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Main findings
Whilst they may individually be small, SMEs manage at least half of the multi trillion-dollar global food economy. Often overlooked, we have come to understand these SMEs as hidden heroes, who tirelessly ensure food gets on our tables, and collectively they have enormous influence over the future of food. They are also quiet revolutionaries, passionately pioneering better food in every corner of the world – whether that means making our food more nourishing, more sustainable, more equitable or more resilient. We learned that SMEs are change-makers in five different ways. Firstly, they integr
... Leer másate markets, strengthening supply chains where they are weakest. Most obviously they are linking smallholder farmers to markets, and in doing so provide services that improve farm productivity and profitability. Evidence clearly shows that this market integration reduces poverty and hunger, especially in rural areas where it is most persistant. Secondly, food SMEs create opportunities that improve equity. There is something about the universal nature of food that makes it an economic gateway for women, for youth, for indigenous and minority groups. These groups are a higher proportion of entrepreneurs and employees within food SMEs than you would expect compared to the average business in any country. Thirdly, SMEs are innovators, pioneering and scaling solutions for nutrition and sustainability – from zero-waste packaging, to alternative proteins, to regenerative farming practices. Often their role is to tap into known technology or business models, but then they make these work in a very specific context where they have nuanced understanding and local connections. Fourthly, they embody resilience. The SME response to COVID showed us that emphatically. Embedded within communities and landscapes, they have no option but to deal with shocks. But they are agile enough to pivot their business models and sustain services in the toughest of situations. Finally, SMEs and especially the entrepreneurs who run them, are influencers. Passionate about their products, their customers, their land, their staff, they are constantly advocating for better food and they are close enough and trusted enough to be changing hearts and minds all across our food systems. 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