Independiente Diálogo THE ROLE OF SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS IN BUILDING FOOD SYSTEM RESILIENCE TO REVOLUTIONALIZE AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA. WHAT DO SMALLHOLDER FARMERS NEED EXACTLY IN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN AFRICA? Enfoque geográfico: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, República Unida de Tanzanía, Zambia, Zimbabwe Major focus Theme; The main theme of the webinar is to discuss the reality of the state of the smallholder farmers right now and evaluate what are the discrepancies in their involvement in food systems dialogues. What should be transformed to ensure smallholder farmers practice climate smart agriculture?. Smallholder farmers plays an important role in these ongoing discussion, are they being involved effectively? Smallholder farmers are able to reverse the trend of broken food systems if they are given a chance to speak for themselves. We stress about regeneration initiatives, agri-tech, and agroforestry ... Leer másetc, does smallholder farmers aware of these initiatives? If not! How are we going to assist them make their voice heard and counted? Objectives • To highlight the current setbacks that hinder smallholder farmers in agriculture. • Policy makers should create a space for smallholder farmers to engage effectively in the agriculture issues. • Explore ways and opportunities available in climate smart agriculture particularly in Regenerative Agriculture and Agroforestry. • To mobilize governments and policy makers to recognize the role smallholder farmers play in feeding the world. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo THE ROLE OF SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS IN BUILDING FOOD SYSTEM RESILIENCE TO REVOLUTIONALIZE AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA. WHAT DO SMALLHOLDER FARMERS NEED EXACTLY IN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN AFRICA? Enfoque geográfico: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, República Unida de Tanzanía, Zambia, Zimbabwe Main findings Expected Outcomes • To get the governments, organizations and private sector partners to put young people first in Agriculture sector. • To realize the involvement of young people in agriculture as a means of increasing youth employment and scaling of climate smart agriculture initiatives. Investors, governments, decision makers should invest in farmers led agricultural initiatives to assist them fight climate change, transform broken food systems and heal our planet. Farmers empowerment in agriculture sector is a debatable issue since most of the farmers are left behind in these i... Leer másmportant moments. Creating awareness to smallholder farmers in the grassroots level is very crucial. Smallholder farmers should be drivers of change in Agriculture sector. School clubs should be established to students in order to transmit ideas first hand during early years of school. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo THE ROLE OF SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS IN BUILDING FOOD SYSTEM RESILIENCE TO REVOLUTIONALIZE AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA. WHAT DO SMALLHOLDER FARMERS NEED EXACTLY IN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN AFRICA? Enfoque geográfico: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, República Unida de Tanzanía, Zambia, Zimbabwe Discussion topic outcome i. Smallholder Farmers needs digital technology in agriculture ii. Smallholder Farmers needs natural methods to assist their depleted soil so that they can be able to improve soil health and increase income. iii. Smallholder farmers need regenerative agriculture trainings and education to know modern ways of agriculture. iv. Smallholder farmers needs to be empowered in terms of finance and loans to have access to their money. v. Associations for crop harvest stations in order to assist them in deciding the price of their crops produces. vi. Smallholder farmers needs seed banks savers to be est... Leer másablished in their villages and communities. vii. The government should assist smallholder farmers in setting up policies that are friendly for them. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Innovation
Independiente Diálogo THE ROLE OF SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS IN BUILDING FOOD SYSTEM RESILIENCE TO REVOLUTIONALIZE AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA. WHAT DO SMALLHOLDER FARMERS NEED EXACTLY IN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN AFRICA? Enfoque geográfico: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, República Unida de Tanzanía, Zambia, Zimbabwe Area of divergence Areas of divergence Areas of divergence that emerged during our Dialogue. An area of divergence is an issue where participants held diverse views, different opinions and/or opposing positions. For example, this might be related to a) strengths and vulnerabilities within food systems, b) areas that need further exploration, c) practices that are needed for food system sustainability, d) stakeholders whose interests should be prioritized. a. It was emphasized that smallholder farmers does not need chemical fertilizers, pesticides and GMO seeds while others said it needs time to undergo transitio... Leer másn. b. Shifting to nature based fertilizers is not an option right now while others said it depends on the willingness of the farmer to decide whether to use chemical based fertilizers or nature based fertilizers. c. Agro ecology has been recommended as the best way to assist smallholder farmers especially regenerative agriculture and permaculture while others said farmers should be trained in modernized agriculture d. Governments, Financial institutions and Companies should work together to assist farmers in creating friendly infrastructure to make them flourish. While others stressed that government and policy makers has upper hand in making these dreams come true. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Can innovative financing advance livelihoods while building resilience for small-scale producers in Central America? Enfoque geográfico: Canadá, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Estados Unidos de América Discussion topic outcome Discussion topic #1: Barriers: Outcomes from the discussion of barriers that prevent equitable and inclusive food systems include the need for an overall greater awareness of food systems to identify barriers, increase access to technology, competitiveness, and productivity for small producers. Participants identified the need for in-depth understandings of local dynamics and contexts when working with local small-holder producers to overcome the barrier of producers being viewed as a homogenous group. Another important outcome is recognizing that the demands of financial systems are often not... Leer más adapted to the realities of producers, and as interest rates continue to rise, access to finance and conventional banking mechanisms are not always feasible for small producers. Therefore, approaches taken must be both ethical and highly contextual. Capital: The outcomes surrounding the discussion of capital include the need for increased producer visibility within value chains and in both national and local settings. Participants identified that the national financial system must begin to make small producers visible as reliable customers and consider the supports/guarantees that buyers offer. Participants also identified the need for an increase in gender-aware investment in agri-food systems, discussing that raising women’s awareness of their role within food systems can demystify the risk and aversion that women producers have to investment. Topics for Discussion #2 Resilience: Outcomes within the discussion of resilience in agri-food systems and small-holder producers include increased financial support and partnerships to combat the impact of the pandemic on many development projects. Participants recognized that the complementarity of different actors contributes to resilience, where each can use their knowledge (in issues such as productivity, climate change, access to technology) and tools that allow producers to be more resilient. Participants also identified that, broadly, project objectives have been more difficult to achieve since the pandemic because they are more expensive. Participants identified an opportunity for increased partnerships for financial companies and small producers (as well as other links in the value chain) to accompany processes of capacity-building for producers, accompanied with confidence of the business sector. For example, many of MEDA’s projects work directly with producers and with the business sector. Participants recognized a need for further efforts towards fair trade and rapprochement between producers and final consumers to result in fair prices to contribute to the resilience and sustainability of food systems. Practical Steps: Outcomes identified within the discussion of practical steps to help strengthen the resilience of smallholders include increased training and risk management for small producers, increasing the role of women and youth within agri-food systems, greater producer control of imported technologies, and agricultural insurance. Additionally, participants identified a need for investments that facilitate access to inputs for producers at better prices, having access to the transformation of the product, and ensuring social improvements (including schools and environmental projects). Promoting the nutritional value of foods and encouraging consumption of local foods that increases producer visibility and market integration for small-holder farmers were also identified as distinct areas that require increased attention and effort. Recognizing the importance of relationships and partnerships within agri-food systems and value chains, participants identified the necessity of security and trust in ensuring resilience within markets, production systems, and investments. A recurring theme was the need for youth involvement and advocacy within food systems. Participants identified that it is necessary to promote actions that link youth to value chains, and youth involvement was listed as a practical next step for increasing the resilience of smallholders. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Finance, Governance, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Can innovative financing advance livelihoods while building resilience for small-scale producers in Central America? Enfoque geográfico: Canadá, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Estados Unidos de América Area of divergence No divergences emerged during the Dialogue. Línea(s) de Acción: 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Finance, Governance, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Can innovative financing advance livelihoods while building resilience for small-scale producers in Central America? Enfoque geográfico: Canadá, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Estados Unidos de América Major focus Our Independent Dialogue explored two significant areas of focus related to Action Track Four: Advancing Equitable Livelihoods. The first topic of discussion for participants was barriers that prevent inclusive and equitable food systems from being heavily adopted, and how to use investment/capital more effectively to promote food systems that result in equitable and lasting changes to peoples’ livelihoods. The second topics of discussion focused on how current interactions between people and businesses within food systems generate smallholder farmer resilience and what practical steps can b... Leer máse taken to help strengthen the resilience of smallholders – exploring the role of investment in such initiatives. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Finance, Governance, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Can innovative financing advance livelihoods while building resilience for small-scale producers in Central America? Enfoque geográfico: Canadá, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Estados Unidos de América Main findings Our Dialogue highlighted the importance of strong partnerships within food systems and value chains, the need for increased gender equality and inclusion within food systems, and increasingly sustainable investment practices that prioritize producer’s needs and increase producer visibility in agri-food systems. Partnerships and Linkages In identifying the importance of partnerships for sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems, participants recognized that strengthening the value chain has developed capacities in the food production system. In addition, strengthening business strate... Leer másgies to establish alliances and cooperation between various stakeholders (technology sector, financing, NGOs etc.) was considered as a priority. Participants also recognized that partnerships have been fundamental to face the difficulties and build resilience in spaces where everyone can participate, including access to technology and information, technical assistance, and efficient systems for small producers. The search for alliances and complementarity among the key players in the food system has allowed small producers to access more profitable markets that help them establish stronger and more resilient business models. Participants identified a need for increased opportunities within these partnerships, including means of transport, increased marketing channels, and increased access to information. Participants also identified a need for the participation of financial institutions in forming and sustaining close partnerships with producers, recognizing that larger institutions and corporations are better able to adapt to external pressures and stressors than small-holder producers. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Participants identified increased gender equality and inclusion as key aspects of resilient food systems. The lack of gender and environmental lenses for all processes and stages of the food value chain was highlighted by participants as a barrier to inclusive and equitable food systems. Recommendations on this issue included ensuring investment processes have a strong gender focus; for example, reviewing gender aspects when smallholder and producer organizations are offered access to funding. Moreover, participants identified resilience within agri-food systems as diversified systems with gender inclusive practices and identified the importance of smallholder farmers comprehensive knowledge management to better respond and prepare for shocks and risks. In recognition that small producers do not always have strong adaptive capacities to climate change stressors, participants believe that farmers’ resilience must be strengthened to do so, complemented by concrete actions by those with investment capital. The example given by a participant was that training in efficient water management practices must be accompanied by capital so that small producers can effectively acquire these technologies. Productive diversification should be seen not as a strategy focused solely on income at different times of production, but as an approach that also considers the risks associated with production, which will generate capacities to increase or strengthen resilience. Participants recognized the importance of disseminating the word ‘resilience’ so that producers can better understand what it means and work with it more effectively. Producer Agency in Investment Decision Making Participants identified the need for investments that are sustainable and that prioritize the needs of producers. For example, guidelines for the management of capital/investment in agri-food systems are often set by donors, which could diminish the voices and needs of producers themselves. Additionally, participants identified a lack of follow-up to existing investment actions, suggesting that indicators that measure and evaluate investments and results are necessary for sustainable food systems. Within the discourse of sustainable investment, participants also identified need for investment in financial education for market actors to increase financial fluency, including teaching producers the importance of creating business models. Additional recommendations include monitoring the credit granted to small producers to avoid over-indebtedness, and increased efforts to change the high-risk perspective that banks have on the agricultural sector through information and awareness of its importance in food systems. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Finance, Governance, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Addressing challenges in Arab food systems from youth perspective Enfoque geográfico: Argelia, Bahrein, Egipto, Iraq, Jordania, Kuwait, Líbano, Libia, Mauritania, Marruecos, Omán, Qatar, Arabia Saudita, Sudán, República Árabe Siria, Túnez, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Yemen Major focus The dialogue included the challenges within food systems in the MENA region from all action tracks of the FSS. Primary focus was divided among three regions; the Gulf and Yemen, the Levant, and North Africa as the challenges seen within these sub-regions are closely related. The presenters highlighted economic, environmental, technological, nutritional, social and cultural challenges within their sub-regions. Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Addressing challenges in Arab food systems from youth perspective Enfoque geográfico: Argelia, Bahrein, Egipto, Iraq, Jordania, Kuwait, Líbano, Libia, Mauritania, Marruecos, Omán, Qatar, Arabia Saudita, Sudán, República Árabe Siria, Túnez, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Yemen Main findings Our main findings are that food systems should focus on local and regional challenges. Some outcomes displayed in this dialogue are not common discussion points other dialogues include. Of which are: 1) Need to invest in advanced technology in agriculture 2) Embed sustainable agricultural methods 3) Promote lifestyle education 4) Protect heritage 5) Address Yemen food crisis 6) Need to restructure food safety measures and implementations along the supply chain to protect consumers’ health and to avoid wasting food and resources 7) Implement sustainable agricultural practices 8) Need for gree... Leer másn entrepreneurship 9) Circular blue economy 10) Using fisheries (seaweed, seagrass, mangrove zones) can increase yield by 25% and reduce methane emissions by 90% if used as feed. 11) Using seed bombing as a method to create feed for cattle during raining seasons Alternative proteins (algae) Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Addressing challenges in Arab food systems from youth perspective Enfoque geográfico: Argelia, Bahrein, Egipto, Iraq, Jordania, Kuwait, Líbano, Libia, Mauritania, Marruecos, Omán, Qatar, Arabia Saudita, Sudán, República Árabe Siria, Túnez, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Yemen Discussion topic outcome The panelists all agree that decision-makers should have regional lenses on food systems and that global discussions and actions might not fit the needed challenges within their sub-regions.
Independiente Diálogo The Role of the Global Meat & Livestock Sector in Future Sustainable Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome How do we maintain a balanced debate and inclusive narrative? This group focused a lot on the nuances in the discussions around the role of the global meat sector in future sustainable food systems. The debate is often centred on the negative (gross) impacts of livestock on the environment however as outlined in this report, the total impacts are positive, and this is noticeably missing in a public arena. Industry needs to take on the challenge of communicating the good work and the total benefits delivered internally to ensure everyone in the sector has the awareness and understanding, as wel... Leer másl as communicating to the wider public. It is industry’s job to ensure the total picture is depicted but the group recognised support is needed from actors outside of industry to ensure this is heard. There also seems to be a lack of trust by the public in the science. This could be due to the boundless information available via social channels or by the conflicting science they see governments and global institutions arguing over in public arenas. Regardless of industry we all share the same common goal and the same values, we just have different views about how we can solve issues to get there. Perhaps it’s less about attacking opposition and instead align, publicly, on these common goals and focus on how we can, collectively, achieve them. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo The Role of the Global Meat & Livestock Sector in Future Sustainable Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Area of divergence The dialogue also raised concerns that any sustainable, natural and low waste food production system was being focussed on at a time when so much effort is required to address hunger and food waste. It was highlighted that every hour over 1,000 people die because of hunger – and in every hour almost 150,000 tonnes of food go to waste – that is 142 tonnes of food wasted for every life lost to hunger. The other consistent theme was around better alignment of industry in a pre-competitive space. The global livestock sector adds to the confusion around the role we play in food systems as we la... Leer másck a precompetitive narrative and instead pit production systems, for example, against each other. If we require support from other actors to share our total contribution which we believe to be positive to the public, there is also a job for us to do in aligning our own work. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Human rights, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo The Role of the Global Meat & Livestock Sector in Future Sustainable Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Main findings Two Game Changing Solutions were identified: Game Changing Solution 1 - Facilitate a global capacity which enables knowledge transfer & empowers smallholder farmers in low & middle-income countries (LMICs) to obtain successful solutions & proven, context appropriate technologies. Providing LMICs, such as those in Africa, with the means to improve efficiencies, genetics and environmental impact, would empower these farmers to finally be considered part of the global food system. For example, 20% of the world’s cattle are raised in Sub-Saharan Africa however the region only contrib... Leer másutes 2-3% of the world’s beef production and the lowest milk production per cow (1). Cattle are raised by smallholder farmers who historically have been unable to commercialise. The benefits of empowering farmers would enhance the ability to feed a greater percentage of the local population without increasing the herd size, resulting in a lower carbon footprint; and lower local incidence of metabolic illness and alleviation of poverty in an area that will hold 23% of the world’s population by 2050. Game Changing Solution 2 - To holistically achieve sustainable food systems, a comprehensive & unbiased nutritional / environmental index built from high quality science is urgently required. Smart metrics are needed to establish planetary health and human health simultaneously. Such an index should be valid for both individual foods and complete diets and applicable to diverse regional and economic situations. Currently, foods and food systems are often measured on gross rather than net environmental impact and without any consideration of contribution to human health in terms of protein and essential nutrients required for development and optimal wellbeing. If we are truly to understand what sustainable, healthy diets look like we need these metrics to simultaneously track net environmental impact and nutrient density and diversity. Foods need to be evaluated through appropriate local and regional Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) combined with comprehensive dietary contributions. In addition, the following was strongly identified: • Balanced healthy diets require a combination of animal and plant-based foods, adapted to regional cultures, local food availability, distribution systems and climatic constraints. • Animal sourced proteins are a high-quality protein source that provide the full array of essential amino acids and other important nutrients, such as bioavailable iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. • There is no consistent evidence that any one food, including meat, leads to an increased risk of death. The evidence linking red meat with cancer are based on studies that show associations between food and health, not causation. There are many diet and lifestyle factors that contribute to risk factors for chronic diseases, including obesity, sedentary lifestyles and lack of dietary fibre. The methodology of those studies are limited in their ability to accurately measure individual food types. In addition, they are limited in their ability to distinguish between any effect of red meat separately from that of other risk factors. The small size of the association reported suggests residual confounding from unhealthy diet and lifestyle risk factors is the most likely explanation. From a perception perspective, insights suggest health is personal and different for everyone. While consumers tend to filter information and gravitate to solutions that fit their personal mindsets and behaviours, most have a balanced approach to healthy eating and continue to enjoy eating a variety of protein choices. • For livestock, the narrative is focused on gross emissions and claimed negative impact. However, this narrative is flawed in not recognising that, unlike fossil fuel emissions that accumulate, methane from ruminants is naturally cycled resulting in far lower net emissions over time, with well managed systems reducing atmospheric GHG through soil and tree carbon sequestration. • Managed correctly livestock can have a positive impact on global warming by transferring atmospheric carbon to soils through plant photosynthesis. • Livestock enable economic development of marginal land that is unsuitable for alternate food production systems. - Ruminant animals convert grass and other plants with low nutrient value to humans into high quality protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that humans can digest and utilise to function for health and well-being. - These marginal lands have an environmental function and livestock producers for quite some years have been putting practices in place to protect biodiversity of these lands. - Regenerative management practices result in improved soil health, greater water holding capacity and increased plant growth, increasing human food availability in harmony with increased biodiversity and system resilience. • Improved efficiency of livestock production will mean the total global livestock sector’s contribution to temperature will not increase and likely decease and in tandem, will produce more food to help feed additional global consumers. • Livestock also play a key role in converting otherwise ‘waste’ food (e.g. crop residues and by-products of food manufacture) into high-quality, nutrient dense protein for human consumption. This cycle is a crucial part of global food production. Large volumes of crop residues, weather damaged product, vegetable wastes and food system by-products that would otherwise add to waste and GHG levels, are recycled for human consumption. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo The Role of the Global Meat & Livestock Sector in Future Sustainable Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Food security: What is the role of animal sourced protein in feeding the growing world’s population? • LMICs have been left behind in the creation and contribution of the global supply chain as their farmers have not been supported to commercialise, instead they suffer from donor dependency (charity aid). • In addition, the population in LMICs are enduring low protein consumption with diets relying largely on highly refined carbohydrates, which means metabolic illness is on the rise. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated 25% of adults have metabolic syndrome. (2) • In LMICs it’s imp... Leer másortant to differentiate protein sources (animal sourced vs. plant) as it is animal sourced protein exclusively that delivers not only protein but bioavailable haem iron and other essential nutrients (including exclusive sources of several nutrients). • Improved efficiency of livestock production will mean the total global sector’s contribution to temperature will not increase. However, it will produce more food to help feed the world. • In addition to food livestock provide many other human benefits including a large array of pharmaceutical ingredients, wool, pelts, leather, hides, organic fertiliser and draught power in addition to acting as a mobile source of wealth, critical to LMIC smallholder farmers. • LMICs, such as Zimbabwe, are calling out for knowledge to deliver their own results by using their own resources and set of values. • In Africa, many of the drivers for raising livestock are also cultural rather than commercial and the more cattle that farmers own, the wealthier they are, independent of the condition of either the cattle or the land. So just imposing "western" solutions (as has been the tradition in the past) on such smallholder farmers does not resolve the dichotomy - similarly government-imposed regulations that farmers "must" appropriately manage their rangelands has not worked hence we do need to use proven productivity improvements. But we also need to find ways to encourage the farmers to take a whole-of-farm system approach (within the local, regional and global food system) to manage their livestock in a commercially relevant way. • The solution for Africa? “Conception to Consumption” - Build capacity (farmers need to see themselves as part of the global supply chain), train farmers, improve genetics, make inputs readily available, bring market to the farmers and focus on traceability and technology transfer. • As a sector, we have the knowledge and practices to create positive change, but we need to improve the open sharing and utilising of this information universally. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo The Role of the Global Meat & Livestock Sector in Future Sustainable Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome What is the role of meat in the diet and what are the implications of going without? • Animal sourced proteins are a high-quality protein source that provide the full array of essential amino acids and other important nutrients, such as bioavailable iron, vitamin B12 and zinc and therefore are a richer source of protein per gram compared to plant protein sources. - This is important particularly in LMICs where hunger and malnutrition are significant and, where supplements are harder to access, and the wide range of plant foods needed to deliver all nutrients would be extremely diverse and la... Leer másrge in quantity. - This is critically important for at risk groups such as the very young, pregnant and lactating women, the obese and the aged. - Fulfilling dietary protein and amino acid requirements from red meat reduces the associated calorie consumption due to the unique high ratio of bio-available protein relative to calories. Reduced red meat intake is associated with increased carbohydrate and calorie intake relative to protein and is an important contributing factor to obesity. • The most common nutritional deficiencies in the world are iron and vitamin B12. - Well-absorbed bioavailable haem iron is only found in animal foods - red meat, poultry and fish. The removal of these haem iron foods from the diet greatly reduces absorption of iron. - As there are limited plant-based foods that are a source of vitamin B12 (unless fortified), those following a diet with little to no animal products, particularly women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are at greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and require supplementation. • In addition to a drastic reduction in meat intake, which would see implication around adequate essential nutrients, the proposed EAT Lancet diet contains discrepancies around protein intake vs sugar intake. This will contribute negatively to worsen outcomes of malnutrition, obesity and obesity-related disease. • There is no consistent evidence that any one food, including red meat, leads to an increased risk of death. Instead, it’s known that a range of lifestyle factors have a significant impact on the risk, most notably age, genetics, lack of dietary fibre, inactivity and high alcohol consumption. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Human rights, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo The Role of the Global Meat & Livestock Sector in Future Sustainable Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome How can we sustainably manage existing food production systems to the benefit of both nature and people? • For livestock, all the narrative is focused on gross emissions and negative impact however, this narrative needs to be balanced to account for the positive impact livestock contributes to global food systems if we are truly to define an accurate picture. • If livestock is managed correctly, we can stop having an impact or even have a positive impact on global warming by pulling methane out of the atmosphere. - Methane from cattle is not only emitted but is also destroyed relatively qu... Leer másickly. This means it’s warming impact should be measured differently than that of CO2. - Methane released by livestock lasts for 10-12 years and does not continue to build up in the atmosphere like CO2 which has a life of 1000 years. With stable livestock numbers, the amount of methane produced balances the methane that breaks down from the atmosphere. - If industry continue to build on innovations to reduce the amount of methane emitted, then in fact, livestock will pull more total carbon (methane/CO2) out of the atmosphere than it emits. - Furthermore, this removal of methane, by livestock, is not currently identified in the accounting of methane, only that which is emitted. This needs to be urgently addressed. • A healthy grazed grassland can create deep carbon sinks. Managing grasslands well also contributes to carbon storage in other ways: by enhancing soil health and water holding capacity to equip land to be more resilient to extreme events. • Livestock enable economic development of marginal land (country specific) that does not lend itself to alternate food production systems. - In addition, ruminant animals convert grass and other plants with low nutrient value and digestibility to humans into high quality protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. - These marginal lands have an environmental function and livestock producers for quite some years have been putting practices in place to protect and enhance biodiversity of these lands. • 86% of the global livestock feed intake in dry matter consists of feed materials that are not currently edible for humans (3) Modest improvements in feed conversion ratios can prevent further expansion of arable land dedicated to feed production. • The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) and other regional programmes such as the European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability (ERBS) (4) was established to set clear goals for the reduction of the environmental footprint of cattle and to improve the welfare of the animal and the farmer. Together these organisations have influence on beef produced across the globe. In the instance of the ERBS, national platforms consisting of farming groups, processors, government, retailers, and NGO’s, apply to ERBS for recognition, then implement their activity plans and finally report annually against their progress. This process drives sharing of innovation and provides transparency of the progress towards the goals. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 3, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo The Role of the Global Meat & Livestock Sector in Future Sustainable Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome What is the role of the global meat sector in future-proofing our food systems and protecting against shocks and stresses? The farming of ruminant livestock has multiple public benefits including: - Delivers soil improvement, fertility and health through regenerative management practices which imitate previous wild livestock systems where large herds moved across a landscape. - Carbon sequestration by increased plant growth and long term soil carbon storage at increasing depth. - Optimising biodiversity through stewardship of natural ecosystems. - Nutritional benefits through highly bioavailab... Leer másle and complete protein, macro and micro nutrients. The high protein relative to calorie ratios of red meat reduces the carbohydrate proportion of a balanced diet. - Contribution to the economy. Livestock contribute about 40% of agricultural GDP and provide livelihoods and incomes for at least 1.3 billion people worldwide. - Food security. Ruminant livestock have unique value, particularly in LMIC, as a portable wealth store able to be utilised when required to fund essential and often critical needs such as health emergencies or access to education. Local livestock supply chains are critical for food security in LMIC with over a billion small holder farmers dependant on livestock for survival. • Smart metrics are needed to establish planetary health and human health simultaneously. Currently, foods and food systems are measured on environmental impact without any consideration on contribution to human health in terms of protein and essential nutrients required for development and optimum wellbeing. • If we are truly to understand what sustainable, healthy diets look like we need these metrics to track net environmental impact and nutrient density and diversity. - The point at which the higher carbon footprint of some nutrient-dense foods is offset by their higher nutritional value needs to be a priority area for additional research. • The livestock industry is the only food industry to be measured on gross annual GHG emissions, we need to be measured also on gross annual carbon sequestration to understand what the net annual GHG emissions are for the whole farm business. - Globally, industry need to align on this and push for net annual GHG emissions to be measured. • Meat and Livestock Australia analysis shows that the sheepmeat industry in Australia is nearly carbon neutral. - The point was made that we need to be climate neutral rather than carbon neutral. Carbon is only one element of the climate challenge, and thus focusing on carbon alone is not likely to enable climate targets to be met. • There needs to be recognition of the innovation that has taken place so far within industry and consideration and support needs to be given to allow for continued innovation which will be impactful in mitigating GHG emissions even further. - AHDB highlighted a project they are working on - Envirobench, they are using feed conversion ratio as a proxy to drive productivity in the sector, and Envirobench will enable farmers to make decisions and measure trade-offs between nitrogen and carbon. - Feeding livestock, a seaweed supplement called FutureFeed could simultaneously help to secure global food security and fight climate change by reducing powerful greenhouse gas emissions. (5) • A US example - removing animals from US agriculture would reduce gross agricultural GHG emissions by a negligible amount but would also create a food supply incapable of supporting the US population’s nutritional requirements. (6) • Globally there is a need for industry to align on measurements and initiatives to improve environmental impacts. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 3, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo The Role of the Global Meat & Livestock Sector in Future Sustainable Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Major focus The dialogue focused on bringing together participants from all aspects of the global meat & livestock supply chain to discuss the role of the global meat & livestock sector in future sustainable food systems. Participants ranged from smallholder farmers to processors to butchers/chefs to those who sell the final products, to scientists, nutritionists, retailers and government policy makers. This ensured the opportunity was created for a diverse range of views to be presented to reach a shared understanding of the discussion topic. The dialogue was centred around all the UNFSS Action T... Leer másracks and the following topics were covered by both a presentation and group discussion: 1. Food security: What is the role of animal sourced protein in feeding the growing world’s population? 2. What is the role of meat in the diet and what are the implications of going without? 3. How can we sustainably manage existing food production systems to the benefit of both nature and people? 4. What is the role of the global meat & livestock sector in future-proofing our food systems and protecting against shocks and stresses? 5. How do we maintain a balanced debate and inclusive narrative? The meat & livestock sector is united in its ambition to bring high quality, nutritious and sustainable food to everyone and is continuously driving towards a carbon positive farming industry with high animal welfare and environmental standards at its heart. It was noted that this dialogue brought together a large representation of the global meat & livestock sector and that conversations of this nature, in an open forum, need to continue. The industry commits to continuing with this activity and thanks the UNFSS for providing such an important platform to do so. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo The Role of Cooperatives and Farmer Organisations in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Pakistán Major focus Breakout Group 1 explored the Action Tracks 3 and 5 for workable solutions and levers of change. Main findings included: Recommendation 1 (3.1) Agro Forestry/Community Forestation Subsidies for Marginalized Areas Infrastructure Investment on Mountainous Areas. Recommendation 2 (3.2) Promotion of Indigenous Crops and Livestock Promotion and Incentivize of Organic Production Land Usage plan through community. Recommendation 3 (3.3) Continuous Research and Alternate Income for the pastureland community. Longitudinal study of pastural areas. Recommendation 1 (5.1) Promotion of Food Banking on comm... Leer másunity level. Recommendation 2 (5.2) Support to the upstream community. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 3, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Innovation, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment
