Can We Talk 12: Measuring Food Systems

Currently, the East African region agriculture is facing challenges including, the different climate extremes experienced in the region and how to feed a growing population. The twelfth Can We Talk seminar was presented by the IGAD Food Security Nutrition and Resilience Analysis Hub (IFRAH) team with the theme “Measuring Food Systems” to understand what food systems are, the factors influencing food systems and how food systems can be measured.

Food Systems describe the interconnected systems and processes that influence nutrition, food, health, community development and agriculture, it includes all processes and infrastructure from growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consumption, distribution, and disposal of food and food-related items. Food systems encompass various components such as farming practices, food supply chains, food markets, policies, and cultural norms surrounding food. Understanding this is crucial for addressing issues like food security, nutrition, sustainability, and the impact of food production on the environment and society. Various factors influence food systems including economic factors, environmental factors like climate change and political factors such as political instability, social factors like cultural preferences, technological factors like agricultural technologies and policy and governance.

Food systems are measured using various indicators and so far, the hub through the regional framework has synthesized over 200 indicators which have been summarised into 45 indicators. The hub has developed a manual on how to calculate the indicators and criteria selection which has been endorsed by all the IGAD member states. Plans have been put in place to develop and analyse the IGAD food system status and produce a regional report and a dashboard to show the status of food security in the region. It is important to talk about food systems due to their connection with various aspects of our lives.

For instance, the bread we eat is made from wheat sourced from regions outside Africa like Ukraine and Russia. The disruption caused by COVID-19 profoundly impacted food systems, particularly the supply chain, highlighting their vulnerability. Moreover, the quality of food consumed and produced sometimes falls short of being nutritionally sufficient, leading to significant health risks.

There are various publicly available data repositories from Metadata, FAO stat, Country level statistical agencies and ministries that provide information on various facets of food production, distribution and consumption patterns but data gaps have been identified due to underreporting by certain countries. Addressing these gaps is important to enhance the accuracy and reliability of food system analysis and formulation of strategies for addressing food security and sustainability.

Food system analysis can contribute to the global report but the Global Food Security report looks at short-term food security for instance drought and flood extremes led to food shortage while food system analysis looks at the long-term frame from production to consumption.

The main challenge in addressing food insecurity is the different ministries among the member states working in silos instead of working in collaboration, sharing data and information. There is also a need for proactive measures and strategies to be put in place before a crisis and not reactive measures.

Discrepancy has also been a challenge, especially in reporting on food security, the hub has been able to deal with this by formulating a technical Working group (TWG) that consists of members from different sectors such as the Non-Governmental Organisations, International Organisations, United Nations agencies and private sector partners who all work together and validate the report before publishing and disseminating.

Discussion centred around issues of food aid among others. It was noted that food aid can be a multifaceted tool, like a knife, possessing the potential for both constructive and destructive outcomes. Food aid is a critical lifeline for the vulnerable population during times of scarcity and crisis.

However, it can foster dependency that can stifle self-sufficiency and lead to reliance on external assistance. Food aid may also exacerbate existing inequalities by diverting attention away from addressing systemic issues such as lack of economic opportunities or inadequate infrastructure therefore it is important to prioritise long-term strategies aimed at benefiting livelihoods and fostering self-reliance.

In conclusion, food systems are a crucial conversation requiring efforts from international organisations, regional organisations, and member state ministries to collaborate and work together to comprehensively address the challenge of food insecurity.