Inspiring change through learning exchange

Calls for an inclusive, governance-driven, and de-risked transformation set the agenda for the desired agrifood systems in the Mediterranean

 
16 April 2024 - Collective action and governance play a decisive role in driving meaningful transformation in agrifood systems across the Mediterranean region, acknowledged experts and practitioners who attended an experience-sharing dialogue hosted by FAO on 7 March 2024.

From governments and regional bodies to farming groups and NGOs, 57 participants from 14 countries bordering the Mediterranean and beyond echoed the need for bold actions towards the ways food and agriculture relate to people and the planet, sharing their experiences drawn on multistakeholder governance.

Participants made a clear call for collaborative mechanisms to accompany stakeholders on the ground on a balanced pathway to transformation – for example, by enabling farmers and consumers to adopt more environmentally sustainable practices without compromising their livelihoods and household incomes.

“I will immediately transform my business to any sustainable pathway you suggest if I can see my financial benefit in that,” voiced Afef Tlili, a farmer from Tunisia, expressing the challenging scenarios in the agrifood frontlines. “The reality is that the proposed transformation does not include any de-risking for us. I would take on 50 percent of the risk, but somebody must join me in this route, so that I can transform in a balanced way.”

The learning exchange featured stories of multistakeholder governance from Morocco, Egypt, and Montenegro, grounding discussions in real-world experiences.

Supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the dialogue was part of the SFS-MED Platform, co-led by FAO, the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). It was also part of the Systems Change Learning Programme, a new FAO initiative led by the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety (ESF) Division fostering capacity building for agrifood systems transformation.

“There is today a clear momentum and interest by countries in boosting collaboration and overcoming fragmentation. Italy, therefore, reiterates its support to advance sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean, and to doing so by enhancing cooperation,” remarked Laura Aghilarre, Deputy Director General for Development Cooperation from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Voices that matter, and their uniqueness

Insights from the dialogue emphasized the importance of leveraging agrifood systems to accelerate various development agendas, such as decarbonization and resilience against desertification.

Participants highlighted the need for clear communication, data sharing, and inclusive governance structures to address common challenges effectively.

Key takeaways included the importance of utilizing existing resources and governance structures, defining clear objectives and responsibilities, and fostering trust and collaboration among stakeholders.

Country experiences showcased various approaches to agrifood system transformation, from building consensus and seeking investments in Morocco to rotating leadership for a concerted vision in Egypt.

Transformation is a process that takes time and requires a specific set of professional competencies, as highlighted by Egypt’s experience. To be effective, suggested Morocco, a governance committee may require a lean and agile core group of skilled full-time staff.

In Montenegro, alarming data on non-communicable diseases and child obesity prompted a systems approach to address the issue comprehensively, helping tackle malnutrition through collective action and open dialogue. Meanwhile, Ireland emphasized the importance of long-term strategies that engage diverse voices, including youth.

Switzerland, in turn, piloted a citizens' assembly to gather insights on sustainable food production, highlighting the importance of bottom-up approaches endorsed by state agencies.

Overall, participants agreed that transforming agrifood systems requires more participatory approaches. However, challenges remain as to how to meaningfully engage some key, but less powerful players in governance and decision-making: this is often the case for small-scale farmers, small private businesses, consumers, and youth. In the absence of representative bodies to be invited to the table, engaging local authorities closer to the issues on the ground (e.g. municipalities) or using alternative communication channels (e.g. radio programmes) emerged as alternative ideas to bridge these gaps.

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