1 min
According to La Via Campesina, food sovereignty is to be defined as the right of people to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. Every nation, irrespective of their social and economic status, should be able to define their own system of agriculture and their food to a larger extent, and not be coerced or gaslighted to accept food they perceive as dangerous or a threat to their cultural expression or their identity whatsoever.
Thus, developing the local food systems becomes a priority and a means to an end (food security) for every nation. Unfortunately, the case is different in many developing nations where external forces are destabilising the local food systems, using different proxies and strategies to weaken it and establish their own food systems that provide much economic benefits to them and their corporations.
It is a sad reality that these threats constantly threaten our nation's self preservation, identity, and independence. The question lingering in my mind and the mind of thousands of people is, at what point should the fundamental human right of respecting one's choice be upheld? Sometimes? A few times? Or all the time? And whose roles should that be? At this point, it is important for us to accept the urgent need for a democratic food system - where food production, distribution, and consumption prioritizes citizens' (communities, consumers, farmers, and other stakeholders) participation, transparency, and accountability in decision-making processes - aiming to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable food future for everyone.
Interestingly, there are seven recognised pillars of food sovereignty, and the first pillar focuses on "Food for People". Every nation must put people's needs for food at the centre of policies. Without people, there won't be food, and without food, people won't survive. So, we are interdependent on one another. Thus, policies must genuinely address people's concerns to access quality and sufficient food and this can be achieved through stakeholders dialogues, feedback loops and having a reliable database that provides insights to people's needs.
In conclusion, achieving food sovereignty is not a sprint but a marathon race towards food security; where everyone has access to sufficient food at all times. Where people's choices are respected and their needs for food are satisfied. So, we must acknowledge that food is more than just a commodity; it is a right, a life, and a determinant of the health of the people. There is more to do, there is more to achieve and food sovereignty must be a priority NOW than ever. Our future is in our hands and it starts NOW.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
It is a sad reality that these threats constantly threaten our nation's self preservation, identity, and independence. The question lingering in my mind and the mind of thousands of people is, at what point should the fundamental human right of respecting one's choice be upheld? Sometimes? A few times? Or all the time? And whose roles should that be? At this point, it is important for us to accept the urgent need for a democratic food system - where food production, distribution, and consumption prioritizes citizens' (communities, consumers, farmers, and other stakeholders) participation, transparency, and accountability in decision-making processes - aiming to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable food future for everyone.
Interestingly, there are seven recognised pillars of food sovereignty, and the first pillar focuses on "Food for People". Every nation must put people's needs for food at the centre of policies. Without people, there won't be food, and without food, people won't survive. So, we are interdependent on one another. Thus, policies must genuinely address people's concerns to access quality and sufficient food and this can be achieved through stakeholders dialogues, feedback loops and having a reliable database that provides insights to people's needs.
In conclusion, achieving food sovereignty is not a sprint but a marathon race towards food security; where everyone has access to sufficient food at all times. Where people's choices are respected and their needs for food are satisfied. So, we must acknowledge that food is more than just a commodity; it is a right, a life, and a determinant of the health of the people. There is more to do, there is more to achieve and food sovereignty must be a priority NOW than ever. Our future is in our hands and it starts NOW.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
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