This contribution aims at acknowledging the relevance of territorial approaches in building more resilient food systems.
It is made on behalf of the TP4D alliance (Territorial Perspective for Development) and builds on their two publications (see below) : https://www.donorplatform.org/post/tp4d-territorial-approaches-for-sustainable-development/ and https://www.cirad.fr/view_pdf/701
Territorial approaches to development have been discussed on and off in the last 50 years, but the last ten years have seen the revival, convergence, and acceleration of a variety of systemic approaches, initiatives and partnerships related to the concept of territorial development.
Among other processes, publications, and events it is worth mentioning the UN-Habitat Urban-Rural Linkages Guiding Principles (2019), FAO/BMZ/GIZ Territorial and Landscape Days (2020), OECD report (2020) on territorial approaches as pathways to localise the SDGs. Relevant are also the following: GIZ Stocktaking on Territorial Approaches (2021), the “ad hoc” working group on Territorial Governance and the International Coalition to Promote Territorial Food Systems Governance launched by the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries in the context of the UN Food Systems Summit (2021). Moreover, the G20 meeting hosted by Italy in 2021 and the UN desertification, biodiversity, and climate COPs in 2022 stressed the importance of systemic and integrated approaches.
In particular, FAO, the European Commission, Cirad, BMZ & GIZ, AFD, UNCDF, Nepad, and OECD launched the territorial perspective for development (TP4D) alliance in 2018 to enhance a common understanding of territorial approaches. This alliance includes today UN Habitat, ICLEI, EcoAgriculture Partners, and the Unesco Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies.
Two TP4D White Papers have been published in 2018, “Territorial Perspective for Development”, about principles for territorial approaches, and in 2023 “Territorial Approaches for Sustainable Development. White Paper for Policy Formulation and Project Implementation”, incorporating lessons learned.
Since food systems need to meet the needs of society, economy and environment in a holistic manner, the TP4D group supports the adoption of a territorial perspective in food systems policy, program and project design and implementation, contributing to the integration and achievement of multiple SDGs.
The TP4D White Paper of 2018 identified core principles for territorial approaches, which have since been refined and adapted. These include that they should be place-based, people-centred, rights-based, cross-sectoral, multi-actor, and multi-level. Shared principles can lead to a higher degree of policy coherence and integrated territorial governance. Both enable actions that are inclusive i.e., reach different levels, actors, and spaces to foster more sustainable development.
Territorial approaches adapted to specific places provide a solid framework for analysis and operations. They involve multiple sectors and actors, including the often complex economic, ecological, and social transformation processes in each geographic space. Inclusive multi-sector assessments which often constitute a first phase in territorial approaches can identify entry points to catalyse collaborative action.
Understanding the stakeholders as well as their interests and priorities is crucial for comprehending the territory since it encompasses a multitude of interdependent human interactions. People, organisations, and institutions in a territory have different and – to some extent – conflicting needs and interests. Furthermore, territorial actors have different capacities to pursue their interests; territories are characterised by power relations that can be asymmetric between stakeholders. To establish a shared development strategy for a territory which contributes to sustainable development, territorial approaches must unfold power asymmetries and identify common ground. Complex challenges may have a single-sector entry point but can be more effectively addressed through territorial approaches that use coordinated, integrated solutions.
For example, regarding food systems, territorial approaches build the foundational sustainability pillars of social, economic and environmental considerations into local contexts, enabling inclusive participation and addressing place-based issues. Using a territorial lens for food systems also considers soil and water quality, and biodiversity, allowing for a closed-loop approach to available resources. This cycling of resources is relevant economically as sustainable food systems reduce input costs and create a multiplier effect, increasing the amount of money generated and spent within local economies.
A territorial approach to sustainable food systems also allows governments with support from international multilateral organizations to:
- Reinforce the multilevel governance architecture of food systems that is critical to the progressive realization of the human right to adequate food;
- Increase policy and program coherence between various decision-making process and scales of action (global, supra-national, national, local);
- Increase operational coordination and improve cross-sectorial effectiveness at all spatial levels learning from and responding to the lessons of COVID-19;
- Acknowledge the role of cities and local governments in reorienting food systems in their territories.
博士 Elodie Valette