Small-scale producers in sustainable agrifood systems transformation

Small-scale producers in sustainable agrifood systems transformation
Author: Arulingam, I., Brady, G., Chaya, M., Conti, M., Kgomotso, P. K., Korzenszky, A., Njie, D., Schroth, G., Suhardiman, D.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 45
Release: 2022-07-26
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9251365709

Download Small-scale producers in sustainable agrifood systems transformation Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

If the world is to transition towards agrifood systems that are more sustainable and equitable, small-scale production systems will be key to progress. Large parts of the world depend on small-scale systems for maintaining food security and nutrition (Lowder, Sánchez and Bertini, 2021; Herrero et al., 2017). Despite this centrality, neither small-scale production systems nor small-scale producers have received due recognition under predominant agrifood systems paradigms. This paper analyzes the diversity of small-scale producers and demonstrates how understanding small-scale production can have consequences for how policies and investments are directed and how they impact small-scale producer livelihoods. The diverse roles and functions of small-scale production are presented as being essential to realizing sustainable agrifood systems transformations and respecting its social, environmental and economic dimensions. Constraints faced by small-scale producers in accessing the assets, financial and knowledge services and market positioning that can support profitable livelihoods are examined. This publication provides recommendations for expanding the potential of small-scale producers for sustainable agrifood systems transformations across the following areas: create an enabling environment to support the multifunctionality of small-scale production; address the economic and social marginalization of small-scale producers; ensure the political voice and participation of small-scale producers in agrifood systems governance; increase access of small-scale producers to natural and productive resources; improve access to financial services; improve the market positioning of small-scale producers; support the co-creation and exchange of knowledge and innovation for sustainable small-scale production.

Ireland’s journey towards sustainable food systems

Ireland’s journey towards sustainable food systems
Author: Brouwer, H., Guijt, J., Kelly, S., Garcia-Campos, P.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 47
Release: 2021-08-19
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9251347840

Download Ireland’s journey towards sustainable food systems Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

The intention of this case study is to learn from the institutional and programmatic processes that have sustained the transformation of Ireland’s food system so that other countries might be inspired by ideas and practices that could be potentially adapted to their own journey towards a sustainable food system. The country’s trajectory from small-scale farming focused on commodity exports with little value addition, to gradual integration into high-value international supply chains, alongside its current ambition to contribute to solving world hunger, reflect the profound shifts that have taken place within and around the boundaries of Ireland’s food system. Ireland’s transformation demonstrates the complexity of multiple drivers (policies, investments, market trends and disruptions) simultaneously at play as food systems evolve. At present, the top challenges in agri-food concern the environment, human health and nutrition.

The Transformation of Agri-food Systems

The Transformation of Agri-food Systems
Author: Ellen B. McCullough
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2008
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

Download The Transformation of Agri-food Systems Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

First Published in 2008. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

National processes shaping food systems transformations

National processes shaping food systems transformations
Author: Guijt, J., Wigboldus, S., Brouwer, H., Roosendaal, L., Kelly, S., Garcia-Campos, P.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 54
Release: 2021-08-19
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9251348073

Download National processes shaping food systems transformations Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Governments and other food system actors from the private sector, civil society, research and education institutions are being called upon to work together to enhance the sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness of food systems. The analysis presented in this study provides an insight into the process and direction of food system transformation, and the key capabilities required. It portrays the interplay of different internal and external dynamics combined with the capacity of food system actors to connect, forge alliances and commit to specific actions that has enabled countries to move towards a more sustainable food system.

Transformation and Sustainability in Agriculture

Transformation and Sustainability in Agriculture
Author: Sietze Vellema
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 158
Release: 2011-09-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9086867170

Download Transformation and Sustainability in Agriculture Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Public pressure and societal changes induce interventions and policies, which aim to transform agriculture and food provision. This book shows that for upscaling novel practices and organizational models it is important to include meso-level regime aspects in analysis and practice. The argument presented is that our understanding of the human and social dimensions of transformation processes can be enriched by anchoring practice and policy in social theory. A focus on transitions offers a clear view on the direction and velocity of change. This publication aims to complement this by highlighting theoretical insights in the social or institutional mechanisms enabling or hindering change. Essays on a selection of theorists, varying from idealist or materialist accounts, to actor or system approaches, examine what the presented explanatory framework on social change offers in terms of guidance for intervention and action. The value of these theoretical insights is further explored in a selection of case studies in agriculture and food: rural reconstruction in horticulture and livestock, seed supply systems, and pest control. Each case study systematically applies six theoretical frameworks with the purpose of investigating what novel insights arise from looking at the change process from a particular perspective. Through this exercise the often implicit assumptions of hands-on change processes surface. This book is of interest to practitioners engaged in changing current practices in agriculture and food provision, policy makers interested in grasping why transitions are challenging, applied researchers who like to move beyond individual case studies and social and natural scientists involved in integrative studies of complex change processes.

A snapshot of the status and way forward for transforming agrifood systems in the Pacific

A snapshot of the status and way forward for transforming agrifood systems in the Pacific
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 58
Release: 2023-04-24
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9251377383

Download A snapshot of the status and way forward for transforming agrifood systems in the Pacific Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Snapshot of the status and way forward for transforming agrifood systems in the Pacific – Identifying entry points and analysing trade-offs for policymakers," describes the impact of climate change on the agrifood systems of Pacific Island countries. The changing temperature, precipitation, and sea level patterns have a significant impact on food production and trade, leading to food insecurity, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases, particularly in vulnerable groups like women and youth. The report provides an overview of entry points for sustainable food system transformation, such as traditional Pacific farming practices, crop diversification, agroforestry, and community-managed marine protection zones. The report also emphasizes the need for socioeconomic, health, and environmental impact assessments to manage these trade-offs and to understand the potential revenue generation from taxes on unhealthy commodities, which could be used to subsidize local food production and transport.

Nourishing Communities

Nourishing Communities
Author: Irena Knezevic
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 225
Release: 2017-06-10
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 3319570005

Download Nourishing Communities Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

This edited volume builds on existing alternative food initiatives and food movements research to explore how a systems approach can bring about health and well-being through enhanced collaboration. Chapters describe the myriad ways community-driven actors work to foster food systems that are socially just, embed food in local economies, regenerate the environment and actively engage citizens. Drawing on case studies, interviews and Participatory Action Research projects, the editors share the stories behind community-driven efforts to develop sustainable food systems, and present a critical assessment of both the tensions and the achievements of these initiatives. The volume is unique in its focus on approaches and methodologies that both support and recognize the value of community-based practices. Throughout the book the editors identify success stories, challenges and opportunities that link practitioner experience to critical debates in food studies, practice and policy. By making current practices visible to scholars, the volume speaks to people engaged in the co-creation of knowledge, and documents a crucial point in the evolution of a rapidly expanding and dynamic sustainable food systems movement. Entrenched food insecurity, climate change induced crop failures, rural-urban migration, escalating rates of malnutrition related diseases, and aging farm populations are increasingly common obstacles for communities around the world. Merging private, public and civil society spheres, the book gives voice to actors from across the sustainable food system movement including small businesses, not-for-profits, eaters, farmers and government. Insights into the potential for market restructuring, knowledge sharing, planning and bridging civic-political divides come from across Canada, the United States and Mexico, making this a key resource for policy-makers, students, citizens, and practitioners.

Agrifood systems transformation through a climate change lens

Agrifood systems transformation through a climate change lens
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 33
Release: 2022-03-20
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 925135555X

Download Agrifood systems transformation through a climate change lens Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

This paper discusses how adapting food production systems to respond to consumer demand for healthier diets is a major opportunity to mitigate and adapt to climate change in agro-rural economies. It also addresses how existing technological solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation need to create more balance between the production and consumption tiers of agrifood systems. Policy dialogue includes managing trade-offs between different sector and stakeholder interests and exploring synergies rather than focusing on exclusivity and competition. This requires a new framework that goes beyond sector-specific policy development. Political economy issues compound the outcome of evidence-based policy dialogue results. For example, political motivation for exporting protein-rich foods may lead to negative impacts on local food sovereignty and food production for local markets. In this regard, the use of concrete policy dialogue tools (food-based dietary guidelines, land use planning and discussions on a protein production strategy) can facilitate a more interactive policy process. The document also stresses how specific rural transformation efforts (e.g., adopting territorial approaches for conceiving and implementing policies; targeting specific producer and consumer groups; strengthening resource ownership; and empowering women and young people) are an integral part of agrifood systems transformation.

Fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 196
Release: 2021-09-20
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9251342385

Download Fruit and vegetables Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

This book will convince the reader to care about fruit and vegetables and to see that the small-scale production of these crops is fundamental to achieving sustainable development goals. In five chapters, the reader will learn about the challenges and rewards for producers, sellers, and consumers. Chapter 1: a working definition for fruit and vegetables, making the case for supporting small-scale farmers and value chains. Chapter 2: options for farm management to ensure that production is sustainable including genetic resources, seed systems, management of water, soil, nutrients, and control of pests and diseases. Chapter 3: options to integrate small-scale commercial fruit and vegetable farmers into socially inclusive value chains, including innovative post-harvest handling services, market linkages, and reducing food loss and waste. Chapter 4: options for practitioners and policymakers at different governmental, institutional and social levels to promote the sustainable production and consumption of safe, nutritious, and affordable fruit and vegetables. Chapter 5: key interventions and innovations to facilitate the sustainable production of fruit and vegetables in low- and middle-income countries across the world. This publication takes readers on a journey introducing them to a diverse array of fruit and vegetables through colorfully illustrated studies from around the world. It justifies the importance of these crops and it encourages readers to take an active role both in promoting fruit and vegetable production and in encouraging more people to eat them.