Urbanisation is the focus of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023 report, released yesterday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (“FAO”). The report notes that patterns of rural and urban population movements are leading to changes in agrifood systems, with 7 in 10 people projected to live in cities by 2050. The challenges that will arise from this include the loss of land, the exclusion of small farmers from value chains and the lack of availability of fruit and vegetables to meet nutritional requirements.
Climate change
Beyond employment factors and changing lifestyles, the report also highlights climate change and biodiversity loss as factors contributing to the increased movement of people from rural to urban areas. This is due to the loss of vital natural resources that sustain livelihoods and the displacement of people due to disasters.
Agroecology
Significantly, the report recognises the role of agroecology in supporting local livelihoods, improving food security, ensuring the efficient use of water and soil, and in conserving biodiversity. The Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming programme in India is referenced in the report, with the goal of transitioning 6 million farmers towards agroecological farming and which has already seen improved earnings, yields and health benefits. The Participatory Urban Agriculture Programme in Ecuador is a further example which follows the principles of agroecology, and has created jobs and facilitated the social inclusion of vulnerable people.
The report emphasises that the role of local governments will be key in ensuring the participation of local stakeholders, towards the development of transformative policies aimed at mitigating the food challenges that will arise.
The full citation of the report is FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2023. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023. Urbanization, agrifood systems transformation and healthy diets across the rural–urban continuum. Rome, FAO.
It can be accessed on the FAO website.
Sustainable Capabilities 