Explore Official Dialogue Feedback

Member State Dialogues: 490 Intergovernmental Dialogues: 6 Independent Dialogues: 681 Global Summit Dialogues: 10

This page allows anyone to explore responses from Dialogue Convenors to section 4 of the Food Systems Summit Dialogues Official Feedback Form. Section 4 is organised into 4 sub-sections that allow Convenors to detail the “Major Focus” of their Dialogue as well as the outcomes including the “Main findings”, “Outcomes for each Discussion Topic” and “Areas of Divergence”. Anyone can use this information to develop their own synthesis of Dialogue Feedback. For this reason, results can also be filtered by Action Track or keyword. Syntheses of Official Feedback must respect the Food Systems Summit Principles of Engagement and used in the context of the Dialogue that took place.

For researchers and advanced synthesis, an XML export is available here (last updated ).

Spain

“DEL MUNDO A LOS TERRITORIOS, Y DE LOS TERRITORIOS AL MUNDO: SISTEMAS ALIMENTARIOS DIVERSOS QUE PROVEEN A LAS PERSONAS Y RESPETAN EL PLANETA”

Major focus

TEMA PRINCIPAL :ANÁLISIS DE LA PERESPECTIVA LOCAL-GLOBAL Lo local y lo global son dos aspectos de la realidad actual inseparables. Las emergencias globales tienen un gran impacto sobre cada territorio, y cada vez más, hechos que acontecen en territorios pequeños y aparentemente inconexos pueden acarrear grandes impactos globales. Al hablar de los sistemas alimentarios, el efecto es el mismo, su conexión y relación es tan fuerte que cualquier impacto negativo a nivel global puede afectar mucho localmente, y viceversa. Y en el actual contexto de pandemia mundial, más que nunca, debemos ten... Read moreer presente estas interrelaciones: la actual emergencia global está teniendo un gran impacto sobre la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional de la población en situación de mayor vulnerabilidad. Entre sus efectos, destacan: alteraciones y dificultades en el desarrollo del trabajo del sector primario y la producción de alimentos, causado por el confinamiento; restricciones por parte de algunos países a la exportación de alimentos básicos; pérdida de los mercados de exportación de otros países debido a una disminución de la demanda; dificultades y encarecimiento del transporte; dificultades en la movilidad de los trabajadores; empeoramiento de los hábitos de consumo de la población – por falta de acceso a alimentos nutritivos; o limitación del acceso a alimentos a las personas en situación de mayor vulnerabilidad. El problema actual y global de los sistemas agro-alimentarios es multidimensional, y sus múltiples factores están interrelacionados. Afrontarlo requiere por ello una acción coordinada y un enfoque integral, pero también, la integración de los territorios y el impacto que el comercio a escala mundial tiene en éstos. Es preciso entender que deben existir sistemas alimentarios sostenibles en todos los niveles - en lo global, en lo regional, en lo nacional y en lo local – reconociendo las relaciones entre la singularidad de los territorios con la globalidad y las interdependencias existentes entre las fuerzas globales y las particularidades locales. Asegurar la resiliencia de los sistemas agroalimentarios implica facilitar la disponibilidad de alimentos procedentes de fuentes locales, regionales e internacionales. Las políticas agrarias y los sistemas alimentarios deben impulsar la Agenda 2030 para lograr el desarrollo sostenible, y sus objetivos, en línea con los ODS, deben a su vez adaptarse al contexto en todos los niveles, de lo local a lo global. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 4

Keywords: Governance, Human rights, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment

Israel - Stage 3

Environmental global changes, local implications: challenges

Area of divergence

1. The role of agricultural land – is it only for intensive agriculture or are there other aspects like cultural, social and ecological roles? 2. Lack of trust between agricultural producers and environmental organizations prevents mutual initiative and interfere.

Israel - Stage 3

Environmental global changes, local implications: challenges

Discussion topic outcome

Participants discussed the Challenges of each topic, and their findings are listed in the "Main Findings" section.

Israel - Stage 3

Environmental global changes, local implications: challenges

Main findings

A major finding in our dialogue was the lack of long-term planning in different topics such as water management (fresh water, desalinated water, reclaimed sewage water), land management, aquatic resources and invasive species. Moreover, different policies may be unsynchronized and this leads to confusion and lack of uniformity, mainly among the food-producers. More transparency is required in the way the government, the supporting bodies, and the producers’ organizations operate. Regulation and enforcement seem to be a weak link in all the topics discussed in our dialogue. Moreover, because ... Read moreof lack of monitoring and supporting data, producers and supporting bodies are missing uniform validated protocols. Innovation and technology need more financial investment in order to create sustainable agriculture. Agricultural lands are under continuous threats due to construction and infrastructures development. The main challenge is to keep the land for agricultural purposes together with multifunctional goals for culture, tourism, landscape and ecology. Economic incentives should be considered in order to develop the multifunctional uses of agricultural land, together with raising awareness in different communities for this goal. We must adopt a dynamic and flexible management of the agricultural lands and the sea resources due to the climate change and its influence on breeding programs or crops selection. The utilization of sea and aquatic resources is expected to rise and in order to minimize the conflict with nature and environment demands, we must plan a head. Use of the term “Food safety” appears to be ambiguous. Food safety refers to preserving soil, water and biological resources but also supporting the producers by investing in research and innovations in order to improve the efficiency and productivity under sustainable approach. We need to improve efficiency in agricultural water use by differentiating the type of water and crops type. The predicted rising price of water due to consumption increase and infrastructure development should be considered. Agriculture must be based more on treated waste water. The organic world-view should be an example for the waste handling and minimizing through all the steps from farm to fork. Israel has a unique geographical and political situation, which hampers the prevention of invasive species. International trade and import influenced by economical pressure can lead to new invasive species, for example with ornamental plants or animal food. Another finding is that compensation mechanisms for the producers are missing in cases of economic damages due to invasive species. The carbon footprint of meat, poultry and fish consumption in Israel is high. We need to improve the awareness and knowledge of the agricultural sector to their influence on the environment and climate change and we should supply solutions and substitutions for this sector and the consumers. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs

Israel - Stage 3

Environmental global changes, local implications: challenges

Major focus

The “Local implications of global challenges” Dialogue comprises seven round tables, which dealt with the following topics: Biodiversity; Open Landscapes; Invasive species; Water resources & supply; Climate changes; Marine resources; and Waste. The discussions focused on long-term planning to ensure food and water supply to Israel’s growing population regarding the food & water quantity, quality and safety in light of the crucial need to protect the environment. Moreover, long-term planning to ensure sustainable nutrition requires cooperation and synchronization between different... Read more government agencies, the industry and the producers. The “Climate changes” table explored intensively Action track#2 in the meaning of reducing the local meat, fish and poultry consumption in different ways, among them encouraging the consumption of plant origin proteins, cultured meat or imposing a “Carbon tax” on consumable products, both local and imported. The “Biodiversity” table mainly explored Action track#3 with an emphasis on the wide meanings of biodiversity regarding the agricultural industries and their specific interactions with nature and the environment. Another focus was on the benefits that agriculture receives from biodiversity, such as soil fertility, pollination and biological pest control. The “Marine Resources” table discussed Action track#1 regarding the aquatic food production, from both fisheries and aquaculture. The marine-source food originates from four different taxonomic groups; Algae, mollusks, crustaceans and fish.; consumption of species of low trophic levels should become more dominant. Bycatch should be reduced or even used for human consumption. In the “Water” table the main focus was on the long term planning and the need to ensure adequate and equitable water supply. Concurrently with seawater desalination and the developing of new techniques, the natural water resources must be preserved and restored. In the “Open Landscapes” table the land designation was under debate; should intensive agriculture be the main purpose of agricultural land or should they be multi-functional and also answer cultural, ecological and other social needs. The “Waste” table focused on the different types of waste through the food chain and the need to identify the specific actions relevant to each type. For example, to reduce waste from crop origin (surplus production), the producers can rely on crop-price insurance. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs

Independent Dialogue

Food and Community: How does food connect diverse communities in a multicultural city.

Geographical focus: Australia

Discussion topic outcome

Participants now aware and acknowledged that food identifies who we are and where we came from and what we and how it simply represents us. Some participants were being not knowing of how food causes us to connects the community and represents us. They may indeed try to read or listen to more food stories or food histories as a source of knowing food and traditions which are essential for making a safe and harmonious environment in a multicultural city And some people became understandable to be more flexible, resilient and respectful of other cultures.

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Governance, Innovation, Women & Youth Empowerment

Independent Dialogue

Food and Community: How does food connect diverse communities in a multicultural city.

Geographical focus: Australia

Main findings

We found that people love to try different food despite their ethnicity or tradition or culture. According to participants' ideas they often like to eat international cuisine rather than their own palatable food. And especially when they out for meals they connect with other people and network with others. This brings the key idea of connecting people through foods particularly memories and special occasions. Food does not necessarily need to be international but even local food also has a greater power of connecting people when it comes to celebrations like birthdays, Christmas and Easter. Th... Read moree flavours of dishes evoke emotions that allow sharing memories in a safe and welcoming environment. These major objectives have been found to initiate the scopes of respect, inclusiveness, appreciation, and resilience. Read less

Action Track(s): 2, 3, 4

Keywords: Environment and Climate, Finance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment

Independent Dialogue

Food and Community: How does food connect diverse communities in a multicultural city.

Geographical focus: Australia

Major focus

Food seems the first of the essentials of life, our considerable biggest industry, our most significantly indulged pleasure, and sometimes the cause of death and deseas. Despite foods' material value, we here discussed and granted the idea of beyond its material value. We considered food has always been key to connecting cultures. From that perspective, we tried to establish the core focus of our dialogue embracing summit scopes the idea of food connects people and it will help to connect diverse communities bringing peace and harmony simply through taste. It is a significant fact that accordi... Read moreng to Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826) mentioned "tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are" shows that food represents who you and what you are. We did not talk about the price of food but we discussed the stories beyond the price and how that food origins and came to the table after passing several steps. Food is not simply material but it highly condenses social fact. Our Dialogue tried to bring that social fact out and initiate peace and harmony in our contemporary society. Not only we further discussed how this idea enables equality and a sense of belonging and humanity in a broader perspective. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4

Keywords: Environment and Climate, Human rights, Innovation, Women & Youth Empowerment

Fiji - Stage 3

Action Track 2- Shift to sustainable consumption patterns

Area of divergence

Strand 1 – Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Ministry of Health and Medical Services The money from taxation of unhealthy foods could be redirected to Food and Nutrition Security initiatives. Legislations to be applied to unhealthy foods should be mandatory as for the tobacco act. Messages from government, private sector etc. to the public can be conflicting creating confusion for consumers. Need to look through the lens of the local community in terms of consumption of high value foods versus lower nutrients at a cheaper cost. Some participants thought that COVID-19 has attracted too much a... Read morettention/resources but looking at NCD deaths versus COVID-19 deaths in Fiji, there should be a better balance. Strand 2 – Blue Food, Ministry of Fisheries Regarding marketing practices, some tensions were highlighted between restrictions versus trade and producers versus middlemen (where producers are benefiting less in terms of cost). Another area of divergence relates to the need to be aware of mercury contamination in fish that could also have health implications. A gazette collaboration work between MOF and MOA enforcing the Ridge to reef to help lessening the damaging from feeding ground for fish through deforestation and over use of chemicals. People are too busy at work and cleaning fish is time consuming whereas tinned fish or other processed meat product is more convenient. Strand 3 – Green Food, Ministry of Agriculture There seems to be some divergence between prioritising commercial commodities and food crops. Some participants asked if Fiji has enough food for all, while others though that food exports should be encouraged (as for example root crops). The seeds distribution programme were very successful providing healthy food to many families, however some vegetables flooded at certain points in time and this resulted in waste produce. Some participants thought that pest and diseases should be addressed as this problem could affect export pathways later on and that collaboration with the Biosecurity Authority in regards to clean seeds should be increased. Read less

Action Track(s): 2

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy

Fiji - Stage 3

Action Track 2- Shift to sustainable consumption patterns

Discussion topic outcome

Strand 1 – Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Ministry of Health and Medical Services Some ideas to transform the current Food System in Fiji are the need to transfer knowledge between generations and to teach the value of traditional foods at schools. Informal markets should be moved to formal. The endorsement of the Fiji Policy on Food and Nutrition Security, increasing tax on unhealthy foods, improve the research and development capacity and increase technology involving youth to address the complex food systems, and better data for policy and decision making were also mentioned. Private s... Read moreectors as gate keepers of the food system could reformulate products to reduce salt, sugar and fats. The ministries of Health and Education should collaborate in the enforcement of canteen guidelines in schools. Multi-sectoral partnerships and Champions to promote healthy living were also discussed. Some of the barriers are resistance to behaviour change, limited resources, research gaps to design better strategies, outdated information, more action on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health to be included on Food and Nutrition Security, late detection of NCDs, unhealthy environment leading to unhealthy lifestyles and NCDs complexities. Some ideas to overcome these barriers are to shift the focus to positive behaviour outcomes, and increasing education and land investments for agriculture. Strand 2 – Blue Food, Ministry of Fisheries In addition to more inclusive policies, an area that needs to be improved to maximize access to healthy foods in a sustainable manner is the enforcement of regulations. For example those regarding sizes of fish caught and the allocation of the amount of fish per fisherman and marketing regulations for fresh fish at the point of sale (when fish are cleaned and cut up ready for cooking difficult to check if the fish is fresh). Sea foods, farmed fish and prawns need to be made available to consumers due to their nutritional value. Value addition including looking at "waste" and "leakages" in the blue food systems (especially under COVID-19), adopting traditional knowledge of food storage in remote areas and scale up investment within community current practices were also pointed out. Invest in technological innovation and transfer, focus beyond the farm, shift incentives to reward sustainability and storage or quality control. School curriculum may be reviewed with specific emphasis on micronutrients in fish that are healthy and edible. Local markets including virtual options with better information could be strengthened; better package labelling and improving transport and enhanced marketing strategies would increase fish consumption should also be considered. Benefits of eating fresh foods versus canned foods should be emphasised to the public (for example TV programme similar to Pacific Food Revolution). Finance instruments from donor partners could be also explored. Transformation in Fiji’s food system should include boosting blue food production to include community experiences such as the marine protected area (MPA), with spill-over effects showing positives, as shared by the Navakavu community. More awareness on the potential benefits for other communities is needed as well as making them formal through the inclusion of better licensing platform on fishing rights access. Barriers will include making markets COVID friendly in these challenging times. Lack of awareness in promoting attractive cooking recipes for blue food and prices and its affordability in both local and overseas markets. Strand 3- Green Food, Ministry of Agriculture In order to maximise access to healthy foods which are available and affordable, seeds distribution for food gardens need to be accompanied with a training manual in vernacular languages on how to plant and germinate their own seeds. Organic farming should be promoted by the government and linked to community engagement ensuring that they meet the Pacific Organic Standards (IFAD). Value addition and compositing would reduce food wastage. Read less

Action Track(s): 2

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Innovation, Policy

Fiji - Stage 3

Action Track 2- Shift to sustainable consumption patterns

Main findings

A summary of the main outcomes of the Group Discussions is reported in the next section, however, below are additional findings across the three thematic areas: 1. Strand 1 - Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Ministry of Health and Medical Services The main contributing factors to unhealthy diets that could lead to the high rate of NCDS in Fiji include poverty and unhealthy food choices. Processed foods are cheap, healthy foods are more expensive, so behaviour change is a challenge. Other factors identified cultural and religious aspects of food habits, not eating balanced meals from the three... Read more main food groups, no dietary diversity, less consumption of fruits and vegetables due to difficult to access them especially during COVID-19 lockdowns and movement restrictions and lack of education and nutritional knowledge (especially for the lower income group and marketing or advertisements of unhealthy foods). Fiji needs transformation in the current Food System to address NCDs. Many key players can make this transformation happen including people living with NCDs, communities, research institutions and universities, government and private sector, development partners, NGOs etc. Some elements that are needed are a bottom-up approach, more technology, increased budget to build a strong economic argument, and building the capacities of many stakeholders. 2. Strand 2 - Blue Food, Ministry of Fisheries Blue food is around the engagement of women and other marginalized groups that are engaged in fisheries - they are critical in the food nutritional security space. The subsistence fisheries space (where women dominate) does not get enough attention, and needs to be better integrated into planning and development of blue food production systems. There is a need to fully engage women and other marginalized groups that are critical in the food nutritional security space, giving them a voice in the blue food dialogue. This means improving our data collection, and improve inclusion in policy development and implementation. Blue foods can contribute to healthier diets by replacing less healthy body building (protein) foods such as tinned meats and other processed foods that are high in salt and are highly consumed in Fiji. Promoting fresh food and less processed foods to reduce NCDs. Impact of COVID-19 is a ground reality in our communities where lockdown restrictions are affecting the production and livelihood of villagers that depends on fish and have turned to barter system (Navakavu Village was mentioned as an example). 3. Strand 3 - Green Food, Ministry of Agriculture Fiji has high dependency on processed foods and a change of mind-set is needed on our young generation through awareness and educational programs. COVID is an opportunity to realise the role green food can play, previously people turned to commercial crops such as ginger but after COVID people moved to other crops and home gardening to feed themselves. Road side stalls, which have been promoted during this period, have offered more opportunities to sell and buy healthy foods locally.Opportunities of e-commerce platforms, capacity, technology (biogas with food waste from the community) to have direct link to the market are also key. During COVID-19, the Market for Change Project (implemented in partnership by UN Women and UN Development Programme, UNDP) observed that due to economic and social issues in the West Division, there was an oversupply of vegetables and lots were wasted. Farm has to provide food and income shift into a more commercial stage of farming, 1-2 Ha; many communities grow cassava and other products that could be exported. Production capacity in the country is not enough with no supply consistency. Value supply chain needs more support with products that are market driven. 70% of products in the rural community go to the markets, 30% support the food security of the producers and their families. Strengthening of linkages among the seeds for some value chains and zoning our food production system according to weather and soil type would be important. Some efforts on scaling up urban environments for production, lower price fluctuations, support settlements, gender transformative approach for women-based violence, family work together in the back yard gardening and other initiatives to bring food to the table were also discussed. Read less

Action Track(s): 2

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Governance, Innovation, Policy

Fiji - Stage 3

Action Track 2- Shift to sustainable consumption patterns

Major focus

The Dialogue focused on a comprehensive exploration of Fiji’s food systems as follows: 1. Strand 1 - Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Ministry of Health and Medical Services The 2011 WHO STEPwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) survey found 0.6% increase in those smoking cigarettes (20.7% in total), 9% increase in alcohol consumption (30.6% in total), 8.5% increase in obesity (32.1% in total) and 0.8mmol/L increase in mean fasting blood glucose compared to the previous survey in 2002. This survey also reported that 85% of participants did not consume five serves of vegetabl... Read morees and fruits per day, as it is recommended. Overall, NCDs are estimated to cause 84% of all deaths in Fiji. According to the Economic Burden Report Fiji, 2018, the country loses FJD 406 million (almost 200 million USD) per year due to this problem. Fiji is changing its dietary pattern over the years, as dietary intake studies showed that more people are shifting away from the traditional root crops to a more cereal-based diet with high dependence on food imports. Fiji has joined 22 other Pacific Island countries and territories in the Pacific Monitoring Alliance for NCD Action (MANA) to work on a prioritized list of actions such as reduced salt consumption, trans-fat, unhealthy food marketing to children, food fiscal policies, healthy food policies in schools and food-based dietary guidelines. Major gaps identified from the MANA dashboard include the need for a National Taskforce to have controls on tobacco industry interference, trans-fat, food marketing to children and alcohol advertising. Other areas for action include taxation-based approaches, enforcement, strengthening legislation and availability smoking cessation support. Complementary actions will need more awareness raising and settings-based approach. 2. Strand 2 - Blue Food, Ministry of Fisheries The main focus of the presentation was on Aquaculture Projects, with huge potential in terms of Blue Food and currently spread out in the four divisions in Fiji, involving 470 farmers and 815 ponds. The different initiatives aiming to increase food security, improve the livelihoods of rural people and generate income and employment. The main initiatives include the Aquaculture Project (tilapia farming and freshwater prawn farming), the Freshwater Aquaculture Development Programme (tilapia farming and freshwater prawn farming), the Brackish Water Development Programme (shrimp farming and sandfish farming), and the Mariculture Development Programme (giant clam farming, seaweed farming and edible oyster farming). Limitations identified for this work include the delay in the endorsement of the National Fisheries Policy and Fiji Policy on Food and Nutrition Security. Ministry of Fisheries coastal development programme focused on sustainable development and management, lack of capacities within officers due to high staff turnover and budget shortages to conduct development and awareness programs. As a way forward, the Ministry of Fisheries would like to see the endorsement of policies and bills, robust awareness on the importance of healthy seafood handling, processing and consumption at all levels, enabling platforms for more open communications, data collections and sharing among cross-cutting agencies, focused research on local commodities for sustainable development, targeted fisheries development projects to include healthy diets benefits, seafood post processing and handling and capacity building of officers and communities on the importance of seafood production chain and the importance of healthy diets. 3. Strand 3 - Green Food, Ministry of Agriculture The situation analysis revealed that dietary patterns have changed and moved away from traditional root crops to a more cereal-based diet (imported foods), less consumption of vegetables and fruits. A recent study found that most food outlets within school environment selling sugar sweetened beverages and high availability of sweet and salty snacks in school canteens. Different studies show most farmers in Fiji indicated that COVID-19 restrictions adversely impacted their capacity to produce and sell crops while market vendors repo Read less

Action Track(s): 2

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Governance, Innovation, Policy

Global Dialogue

“Water: the game changer for food systems”

Geographical focus: No borders

Area of divergence

There was no divergence among the participants of group 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The only divergence was among the participants of group 2: To a certain extent, participants diverged in terms of to what extent they thought the key issue was water scarcity vs. inefficient use of water. Those who framed the primary issue as inefficient use noted that technology and innovation could improve water-use efficiency and water productivity. These participants emphasized that increased demand for water and food required excess capacity. However, others framed the primary issue as one of water scarcit... Read morey, emphasizing an increased focus on sustainable consumption through awareness raising. For example, one participant noted that the agriculture sector focuses too heavily on measures that promote “more crop per drop” at the expense of generating awareness around sustainable consumption. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate

Global Dialogue

“Water: the game changer for food systems”

Geographical focus: No borders

Discussion topic outcome

9. Innovation and data for water and food systems "Science, innovation, and data access from multiple disciplines and traditional knowledge are harnessed to increase the efficiency of water systems for food, sanitation, industry and the environment." Four distinct headings emerged from the discussions: 1. Data and information 1.1. Data must be made available to everyone at every level. With a large amount of data available from all kinds of sources, the challenge is to make it available and usable to all. A global, open data platform must be made available ASAP. 1.2. Availability of data shoul... Read mored be complemented by measures to make it usable by all that need and can benefit from it. Sophisticated processing, modeling, and analytics are currently not easily accessible nor have interoperability efforts resulted in a convergence. A deliberate and coordinated effort is needed to make this happen, with a slightly longer term than ASAP, perhaps 1-2 years. 1.3. Users of data must be bridged. Topic, sector, issue-based silos and fragmentation work against 1.1 and 1.2 and can undermine them. Bridging across these is fundamentally needed and must be explicitly addressed. 1.4. While the action by governments is essential, a strategic partnership bringing together the private sector, technology firms (including those doing analytics), and the scientific community must be sought from the beginning. Warning: sometimes, government-imposed technologies may be sub-optimal, outdated or biased (Central Asia is a historical example). 1.5. Farmers, with specific emphasis on smallholders, must be involved, including through a reformed/improved version of farmer field schools (FFS), which aims to ensure two-way communication, collective learning and co-design principles. 1.6. The work on data initiated by the High Level Panel on Water needs follow up and can serve/contribute to/complement the above. 2. Traditional knowledge and wisdom 2.1. Significant part of the traditional knowledge remains with communities that are detached from technology; bringing their wisdom to the benefit of the broader communities and making it accessible requires deliberate effort. Initiatives exist (UNESCO, FAO, ICID, academia, others?) but are not coordinated. This coordination can/must start ASAP. 2.2. Re-dissemination and incorporation of indigenous knowledge into policies and practices should be preceded by a validation process. Warning: Not all traditional knowledge is necessarily applicable or desirable. 2.3. Indigenous knowledge and disrupting technologies can harmonize. 2.4. The FFS described in 1.5 can serve the purposes of reaching out to and connecting with communities, validation, and re-dissemination. 3. Softer issues (policy, governance, nexus, equity) 3.1. Governance structures of the past century are fast becoming a barrier to technology and innovation: a reform is inevitable. 3.2. Policy innovation that is based on scientific soundness and that brings in private sector dynamism will trigger action in many domains involved. 3.3. Innovated policies and governance structures will allow for better management of competition across various nexus domains, highlight trade-offs and synergies, and reduce conflict risks. 3.4. Innovation should consistently look after gender equity and equality, smallholder farmers, and youth. 3.5. Innovation should be able to incorporate the fact that water in agriculture (and water for food security) is strongly linked to land tenure and distribution, climate change policies, energy security and urbanization policies. 4. Specific highlights 4.1. Disrupting technologies can make circular economy solutions cheaper (less investment), more profitable (better economic outcomes), more horizontally sustainable (across sectors/resources), and more modular. Support for RandD and start-ups essential. 4.2. Wastewater and water harvesting bear much promise. 4.3. Water quality (fit for purpose) is another highlighted topic. 4.4. Green energy solutions with water explicitly or implicitly incorporated. 4.5. ODF and multiple use of water are promising areas. Nepal serves as an example. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment

Global Dialogue

“Water: the game changer for food systems”

Geographical focus: No borders

Discussion topic outcome

8. Investments "The investments – public and private – required to optimize water use efficiency in our food systems and protection of water resources are mobilized and effectively used, and investments in unsustainable water uses discouraged." Investments can play a significant role in improving water security by recognizing the economic value of water, which should be an essential component for investment mechanisms. However, investments should not focus solely on efficiency but mainly on aggregated water use. Primarily thinking about aggregated water consumption and treating efficiency ... Read moreas essential but insufficient is critical for sustainable investments. So, it's important to understand that, in the end, it's the total water use what we are trying to reduce. Moreover, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that avoids isolating water as if it were disconnected from other elements along the food supply chain. Water is unquestionably a necessary input for food security and systems, but further inputs such as seed, fertilizers, pesticides, soils, and virtual water should also be considered. When this package is put together, government, farmers, and the private sector come together to make better usage of all those resources combined. Regarding farmers, they must be acknowledged as the number one investor in food systems, and their agricultural water management practices ought not to be discounted. PPPs are an essential instrument within water and irrigation systems, but there has been a lack of innovative developments in that field. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that they are not the same as public-private dialogue, and there is a significant gap in the way this dialogue is being implemented. This is key to putting the "invisible" actors and factors in the spotlight, making water use more transparent to everybody in the system, help to understand who is affected, and creating synergies between isolated actions. This has proven to be effective in reducing social conflicts linked to water scarcity in Africa and India. In addition, efforts to spread and optimize the use of digital technology for sustainable management of water in what refers to monitoring and data-collection mechanisms are necessary for evidence-based decision making. These tools would help investors identify the direct and indirect impacts of their investments. This would be an excellent water governance approach. Furthermore, education efforts focused on stakeholders must be encouraged to promote sustainable water use because there is a widespread misunderstanding about the meaning and terminology within this topic, as it usually means different things to different people. When spreading awareness about water sustainability, it is essential to communicate it so the various stakeholders along the food supply chain and water streams can see themselves as beneficiaries. That is a great motivational force. Regarding the empowerment of women and youth, it is critical to give them leadership and responsibility by providing them with tools such as terms of reference and deliverables to help them mobilize and promote further engagement. Even though investments and related initiatives by different actors can optimize and foster sustainable water technologies and processes, the path to water security needs to rely on the right laws and institutions that work to ensure that water is sustainably managed. This must come alongside a series of region-specific or context-specific indicators, clearly indicating what each SDG, especially those relevant to food and water security, means for each regional setup in terms of investments. Global indicators are not enough. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment

Global Dialogue

“Water: the game changer for food systems”

Geographical focus: No borders

Discussion topic outcome

7. Governance "The governance of water resources (in terms of policy coherence, institutional coordination, and access rights) at multiple levels (farm, water basin, country, region) support equitable access to and sustainable use of water resources for food, health and energy." This session spoke of the ways in which water resources are (to be) managed effectively to address divergent societal and planetary needs. Participants from different national perspectives shared the ways in which water security is contingent on having appropriate systems in place to process and distribute water equita... Read morebly. Existing systems would often prove unable to deliver satisfactory results. Multiple participants noted that the need for adequate governance becomes even greater when water resources are strained because of environmental pressures. Participants mentioned a range of factors negatively impacting water security, including climate change, pollution, lack of awareness about sustainable water management, lack of political will, and power imbalances between relevant stakeholders. They agreed that governance is essential in order to mitigate these factors through establishing policies and setting up regulatory frameworks that provide the right incentives and are conducive to effective water resource management. There was consensus, however, that this can only be effective and equitable when it is informed by the values and interests of all stakeholders concerned. This requires a departure from the ‘sectoralist’ policies that often define governance, and the embrace of a cross-sectoral approach that takes into consideration perspectives of the many sectors that rely directly on water, including food, health, energy, and others. Participants stressed the need for a genuinely inclusive participatory process that gives a (preferential) voice to marginalized and vulnerable communities and future generations. Such empowerment and the democratizing of decision- and policy-making can foster the trust between relevant stakeholders that is required to leverage synergies and manage trade-offs between different interests while ensuring that no-one is left behind. This implies a fundamental shift in the way water is valued, in which water is not just understood as a commodity, but instead as core to life, livelihoods, and culture. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs

Global Dialogue

“Water: the game changer for food systems”

Geographical focus: No borders

Discussion topic outcome

6. Inter-sectoral cooperation to ensure water-food-energy security and environmental sustainability "The cross-sectoral and transboundary strategies and cooperation required to ensure water-food-energy security for all and ensure environmental sustainability are in place (jointly managed systems minimize trade-off and maximize synergies)." Proposed ideas to ensure water-food-energy security and environmental sustainability: - Stop providing free electricity to incentivize lower electricity/water usage. - Raise awareness to the manageable interconnections between water and food systems and brea... Read morek down silos of communities. - More sustainable ways of ensuring we have water security; e.g. more efficient drip irrigation systems, harvesting rainwater, and improved storage for rainwater. - Intersectoral national policies. Key messages: - The value/role of aquatic foods should be considered, not only land-based foods. - There needs to be more investment in RandD for drought-resistant crops, crops with high nutrition profiles, and improved irrigation schemes for rural communities. - Must consider the perspectives of farmers and communities who use water resources (and how they use them) when planning water management strategies. - There should be greater collaboration between the development partner and the private sector. Points of consensus: - For a systems transformation there is a need to both consider the small-scale, looking at the communities and farmers, and the larger scale, a landscape or water basin approach, to address several sectors at the same time; focus on investing in a large number of small projects, rather than a small number of large projects. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment

Global Dialogue

“Water: the game changer for food systems”

Geographical focus: No borders

Discussion topic outcome

5. Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress "The resilience of water systems in the face of climate change is strengthened to meet the competing demands of agriculture, domestic use, industry, and environmental flows." Participants focused on how to build the resilience of water systems in the face of climate change to meet the competing demands of agriculture, domestic use, industry/energy, and environmental water requirements. There was a focus on regenerative agriculture, including the storage of water in the soil, seed selection, and rebuilding soil biodiversity, all of which... Read more improve the water cycling in agricultural systems. The continued degradation of soil through agriculture makes droughts much more severe. Regenerative agriculture offers a solution following nature’s principles. The fact that the most agriculture in Africa is rainfed was raised, pointing to the need for systems that predict rainfall for small farmers given that hydrological patterns are impacted by climate change. Rainwater harvesting can also offer part of the solution. The need to use natural systems including floodplains was discussed, farming that is compatible with flooding can maximize benefits. Three main needs were identified: 1) Systems transformation – this transformation is knowledge-intensive, requiring research, monitoring and learning, e.g. small farmers can benefit from a better understanding of when and how much to irrigate. More knowledge about grey/green infrastructure is needed. 2) Better policies– since local action is critical, how can policy impact this level. Faith-based organizations and municipal level actors are key. At the same time, national, regional and global policies can help create an enabling environment. Financial incentives need to change. 3) Changemakers – change will come through the “movers and shakers”; these champions must be empowered to lead. The group agreed that water should be firmly established in the FSS, however, only one of the 25 “game changers” in Action Track 5 focuses on water. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment

Global Dialogue

“Water: the game changer for food systems”

Geographical focus: No borders

Discussion topic outcome

4. Advance livelihoods and equity through safe water "The human rights to water and sanitation and the right to food are achieved conjunctly with all people everywhere – in particular low-income households, marginalized groups, women, and youth – having fair, sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and water for food production, processing, and consumption including food safety." Participants shared a range of perspectives to advance livelihoods and equity through water: 1) It is crucial to recognize the paradoxical nature of the global water crisis consider... Read moreing that we live on the “water planet”; in this regard, it was emphasized that the water crisis closely relates to water systems’ health, quality, and sustainability rather than to water scarcity. 2) Leveraging the rights to water and water allocation mechanisms were foundational measures to advance livelihoods and equity through water. 3) Advanced water management technologies (such as drip irrigation, sewage water harvesting and treatment, water desalinisation, prevention of food and water waste, etc.) and sustainable, integrated land and water management schemes were described as paramount to materializing enhanced livelihoods and equity. 4) The role of synergies across sectors and action tracks is central (e.g. landscape and value chain approaches, the water-food-energy nexus, etc.). There is a need of sound water governance, and tailored and coherent food systems/related policies, developed in close collaboration with indigenous people and farmers (e.g. the New Zealand example). Additional considerations include the “intergenerational equity” aspects (“if more water is spent now, there will be less water in the future”), resilience (“considering that not everybody is exposed to the same risks”), and data (“data enable water valuing and good water governance”). Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Policy

Global Dialogue

“Water: the game changer for food systems”

Geographical focus: No borders

Discussion topic outcome

3. Boost/increase nature positive production of food through water management "Integrated watershed and agro-ecosystem management allows access to safe (pollution-free) and sufficient water for food production and human consumption while preserving or regenerating environmental water requirements (forests, lakes, groundwater recharge)." • Obstacles: Corruption, psychological resistance, barriers to knowledge and technologies, lacking and counter-productive incentive structures, financing and inadequate enabling environment (incl. legislation/regulation). • Cross-cutting actions o Inclusion... Read more: include marginalized populations, including women, indigenous groups, and youth, and guarantee equitable opportunities through support measures (e.g. subsidies). o Awareness-raising on farming practices and technologies as well as sustainability and equity issues o Governance: Political, institutional and legal change on the national level is central to transition to less water-intensive and more environment-preserving practices. Regulation needs to be developed and enforced, e.g. through rights-based approaches and enforcing voluntary standards. o Effective financing: Effective financial mechanisms/instruments are required to support these changes. o Systems thinking: Stakeholders need to shift from thinking in silos or two dimensions only to system approaches (e.g. water-energy-food nexus) including climate change considerations. Address trade-offs proactively through assessment tools on the landscape level and food systems. • Farmers as managers of land and water resources with fair financial incentive structures around: Farmers should be seen as both water consumers and conservers as they are de facto managers of not only their lands but a significant part of everyone’s water resources. This responsibility/service – if done sustainably – should be rewarded through appropriate incentives. • Promotion of and access to knowledge and technological innovation: Farmers and other stakeholders need better access to existing innovations and prototypes incl. awareness raising and capacity building. Innovators need better incentives and structures to proliferate their innovations. Knowledge of indigenous and marginalized groups must be promoted. Exchange visits between farmers can be a very effective mechanism. Governments need to pass required legislation and can support through subsidies and other means. Innovations can also substantially increase accountability o Innovation partnerships and market-based solutions: Develop new technologies through partnerships of researchers, private sector, finance, and end users. • Irrigation efficiency and crop selection: Irrigation as key intersection pertaining water use in agriculture requires capacity building and technological support for farmers for more efficient and crop-specific irrigation practices. Potential decrease in water consumption of up to 50%. Simultaneously, promote water-efficient and nutrient-rich crops (e.g. quinoa) while avoiding those with strong negative environmental impacts (e.g. crops for certain biofuels that have high economic value) and their support structures. Non-conventional water sources: A shift towards using non-conventional sources of water needs to take place across sectors. Awareness raising crucial due to strong psychological resistance. Read less

Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4

Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment

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