The call for reform in the global food systems was made at the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
- She also launched the 2nd biennial UNFSS+4 report to review progress in global food systems.
- The UN Food Systems Summit was launched in 2021 for ensuring more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
About Food Systems
- Definition: It encompass the entire range of actors and their interlinked value-adding activities involved in the production, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food products that originate from agriculture, forestry or fisheries, etc.
- Importance: Global food systems carry hidden social, economic, and environmental costs of $11.6 trillion.
- Social: It has deep interconnections with all SDGs (health, Zero Hunger Goal, biodiversity, etc.).
- 783 million people are chronically hungry.
- Economic: Provide significant employment to agricultural households
- Environmental: Account for over:
- 30% of global emissions
- 80% of biodiversity loss
- 70% of freshwater use
- Social: It has deep interconnections with all SDGs (health, Zero Hunger Goal, biodiversity, etc.).
Why Food Systems Are Failing?
- Climate Shocks: Frequent disasters damage crops and disrupt food supply chains
- Rising Debt: Debt burden in Least Developed Countries rose from 3.1% to 12% of revenue (2010–2023), reducing money for health and education.
- Weak Infrastructure: One-third of food is lost or wasted due to poor storage, transport, and market access.
Way ahead for resilient Food Systems
- Private investment and build local capacity
- Coordinated action linking emergency aid with long-term development
- Community-led solutions, especially for women and youth
Key Initiatives to Improve Food Systems
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