Stefanos Fotiou, Director, Office of SDGs (OSG)
RATIONALE FOR THIS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
The above issues influence the FAO’s capacity to appropriately support country-members in the design and implementation of transformative paths towards sustainable agrifood systems. It is therefore key for the Organization to continue to reflect on what it means for it to approach food and agriculture relevant policies as a “system”, rather than as multiple actions towards a common goal.
It is against this background that this online call for submissions is being organized jointly by the Office of SDGs, the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, the Governance and Policy Support Unit, and the Development Law Service, to engage various stakeholders and gather examples of governance-related measures and interventions with transformative impact for agrifood systems.
We invite you to provide inputs related to the following kind of measures/interventions:
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Institutional mechanisms/governance arrangements for systems-oriented ways of working;
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Measures to align policies and laws with the transformative goals;
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Budgeting and financing for cross-sectoral work in agrifood systems;
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Measures to rebalance asymmetries in power and decision-making in the agrifood system, including through gender-responsive and gender-transformative approaches;
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Measures to redress inequities and inequalities in the agrifood systems;
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Concrete means and evidence of how the impact of these measures has been measured.
The submissions should look at transformative efforts in the above areas, from an economic, social and environmental perspective, and they should illustrate the way this transformative change[4] has been potentially documented and measured.
The results emerging from your submissions will contribute to informing FAO’s work with governments and other stakeholders related to policy, law, and governance for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Proceedings of the contributions received will be made publicly available on this consultation webpage. Feel free to consult the documentation and resources for more information about agrifood systems transformation in the references.
The Call for Submissions is open until 1 April 2024.
How to take part in this Call for Submissions
To take part in this Call for submissions, please register to the FSN Forum, if you are not yet a member, or “sign in” to your account. Please download the submission template in any of six UN languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese) and upload the completed form in the box “Post your contribution” on this webpage. Please keep the length of submissions limited to 2,000 words and feel also free to attach relevant supporting materials. For any technical questions or assistance please contact [email protected].
We thank you in advance for your input and we look forward to learning from your experiences.
Co-facilitators:
Dubravka Bojic, Programme Officer, Governance and Policy Unit (DDCG)
Jose Valls, Policy Officer, ESF
Margret Vidar, Legal Officer, Development Law Service (LEGN)
Hajnalka Petrics, Programme Officer, OSG
Olena Ovchynnikova, Technical Officer, OSG
[1] The CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition (VGFSN) were endorsed by CFS session 47 held on 8-11 February 2021. CFS_VGs_Food_Systems_and_Nutrition_Strategy_EN.pdf (fao.org)
[2] Governance relates to “formal and informal rules, organizations, and processes through which public and private actors articulate their interests and make and implement decisions” (http://www.fao.org/3/mg015e/mg015e.pdf )
[3] Making food systems work for people and planet UN Food Systems Summit +2 Report of the Secretary-General. p.20. unfss2-secretary-general-report.pdf (unfoodsystemshub.org)
[4] Please note that “transformative change” refers to innovative, pro-active changes away from “business as usual” that merely addresses surface-level issues or symptoms. “Transformative change” results in change in underlying factors and drivers leading to problems addressed.
REFERENCES
- CFS, 2023. Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls Empowerment in the Context of Food Security and Nutrition.
- CFS, 2021. CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition.
- FAO, 2018. Transforming Food and Agriculture to Achieve the SDGs. 20 interconnected actions to guide decision-makers.
- FAO, 2021. Transforming agri-food systems. Legislative interventions for improved nutrition and sustainability Preliminary version for public consultation.
- Bojić, D., Clark, M. and Urban, K. 2022. Focus on governance for more effective policy and technical support. Governance and policy support framework paper. Rome, FAO.
- Gobena, A. and Vidar, M. 2023. Agriculture and natural resources governance – Legal tools for inclusive and sustainable transformation. Legal Brief, No. 12. Rome, FAO.
- FAO. 2023. FAO and the Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving the 2030 Agenda through empowerment of local communities. Rome. FAO.
- UN. 2023. Global Sustainable Development Report 2023. Times of Crisis, Times of Change. Science for Accelerating Transformations to Sustainable Development. UNDESA.
Please read the article of FAO publications on this topic here.
Topics
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Integration of local knowledge and scientific findings should be communicated to farmers in a simple way that the farmers can understand and apply. A lot of research findings have been gathered and published, but unfortunately the end user, the farmer the information my be talking about may not have reached the end user. Its scientist communicating to one another but very little information going all the way to the farmers
I think FAO should be focus on providing capacity building training for relevant stakeholders when it is important to link political governance and economic governance and train how the political governance support the economic governance positively or not influencing negatively. In many cases in developing countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa political governance influence negatively the economy governance.
Estimados/as
Acercamos nuestras experiencias y conocimientos sobre un caso real relacionado con la convocatoria:¿Cómo puede la FAO apoyar mejor a los países a la hora de abordar la gobernanza de la transformación de los sistemas agroalimentarios para hacerlos más sostenibles, inclusivos y resilientes?.
Griselda Muñoz y Sergio Montico
Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Universidad Nacional de Rosario
Argentina
Apropos above theme the following observations were made for kind concurrence:
Major problem we encounter sustainability of food systems is primary producers who are
Economically underprivileged are located in LMIN (Low Middle Income Countries), LIN (Low Income Nations) and ELIC (Extreme Low Income Nations). Their number runs into hundreds of millions and so are the inhabitants. If we concentrate our efforts for betterment of these people and development, their overall growth will be confined to less than one fourth of the system. On the contrary, developmental efforts in the food system per se will help enhance overall production which is happening now and so is the enhanced levels of poverty and hunger running into hundreds of millions not because the food is available but because of lack of purchase power. To overcome this dilemma, the above mentioned groups of nations needs to provide
1. Foods at an affordable price to economically underprivileged citizens such as rations.
2. Enhanced levels of financial literacy among women especially of rural women and hinterland residents.
3. Decentralize the food production systems.
4. Establishment of small scale food storage facilities at rural levels
5. Establishment of ‘Mini Food Processing Facilities’
6. Availability of APP based facilities for 1. Weather forecasting 2. Agricultural Produce Price on day to day Basis.
7. Encourage farmers market
The above measures cater to the needs of low income groups.
One of the finest examples of balancing acts in sustainable productions is in India in the form of KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras).
Krishi Vigyan Kendras
The first KVK was established in 1974 at Puducherry. The number of KVKs has risen to 731. The KVK scheme is 100% financed by Govt. of India and the KVKs are sanctioned to Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, related Government Departments and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working in Agriculture.
KVK, is an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), aimed at assessment of location specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement and demonstrations. KVKs have been functioning as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector for improving the agricultural economy of the district and are linking the NARS with extension systems and farmers.
KVK System: Mandate and Activities
The mandate of KVK is Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development.
To implement the mandate effectively, the following activities are envisaged for each KVK
1. On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems.
2. Frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of technologies on the farmers’ fields.
3. Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies.
4. To work as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technologies for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector in improving the agricultural economy of the district.
5. Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers
In addition, KVKs produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, livestock) and make it available to farmers, organize frontline extension activities, identify and document selected farm innovations and converge with ongoing schemes and programs within the mandate of KVK.
The above system can be role model for other countries too
Source for KVK is https://kvk.icar.gov.in/aboutkvk.aspx
Thanks for the opportunity.
Kind regards,
Mukteswar Prasad Mothadaka, PhD., ARS
Va adjunto el formulario correspondiente a la convocatoria "¿Cómo puede la FAO apoyar mejor a los países para abordar la gobernanza de la transformación de los sistemas agroalimentarios para hacerlos más sostenibles, inclusivos y resilientes?"
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How can FAO better support countries in addressing governance of agrifood system transformation to make more sustainable, inclusive and resilient?
Dear all,
Note, these issues enumerated here are associated to all nations in the world (global south and north) but I am using my nation Nigeria now because of peculiarity now.
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Insecurity: Nigeria is a multi-sectoral and diverse economic to start with. However, the first point of call on FAO is the area of insecurity crisis internally. A productive economic arises on the bases of peace and security. What this means is that FAO can assist technically or otherwise in the area of curbing insecurity menace that affects the nation’s Agri-economic in the country. Support in security management and resolution of the internal crisis which is robbing the economic productivity not just the Agri-economic area alone and others. However, this is more severe in the Agri-economic, with farmers especially between farmers-herdsmen. This is a way of assuring and reassuring them that their lives and properties are safe. This will therefore builds confidence in them to go on with their normal businesses and as well boost Agri-food production and raises the GDP of the country. When the security is there it will improve the country’s revenue especially in middle belt states in the country. It will reposition the government strength and ability and compliment the responses so far made by Nigerian's government. Again, results will be extended, even in other areas. This notwithstanding, it may be difficult for FAO because of the area it function and decision pertinent to peace and security in international community. Nevertheless, she can channel her action through UN Security Council on this subject matter. This will create good relationship and synergy with this organ in UN structure to carry their intervention activities in conflict resolution area with nations affected in the area of Agri-economic. This is a link created to support nations in conflict like this internally but Nigeria as a first point. What affect internal structure of a nation can break into international community irrespective of UN structure of non-intervention of internal crisis. But when it become unbearable there should be a second thought or look of the decision, because a lot has escalated into external conflicts. Experience is the best teacher!
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Specific products: FAO can assist, support or help to develop, remedy and revival a country’s develop Agri-economic products that leads to job creation, GDP increase and food security in a nation. However, this can be in a partnership or collaboration with the nation in this area of products, a country is known for internally and internationally as a source of revenue for the country. For example, Nigeria is known for palm oil, rubber, groundnut, cocoa etc these will boost Nigeria GDP and help to alleviate hunger and poverty and bridge the gap of inequality between other countries. It will raise her economic equality in international community. The partnership should be enjoyed by both parties, with great cooperation and synergy of meeting SDGs equality instead of inequality in economic goals and development of nations in the world.
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Grant: FAO can also come in this form by assisting the local farmers with resources directly without third party involvement but solely direct intervention to local farmers in the communities. This could be in terms of financial support, fertilizers supply, farm's equipment etc to boost the confidence of local farmers and their interest in farming that will reflect in national GDP. This will really strengthen the local farmers investment in Agri-food products and the return yield would be food security within and neighbouring countries. The supply would be high since more farmers have been empowered financially and other areas. This will also lead to prices crash of products both within and in international market. Just assume Nigerians farmers are really empowered directly by the government and FAO directly, imagine the production and boost of production internally and in international market.
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Research: FAO can also come in to assist in the area of research, training that empower Agri-seed, best season for plantation and best soil for each seed in every nation. This means soil fertility will be an utmost priority to FAO. And the need to reduce soil diseases, crops diseases and destruction should be researched out by FAO as a way of assisting nations’ production in Agri-economic sector of nation. In other words, when a nation’s soil is known, the best product can be planted and great harvest can be made out of it at the end of harvesting time. There is a soil that grow fast and healthy in every area in nations. This can be partner with the government and other interested Agri-investors.
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Irrigation: FAO can also support in the area of irrigation, the area and region that lack water supply to keep farming alive in the world. This would boost a healthy and wealthy crops and harvest. This can also be a collaboration or joint ventures that can take kilometers or miles to boost the Agri-seed, crops, Agri-food and Agri-economic of the area and nation. The irrigation will change the narrative of Agri-products in that area and the country. This can be a partnership venture even with other interested Agri-investors.
- Technical adviser: FAO can also serve as technical adviser to any government and investors in Agri-food economic. They can support good government policies through advocacy and awareness creation. They can help to initiate a policy for the government that support the farmers business in Agri-economic. They can sponsor a programme that will change the cause of doing Agri-food business and economic. They can help to train farmers on the new technicality of Agri-food production. They can help initiate a favourable policy that support the nation’s productivity through supply and demand of Agri-products in the country and international community. They can also act through other actors especially non-state actors in the Agri-economic area like private sector, civil society organizations and NGOs to serve as a technical advisers to government and farmers in nations of the world. This is a way of supporting food security system globally. And there are other areas they can support and response to a nation’s Agri-economic.
Thank you.
Esosa Orhue
The South African Food system is comprised of a range of actors in the production, storage, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food products. Furthermore, the food system is made up of sub-systems (farming/production systems, market systems, waste management systems and input management systems).
Issues affecting the country’s food system include governance, political, social and economics of food production.
The country’s National Food and Nutrition Security Plan Evaluation Report (2023) has identified governance as one of the gaps that requires urgent attention. The country has identified four pathways:
- Enhancement of sustainable local production for local consumption of safe, nutritious and indigenous foods;
- Promotion of economic and environmental resilience;
- Facilitation of inclusive, sustainable and competitive value chains; and
- Promotion of integrated food systems policies, legislation, planning and governance.
Each pathway will be governed by a Committee and will report to the Food Systems National Task Team. The Food Systems Task Team will then report to the Food Security Council which will make decisions regarding the food security matters in the country. The National Food and Nutrition Council will be chaired by the Deputy President of the country.
The FAO can contribute towards the governance of the agrifood systems by further linking up with the Nominated Food Systems Focal Points in various countries. The need to involve various stakeholders in the food systems transformation is critical as each role player has a specific area of focus.
In South Africa engagements have been with Farmer Organizations, Institutions of Learning, Civil Society and Traditional Leaders. The cost of hosting various consultative processes are unaffordable for some of the critical stakeholders. The FAO can support by providing assistance for meeting platforms, eg. The FAO once supported our Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development with a 1 000 people consultative meeting during the Food Systems Country Dialogues [prior the Food Systems Summit] and created a virtual meeting platform that was used to engage all.
The country, therefore, seeks assistance in setting up a governance structure by facilitating the establishment of a National Food Systems Task Team, and a committee for each identified pathway.
Specifically, assistance is required on the following requirements:
- Technical expertise on Food Systems in the country to assist with governance i.e setting up the National Food Systems Task Team.
- Financial backing especially for Civil society participation
- Technical post-harvest technology for use by subsistence and smallholder producers (inexpensive).
SUBMITTED BY THE FOOD SECURITY UNIT WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DALRRD).
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Taking advantage of the experience of developed countries can be valuable for developing nations. A key role of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is to moderate discussions and provide a space for the exchange of information and experiences. The organisation is also tasked with setting the standard when it comes to technical and statistical analysis by merging data from multiple sources and generating outputs that are of practical benefit. International workshops and seminars organised by the FAO offer a platform for experts working in different countries to exchange views on solutions aimed at standardising practice, and to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
Cooperation between the FAO and other organisations such as ICAR and Interbull can deliver many benefits in the field of performance recording and breeding value estimation. Strengthening the genetic basis of given traits and characteristics is one of the most effective ways of improving animal production. Now and in the future, these techniques have the potential to reduce emissions and increase efficiency. For example, predictive breeding techniques can help to reduce methane emissions and improved feed conversion. Breeding for sustainability-related traits using genomics is one of the most promising areas, reflecting the direction in which efforts are now focused.
The FAO also has a vital role to play in stimulating discussion on new business models that can be introduced in member countries, especially developing nations. This approach can help promote innovation, modernise technology, and advance the field of data processing. Developing new agricultural policies and acknowledging the ways in which farmers and government officials now communicate and interact are also important. One way the FAO could improve in this regard is to conduct more hands-on workshops with the aim of bringing government representatives and stakeholders together to discuss case studies and generate productive debate on key issues. Creating an environment conducive to open dialogue and removing barriers to participation are proven to maximise the exchange of knowledge between individuals.
Dear Sir/ Ma,
FAO can coordinate and arrange capacity-building programs and training workshops to strengthen the capacity of authorities, institutions, researchers, and stakeholders considered in agrifood system governance. This includes providing training on: data collection and analysis, policy analysis, stakeholder appointment, data collection and analysis, and supervising and assessment.
This activity is now closed. Please contact [email protected] for any further information.