Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems in the context of urbanization and rural transformation
The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) publishes a report that focuses on urban and peri-urban (U-PU) food systems and their crucial role in achieving food security and nutrition. According to the report, rapid urbanization and rural transformation underscore the need to address food insecurity, highlighting that of the 2.2 billion people experiencing food insecurity, 1.7 billion reside in U-PU areas.
Following an in-depth analysis of the drivers of food system transformation, the report presents action-oriented policy recommendations aimed at ensuring sustainable and resilient food systems in these regions. Beyond the challenges of food availability and affordability, the report stresses the importance of improving the access to healthy diets for U-PU residents. (Publication #1)
The critical enabling role of agricultural extension and advisory services in low and lower-middle-income countries
Agricultural extension and advisory services (EAS) are critical in enabling actors in agriculture to acquire capacities to address the challenges of climate change, achieve sustainable production systems, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to national food security. The Knowledge Centre for Global Food and Nutrition Security (KC-FNS) publishes a knowledge review that synthesizes and articulates key insights from 60 recent publications on Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (EAS), with a geographical focus on low and lower-middle-income countries.
In terms of recommendations, the brief stresses the importance of providing an enabling environment for pluralistic and demand-driven approaches (policies, infrastructure, regulations, incentives, partnerships), preferring holistic approaches that go beyond technical aspects (to allow systemic thinking, develop managerial skills, empower local communities), training advisory staff in “new” topics that are complex and need systems thinking (agroecology, organic farming, climate-smart farming), and utilising the potential of ICT given the level of digital literacy, and access of the target group. (Publication #2)
Aquaculture has the potential to contribute to food security
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warn that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 18 hunger hotspots, mostly located in Africa. (Publication #3) On a longer term, the FAO-OECD Agricultural Outlook 2024-2030 foresees that calorie intake in low-income countries will grow at 4%, too slowly to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of zero hunger by 2030. (Publication #4)
In this perspective, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 analyses the potential of aquaculture to contribute to food security. For the first time, aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries in aquatic animal production worldwide, but aquaculture remains dominated by a small number of countries, with many low-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean not exploiting their full potential. The report stresses that targeted policies, technology transfer, capacity building and responsible investment are crucial to boost sustainable aquaculture where it is most needed, in particular in Africa. (Publication #5)
Wishing you a pleasant reading and a well-deserved summer break!
