I wanted to express my gratitude for sharing information on the Theory of Change and Draft Result Framework. Your comprehensive explanation covers everything one would expect in a project management document.
I do, however, believe that there are simpler alternative options to achieve the goal of sustainable, regenerative, and inclusive food systems that are nature-positive, resilient, and pollution-free. With this in mind, I have prepared a brief document outlining a framework for achieving such food systems. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you require any further information or clarification.
3Ps: A Framework for Achieving Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems Worldwide
Agriculture continues to be one of the least efficient industries, causing significant harm to our natural resources and posing a threat to the health of the planet. It is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land use change. Furthermore, agriculture can have negative impacts on biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem function.
In order to promote conservation, efficiency, and resilience, agriculture must shift to sustainable practices that are environmentally responsible. Achieving this goal will require a total reform of the global agriculture value chain, from production to consumption, in order to ensure food security, protect the environment, and promote human health and safety. The adoption of a 3P Strategy for the agri-food value chain could be the solution to address the multifaceted challenges of ensuring sustainable and equitable food production, distribution, and consumption. The three Ps in this framework are Produce, Protect, and Provide. Implementation of this framework was recommended and considered integral to achieving planet-friendly green revolution (see link) https://greens.org.au/wa/magazine/planet-friendly-green-revolution.
P1: Produce food sustainably. The first P emphasizes the importance of sustainable food production practices that do not compromise the long-term productive capacity of ecosystems. The concept of treating land as a principal resource, and food production practices and technologies as investment strategies, is an important shift in mindset towards sustainable agriculture. The diversification of food sources is also crucial for achieving food security, as it reduces reliance on a few crops and promotes the exploration of alternative sources of protein and nutrition. It involves maximizing resource use efficiency, diversifying food sources, and investing in innovative agricultural technologies that promote ecosystem health and resilience. The goal is to ensure that we produce food in a way that maintains the long-term productive capacity of our land and water resources and promotes biodiversity and ecological health.
P2: Protect food from loss in the value chain. The second P highlights the need to protect food from loss in the value chain. This is an often-overlooked aspect of food security, as significant amounts of food are lost or wasted during storage, transportation, and processing. The concept of zero tolerance to food waste is particularly important, as it not only reduces hunger but also minimizes environmental pollution. This P highlights the need to protect food from loss or waste during storage, transportation, and processing. It involves developing supply chain infrastructure and post-harvest treatments that increase the storage life of food, maintain food quality, and prevent pest infestations. It also involves promoting a zero-tolerance approach to food waste, where unused food energy is repurposed for better purposes, such as animal feed and bio-fertilizer. The goal is to minimize food waste and ensure that the food produced is utilized efficiently and effectively.
P3: Provide bio-secure and safe food. The third P addresses the need to provide bio-secure and safe food. Ensuring that food trade and distribution do not expose importing regions and communities to unacceptable biosecurity risks is critical to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases. The emphasis on promoting 'glocalisation' and community engagement is also important for creating a more resilient and sustainable food system that is responsive to local needs and preferences. It involves ensuring that food is clean, green, and free from pests and diseases, and that food safety standards are met throughout the entire value chain. It also involves promoting 'glocalisation' - localisation at a global scale - which reduces energy consumption and biosecurity threats. Finally, community engagement is key to enhancing awareness of food security, biosecurity, and food safety issues, as well as promoting a sustainable food system that is responsive to local needs and preferences.
Overall, the 3Ps provide a comprehensive framework and a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interconnected challenges of sustainably feeding the human population, which requires the cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders. It also highlights the need for innovation and diversification in food production and provides a useful framework for policymakers, food system stakeholders, and individuals to think about and address the complex and pressing issues related to global food security with a ‘vision infinity for food security’ - one that prioritizes food security for all forever - we can ensure that the future is bright and secure for everyone. (See link for Vision Infinity for Food Security https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-23249-2).
Best regards,
Shashi Sharma PhD
Adjunct Professor, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
Shashi Bhooshan Sharma