In recent times we are being exposed to an increasing number of articles about climate change, sustainability, and food systems. How come? One of the most challenging issues of our time is climate change. Depleting resources, degradation of land, loss of biodiversity and so many other issues are increasing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Factors such as increasing urbanization and the demand for more food contribute to the already stressed environment. Food systems are increasing the impacts of climate change as a contributor to GHG emissions, land use change, increase in zoonotic diseases, biodiversity loss, and many other negative impacts. Food systems are unsustainable as they cannot provide sufficient and nutritious food to the global population for the current generation and the generations to follow. With this in mind, it becomes clear that food systems are being threatened by climate change, and at the same time, climate change threatens food systems. Without food systems that provide agency and without food systems that are sustainable, we may face a decline in food that can provide essential nutrients. The challenges that food systems currently face mean that people across the world will face challenges as well, regarding nutrition and the availability of healthy diets. Food and nutrition security is a central topic that continues to emerge within numerous organisations. It has gained momentum in the political arena and this is a way toward action for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Food system transformations should allow all people, at all times to be able to meet their dietary requirements in a way that promotes the six dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilisation, stability, agency, and sustainability. Furthermore, food systems should also promote an adequate standard of living and respect planetary boundaries. Strategies for food system transformations must also enhance the development of those “furthest behind” in order to help alleviate poverty and marginalization. This is crucial in developing countries where food systems do not allow for proper nutrition as access and availability to food are compromised through climate change impacts, socio-economic challenges, and political challenges.
Sustainable diets must consist of diverse foods which meet the requirements of all people. Diversity in a diet is essential to maintaining and increasing health and nutrition. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, the Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU), which is a measure of hunger, shows that hunger is increasing in African countries. With 21% of the African population experiencing hunger, the need for transformation is dire. There are a number of solutions that have been put forward and many more continue to emerge in the food systems arena. There is no “one size fits all” type of solution. Every solution needs to be tailored to take into account many aspects of the food system. The impacts that are placed on food systems have many knock-on effects on socio-economic factors which in turn affect food systems and human dynamics. Therefore, how possible solutions are addressed must consider all aspects of a food system based on geography, communities, people, and circumstances.
Food system transformations has the ability to shape the future. Sustainable and nutritious diets, and in turn, food security, are essential in the eradication of poverty and marginalization. It can initiate increased efforts in the sustainable development of less fortunate communities and further enable the global South, to decrease vulnerabilities. There is a significant volume of work that must be done in order to achieve sustainable and nutritious food systems around the world. The importance that is being placed on food systems has never been as considerable as it is today. The need for transformation has been recognised by various stakeholders on international, national, and local levels. The time to work on the solutions for our food systems is now; all areas of policy, society, the economy and the environment should take on the food system lens in order to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
References
HLPE 2020. Food security and nutrition: building a global narrative towards 2030. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security. Rome.
VERMEULEN, S. J., CAMPBELL, B. M. & INGRAM, J. S. I. 2012. Climate Change and Food Systems. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 37, 195-222.
MBOW, C., C. ROSENZWEIG, L.G. BARIONI, T.G. BENTON, M. HERRERO, M. KRISHNAPILLAI, E. LIWENGA, P. PRADHAN, M.G. RIVERA-FERRE, T. SAPKOTA, F.N. TUBIELLO, Y. XU 2019. Food Security. In: Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. In press.