Why food systems are important to achieve sustainable development

 We're only left with 7 years to reach 2030, in the year the United Nations set for completion of the 2030Agenda, that is achievement of the SDGs, which am sure we all know about. Taking a reality check, we honestly have to agree that we're still far from ending a lot of global crises.I have been participating in the GOAL 2023 Youth Programme and we have been learning about a lot of global issues and how global citizens around the world can be agents of change, practically. I've decided to share some of my learning with you and start a discussion that can spark new ideas and solutions. In this blogpost i will be looking on 'food systems'. 

Food systems refer to a complex network of actors and interractions along the food value chain from production through to consumption and disposal. Food systems are important because of their interconnected relationship with humans, land and water use, biodiversity and other components. Acording to Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, "A sustainable food system is one that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generation is not compromised. This means that it is profitable throughout, ensuring economic sustainability, it has broad-based benefits for society, securing social sustainability, and that it has a positive or neutral impact on the natural resource environment, safeguarding the sustainability of the environment." https://www.fao.org/food-systems/en/

Sustainable food systems are key to achieving SDGs that focus on ending hunger, health and sustainable cities and industries. Food systems that are not sustainable strain economies and social structures. There is need to think of food systems in a local context and rethink of ways in which these systems can benefit local people and ensure sustainable land use. Promoting local food systems is key to boosting local businesses. Land is another issue, unsustainable use of land has led to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Huge commercial farmers who are in the export business have contributed much to climate change. A recent research showed that more than 50% of world's birds and mammals are poultry and cattle respectively. Beef production uses a lot of land and cattle release a lot of methane into the atmosphere. These commercial agricultural players compete on the global food market and have regard of the toll their activities put on the environment. In Africa we have subsistence farmers who also use land in unsustainable ways as they seek to compete locally with food that is sourced elsewhere. We can therefore realise that if food is produced and consumed locally, there is a chance of preserving the environment. Education is also an important factor. Governments should work close in hand with farmers to ensure best practices in agriculture. Like I've mentioned, the health and wellness of humans is also something affected by food systems. During our GOAL programme session we looked at Ireland's food system. We learnt that there is over reliance of processed foods, much like Asian countries. In Sierra Leonne there is heavy rice consumption with very little protein. In Africa there are diets that constitute of starchy food with less protein qnd vitamins. Food need to be balanced and consisting of plant based proteins and more vegetables. This ensures health of people.

There is much to say but bottom line is that practises must be remodeled and incorporate local solutions to our food systems. What do you think? Comment below