Dear colleagues, please kindly find below the inputs from the World Farmers’ Organisation Working Group on Food Security:
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The V0 draft introduces a conceptual framework informed by key principles established in previous HLPE-FSN reports (HLPE, 2017; HLPE, 2020), including agency, equity and justice. Do you find the proposed framework an effective conceptual device to highlight and discuss the key issues with regard to inequity and inequality for food security and nutrition (FSN)? Do you think that this conceptual framework can contribute to providing practical guidance for policymakers? Can you offer suggestions for examples that would be useful to illustrate and facilitate the operationalization of the conceptual framework to address issues relevant for FSN? We believe that the V0 draft is a good starting point in linking food systems analysis to issues of equality and justice. Now, this issue is increasingly felt, not only in developing countries, but also in developed countries, where the question of which policies to adopt for food security arises due to the process of impoverishment of the population, rising food prices, climate change that reduces food availability and access to food. As the world's farmers, we represent the centrality of farmers in food systems at local, national, regional and global level and we truly believe agriculture is the sector that can provide a path towards sustainable development. Here is the link to the WFO policy on Food Systems and Food Security for more information: https://www.wfo-oma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/policy-sustainable-foodsecurity_WEB.pdf |
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The report adopts the definition of food security, proposed by the HLPE-FSN in 2020, which includes six dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, stability, agency and sustainability. Does the V0 draft cover sufficiently the implications of broadening the definition of food security with regard to inequalities? We believe it is important to emphasize the problem of unequal access to a healthy, nutritious, balanced and diverse diet. Starting from the local level to solve global challenges is key, this is why it is important to always pay attention to local realities and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. This is also true if we consider that farmers are not just producers of raw materials and that food is not just what we eat but so much more: it is our culture, traditions, and of course it is also linked to our health. Also, the concept of portions and quantities of consumed food is important related to the issue of human health. |
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The V0 draft describes major inequalities in FSN experiences across and within countries. Are there any major gaps in the literature and data referred to in the report? In chapter 2- Within country inequalities in FSN outcomes, we feel "Inefficient Public Distribution System" should also be included. For example in India, under the PDS, rice, sugar, wheat and kerosene are distributed among people. But it doesn’t reach most people because there are issues like fake ration cards and diversion of food items which is ultimately due to inefficiency in the PDS. |
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The deeper layer of structural drivers fundamental to understanding inequity, including sociocultural, economic and political aspects are examined, as well as actions and policies to reduce inequalities that mirrors these layers of drivers. Does the review adequately cover the main drivers of inequalities? Could you offer additional examples of existing FSN initiatives and policies that were able to alleviate the deeper inequities seen in food systems and FSN experiences? In chapter 3- Under Sustainability, we agree on the idea that soil health is the first step towards sustainability in agriculture and it is something farmers value a lot being land the starting point of their life and job. Sustainable soil management practices are key, as well as an adequate, efficient and sustainable use of inputs, including chemicals, to avoid soil degradation. Also, we agree on the fact that soil degradation and sustainability is not necessarily linked to the farm size but more to the methods that are used. In chapter 3 - Under Inequalities in food environment, we feel "Pest Attacks" should also be included. For example in 2020, the locust attack in parts of India, wiped out entire agricultural farms with huge impacts on farmers’ livelihoods and the economy of the Country. Also, the conflict in Ukraine, which has affected the global food supply chain, as well as farmers’ livelihoods and activities, has been noted in the draft. In chapter 3 - Under Land inequalities - the point that- as corporate investments grow, the control and ownership over the land is not clear. Clarity around the same would be needed. Farming starts from the land and farmers should have access to it, including women and young farmers that always face event greater barriers in accessing this resource. While the topic of gender and gender inequalities is treated, a point that could be added is on youth, considering all the barriers that young farmers face in accessing the farming sector, in terms of access to land, inputs, financial and non-financial services, with implications in terms of FSN inequalities. Here is a link to WFO policies on Women and Young farmers for your reference: https://www.wfo-oma.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WFO-POLICY-WOMEN-2022_EN.pdf https://www.wfo-oma.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WFO-POLICY-YOUNG-FARMERS-2022_EN.pdf |
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Are the trends identified the key ones in affecting inequitable and unequal experiences of FSN? If not, which other trends should be considered? The analysis should be updated with the impact of the pandemic as well as the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine, which are disrupting the global value chain and increasing input costs for farmers (fertilizers, energy, etc.), leading to a risk of reduced crop yields and increased food insecurity. Increased risks also come from climate change effects (e.g. widespread drought, floods) on crop yields. |
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Are there any other issues concerning inequalities in FSN or within food systems that have not been sufficiently covered in the draft report? Are topics under- or over-represented in relation to their importance? Inequalities in information: Role of farmers' organizations and cooperatives: (p. 53,54) the role of farmers' organizations and cooperatives in services and information dissemination could be stressed. Here WFO policy on Cooperatives for further explanation https://www.wfo-oma.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WFO-POLICY-COOPERATIVES-2022_EN.pdf p.54 Private extension services may exclude smaller, poorer farmers who are unable to pay for the service: again, the important role of farmers' organizations in disseminating information and services to their members, especially small farmers. Land inequality: the distribution of land and misguided agrarian reforms still lead to serious inequalities in access to land and in the economic value of agricultural yields for farming families. Even on the European continent, as in the case of Albania for example. |
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Are there any redundant facts or statements that could be eliminated from the V0 draft? As a general comment, it would be preferable to have a leaner text in which the basic concepts emerge more clearly. |
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Can you suggest success stories from countries that were able to reduce FSN inequalities? In Italy, the role of schools for the distribution of healthy food to students, the enhancement of urban food policies, also with the aim of reducing food waste and increasing food distribution. Local food districts are another example of a food policy in which food security is combined with the social aspects of food in a co-partnership between different public and private actors in the area. |
Maria Giulia De Castro