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Transforming Food Systems for People and Planet: Insights from the Hamburg Sustainability Conference
At a pre-event of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference hosted by The New Institute, leading researchers and policymakers gathered to discuss concrete ideas for creating resilient and sustainable food systems that benefit both people and the planet. The panel featured:
- José Luis Chicoma, former Minister of Production, Peru
- Martin Frick, representative from the World Food Programme (WFP)
- Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Moderator: Conny Czymoch
The discussion centered on identifying flaws in the current agricultural economy, advocating for systemic approaches, emphasizing the role of governance and participation, and highlighting the need for a paradigm shift to create sustainable food systems.
https://youtu.be/vnJ9scqDlxc
Hamburg Sustainability Conference: How to make food systems better for people and planet? THE NEW INSTITUTE - THE NEW INSTITUTE
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Flaws in the Current Agricultural Economy
Achim Steiner highlighted that farmers are trapped in an agricultural economy that prioritizes market survival over sustainable practices. This system often forces farmers to deplete natural resources to remain economically viable. They are not rewarded for their role as custodians of the land, leading to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and decreased long-term productivity.
Misalignment with Nature
Steiner pointed out the overreliance on applying science and technology to replace natural processes rather than harnessing nature's ingenuity. He emphasized the lack of investment in perennial food crops and enhancing photosynthesis, which could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices. By ignoring these natural solutions, the current system undermines ecological balance.
Breaking Down Silos
The panel stressed the importance of viewing food systems through a systemic lens, breaking down silos between different sectors such as agriculture, environment, health, and economics. By integrating these areas, more effective and holistic solutions can be developed.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Steiner highlighted the SDGs as a template for systemic responses. They enable stakeholders to connect various objectives like poverty reduction (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15). This interconnected approach encourages collaborative efforts across different sectors.
Inclusive Policy-Making
Martin Frick emphasized the necessity of involving women, smallholder farmers, and local communities in decision-making processes. He argued that achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) requires recognizing the knowledge and needs of those directly involved in agriculture.
Challenging Tacit Assumptions
Frick called for re-evaluating beliefs such as the scarcity of arable land and the notion that only low labor-intensive agriculture is efficient. He highlighted the potential of degraded lands for restoration and the benefits of labor-intensive, diverse agricultural systems, which can provide employment and improve land productivity.
Economic Growth vs. Sustainability
José Luis Chicoma discussed how governments often prioritize economic growth and GDP over nutrition and environmental sustainability. Sharing his experience as Peru's Minister of Production, he noted that the focus on maximizing production overshadowed efforts to address food insecurity and environmental degradation.
Global Governance
Chicoma advocated for redesigning governmental structures and democracies to better address global threats like climate change and biodiversity loss. He suggested that existing systems are not adequately equipped and called for a rethinking of governance models to prioritize sustainability and social well-being.
Local Production and Alternative Market Mechanisms "The Quinoa Paradox"
Chicoma illustrated unintended consequences of market-driven agriculture using the example of quinoa production in Peru and Bolivia. While quinoa became a superfood in the global north, local communities faced malnutrition as their staple was exported, forcing them to rely on less nutritious, processed foods. This paradox highlights the flaws in current market mechanisms.
Non-Market Solutions
He proposed non-market mechanisms, such as government procurement for school meals, to ensure nutritious food remains within local communities. By buying quinoa at fair prices for local consumption, governments can improve nutrition and support farmers.
Role of International Organizations
Achim Steiner explained how UNDP assists countries in adopting systemic approaches, focusing on governance reforms, green transitions, and leveraging technology and innovation for sustainable food systems. UNDP helps governments revisit their policies to facilitate transformative change.
WFP's Dual Mandate
Martin Frick outlined the World Food Programme's roles in providing humanitarian aid and addressing the root causes of hunger. He highlighted initiatives like landscape restoration in the Sahel, combining ancient practices such as rainwater harvesting with modern tools like microinsurance and financial inclusion to restore degraded lands and empower communities.
The Need for a Paradigm Shift
The panel agreed on the necessity to redesign economies to reward farmers for sustainable practices. Steiner suggested creating incentives for farmers to act as custodians of ecological infrastructure, moving away from systems that force environmental degradation.
Agroecology
Chicoma advocated for agroecology as a holistic approach combining sustainable farming with social justice. Agroecology addresses environmental and social objectives but requires tackling challenging issues like land reform and changing existing economic models.
Optimism and the Potential for Change
Despite the challenges, the panel expressed optimism about the potential for significant positive change driven by citizens, especially youth movements. Steiner cited examples like the global climate movement led by young activists, emphasizing that collective action can drive transformative change.
Harnessing Innovation and Traditional Knowledge
The panel encouraged embracing both technological innovation and traditional practices. Combining ancient methods with modern technology can lead to sustainable agricultural methods that are both effective and culturally appropriate.
The event was well-attended, and many decision-makers were in the audience, including The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London, Michael Mainelli
Conclusion
The panel underscored the urgency of transforming food systems to become more sustainable, equitable, and resilient. Key takeaways include:
- Adopting Systemic Change: Holistic approaches are necessary to address the complex challenges of food systems, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
- Empowering Local Communities: Involving farmers, especially smallholders and women, in policy-making is crucial for sustainable development.
- Redesigning Incentive Structures: Shifting from profit-driven market mechanisms to systems that value sustainability and community well-being.
- Enhancing Global Cooperation and Governance Reform: Strengthening international collaboration and rethinking governance structures to better address global threats.
- Embracing Complexity: Acknowledging the complexity of food systems and navigating potential unintended consequences through systemic thinking.
The panel called for continued dialogues and collaborative efforts to overcome obstacles and move towards food systems that are better for both people and the planet. By aligning efforts with the SDGs and fostering global cooperation, there is potential to create a future where food systems contribute to environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic resilience.
This discussion highlights the critical need for a paradigm shift in how we approach food systems. It is a call to action for governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to work together in creating sustainable solutions that prioritize the health of the planet and its people.
The panalists and organizers of the event
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6 w
Collaboration and rethinking governance are essential for creating resilient food systems that benefit people and the planet. Such Conferences is impactful.
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7 w
Very encouraging to hear about this conference!
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8 w
Super interesting, what will be the next steps for this forum? :)