Food sovereignty and resilient agricultural value chains
November 4, 2022
Caroline Petruzzi McHale and M’Ballou Yacine Sanogho
Food sovereignty refers to a system in which the people who produce, distribute, and consume food also control its production, distribution mechanisms and policies. It emphasizes local economies and sustainability and centers on culturally-appropriate food practices.
In practical terms, food sovereignty means that communities have the right to define their own food and agriculture systems. This includes the right to protect and regulate local agricultural production, as well as the right to exclude genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) or other controversial inputs. It also means the right to determine trade policies that protect local producers from dumping and other unfair practices.
Food sovereignty is often seen as a way to protect small-scale farmers and indigenous communities, who are the mainstay of food production in many parts of the world. It is also seen as a way to promote local economies and preserve traditional foodways. In recent years, food sovereignty has been embraced by a range of groups, from environmental activists to urban foodies.
In this briefing paper, we discuss the concept of food sovereignty and measures that communities and governments can take towards building more resilient food value chains.
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Overview and human rights framework
The term "food sovereignty" was first coined by the Haitian organization KoZon Pi Mot in 1996. The following year, the Via Campesina, an international movement of small-scale farmers, rural workers, and indigenous peoples, declared La Vía Campesina's Food Sovereignty Charter at their Third International Conference, providing the framework for the food sovereignty movement and outlining its main principles.
Since then, the term "food sovereignty" has been widely adopted by a variety of actors, including social movements, NGOs, governments, and intergovernmental organizations. In 2007, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released a report calling for the recognition of food sovereignty as a fundamental human right. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the right to food as a human right. In 2012, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food released a report discussing the decentralization of power and decision-making in food systems from global to local level, and the democratization of food systems.
In recent years, the term has gained traction as a response to the globalization of the food system. The 2008 global food crisis brought renewed attention to the need for food sovereignty, as did the ensuing debates about the role of food in solving or exacerbating global problems such as climate change and economic instability. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of food sovereignty, as communities around the world grapple with disruptions to food supply chains.
What are the key pillars of food sovereignty?
• Focusing on food for people: The first principle of food sovereignty is that food must be produced primarily for human consumption, not for animal feed, biofuels, or other non-food uses. This means that food production should be geared towards meeting the needs of local communities, rather than being driven by the global marketplace.
• Prioritizing food production: The second principle of food sovereignty is that food production should be prioritized over other uses for land, such as livestock grazing or ecotourism. This means that farmland should be used to grow food for local consumption, rather than being turned into parks or wildlife reserves.
• Building knowledge and skills: The third principle of food sovereignty is that communities should build knowledge and skills related to food production, processing, and distribution. This includes everything from traditional farming techniques to modern agroecological practices. It also includes the development of policies and institutions that support local food systems.
• Working with nature: Another key principle of food sovereignty is that food production should work with, not against, nature. This means using environmentally friendly practices such as agroforestry, permaculture, and water conservation. It also means respecting the rights of indigenous peoples to steward their traditional lands.
• Valuing food providers and workers: The fifth principle of food sovereignty is that food providers, such as farmers, fishers, and food processors, should be valued for their work. This includes providing them with fair prices, decent working conditions, and social protection. It also means recognizing their contributions to the economy, society, and culture.
• Recognizing food as sacred: Many proponents of food sovereignty also believe that food should be recognized as a sacred resource. This means treating food with respect, and using it to nourish our bodies, minds, and souls. It also means ensure fair access to nutritious food for all people, regardless of income or budget.
What are some solutions to achieve food sovereignty?
• Support small-scale farmers and promote agroecology: Small-scale farmers are the backbone of food sovereignty. They produce most of the world’s food, yet they are often marginalized and excluded from the global food system. One way to support small-scale farmers is to promote agroecology, which is a type of agriculture that is environmentally sustainable and that prioritizes the needs of local communities.
• Build strong food systems: Food sovereignty requires the development of strong food systems that are designed to meet the needs of local communities. This can be done by investing in small-scale farmers, promoting fair trade, and ensuring equal access to safe and nutritious food.
• Advocate for policies that support food sovereignty: Governments play a critical role in supporting food sovereignty. They can do this by investing in small-scale farmers, promoting agroecology, and passing laws and regulations that protect the rights of communities to access land and water.
• Build resilience through food security programs: Food security programs can help communities to build resilience in the face of climate change, economic volatility, and pandemics. These programs provide safety nets that ensure people have access to food during times of crisis.
• Raise awareness on food sovereignty: Raising awareness on food sovereignty is a critical part of increasing access to safe and nutritious food. Education can help people to understand the importance of supporting small-scale farmers, promoting agroecology, and investing in strong food systems.
Which countries have enacted laws on food sovereignty?
• Ecuador: In September 2008, Ecuador became the first country to include food sovereignty in its constitution. The law bans genetically modified organisms, protects against the extraction of non-renewable resources, and discourages monoculture. The law also protects biodiversity as collective intellectual property and recognizes the rights of nature.
• Bolivia: In January 2010, Bolivia passed a law that gives the state control over all land and water resources. The law also establishes the rights of nature, bans genetically modified organisms, and promotes food sovereignty. In 2009, Bolivia included the right to food in its Constitution. The state has focused on organic agriculture and strengthening Bolivia’s internal markets as key to food sovereignty.
• Venezuela: In April 2010, Venezuela enacted a law that gives the state control over food production, distribution, and consumption. The law also promotes food sovereignty and security. In addition, the 1999 constitution, approved by most of the population and considered one of most progressive in the world, prioritizes food sovereignty. It addresses food as a fundamental human right, not merely a commodity.
• Mexico: In October 2012, Mexico passed a law that gives the government power to expropriate land for the purpose of food security and sovereignty. The law also protects small-scale farmers and bans genetically modified organisms.
• Haiti: In March 2014, Haiti passed a law that gives the state power to expropriate land for the purpose of food security and sovereignty. The law also protects small-scale farmers and bans genetically modified organisms.
• Mali: The government adopted food sovereignty in its Agricultural Orientation Law. The specific measures listed in these policies are designed to encourage the availability and accessibility of diverse food products throughout the nation’s territory.
