1 min
There is more to unpack around the discussion of food sovereignty especially for the developing countries at this time. In the last 2 letters, two principles were explained, food for people and building knowledge and skills. Interestingly, there are 5 more principles on which food sovereignty was established. This week's letter will focus on two other principles, working with nature and valuing food producers and providers.
Achieving food sovereignty implies that the farmers understand the importance of nature, promote positive impacts on nature and harness the numerous benefits nature provides in building resilience within the food chain. This principle emphasizes adoption of good agricultural practices throughout the production cycle, which optimize the contributions of the natural ecosystems.
These activities include the use of eco-friendly pesticides, avoidance of bush burning, use of contour ploughing, planting of drought resistant seeds, intercropping, using organic fertilizers, and integrating livestock to improve soil health amongst others. For instance, farmers are encouraged to use traditional and indigenous seed varieties that are often more resilient to local climate conditions and pests, rather than relying on “superior seeds” that create dependency on foreign corporations for seeds and other inputs. Therefore, farmers who understand and work with nature can build a more resilient food system that is less vulnerable to supply chain shocks and climate change.
Furthermore, food sovereignty understands that people who produce and provide food must be recognized and respected for the work of growing, harvesting, processing, transporting, distributing, and preparing food. This is essential for the over 70% of Nigerian farmers who are small-scale producers. It recognizes their immense contribution, as they produce more than 60% of the food consumed annually. This principle advocates for fair and dignified livelihoods, safe working conditions, and equitable access to resources for all food providers, including women, farm families and indigenous communities. For this, we need people-focused policies that ensure these farmers are protected from shocks and they obtain fair prices for their produce to earn enough to live a decent life.
In conclusion, the path to food sovereignty is not a dream one sees when eyes are closed but it's a practical and actionable strategy that can transform Nigeria's food system from a fragile state to one of resilience. Thus, we need to shift our focus from a broken food system driven by profit and external control to one that is based on the tried and tested strategies, with proven track records. The future of food in Nigeria depends on this decisive and urgent shift toward a more equitable and sustainable path. Are we ready to walk the talk?
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
These activities include the use of eco-friendly pesticides, avoidance of bush burning, use of contour ploughing, planting of drought resistant seeds, intercropping, using organic fertilizers, and integrating livestock to improve soil health amongst others. For instance, farmers are encouraged to use traditional and indigenous seed varieties that are often more resilient to local climate conditions and pests, rather than relying on “superior seeds” that create dependency on foreign corporations for seeds and other inputs. Therefore, farmers who understand and work with nature can build a more resilient food system that is less vulnerable to supply chain shocks and climate change.
Furthermore, food sovereignty understands that people who produce and provide food must be recognized and respected for the work of growing, harvesting, processing, transporting, distributing, and preparing food. This is essential for the over 70% of Nigerian farmers who are small-scale producers. It recognizes their immense contribution, as they produce more than 60% of the food consumed annually. This principle advocates for fair and dignified livelihoods, safe working conditions, and equitable access to resources for all food providers, including women, farm families and indigenous communities. For this, we need people-focused policies that ensure these farmers are protected from shocks and they obtain fair prices for their produce to earn enough to live a decent life.
In conclusion, the path to food sovereignty is not a dream one sees when eyes are closed but it's a practical and actionable strategy that can transform Nigeria's food system from a fragile state to one of resilience. Thus, we need to shift our focus from a broken food system driven by profit and external control to one that is based on the tried and tested strategies, with proven track records. The future of food in Nigeria depends on this decisive and urgent shift toward a more equitable and sustainable path. Are we ready to walk the talk?
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
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