43rd Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 43)

On Thursday morning, plenary held a Forum on Urbanization, Rural Transformation and Implications for Food Security and Nutrition, aiming to enhance understanding of key issues, and identify key policy areas and possible roles for CFS.

Panelists presented on: changing rural dynamics; their implications for food security and nutrition and potential policy shifts required to address them; practical experiences on integrated policy approaches across rural and urban areas; and a decision on the way forward for CFS on this work stream. Moderator Corinna Hawkes, Centre for Food Policy, City University of London, called for an integrated approach and new policy thinking to keep up with the changing dynamics of the global food system. Preeti Ahuja, Agriculture Global Practice, World Bank, highlighted the need for multi-sectoral and multidimensional systems and linking the city level with national planning on agriculture, water and health. Cecilia Tacoli, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), stressed the need for local action and for a holistic approach to discuss how sectoral policies may limit such action. Nima Nango Dembele, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries of Mali, presented challenges and opportunities of a managed liberalization of agricultural markets. Bernard Lehmann, Secretary of State for Agriculture, Switzerland, highlighted opportunities from direct interactions between producers and consumers enabled through the internet, rapid food distribution systems, urban agriculture, and multi-functional farms. Christiane Araujo Costa, Instituto Polis, Brazil, described a school feeding programme based on locally-sourced organic food produced on family farms. Fernando Correa Peláez, General Counsel to the Mayor of Medellin, Colombia, presented on efforts to enhance food access for marginalized populations while supporting producers.

In the afternoon, plenary concluded discussion and endorsed decisions on urbanization, rural transformation and implications for food security and nutrition, and on the Multi-Year Programme of Work. Plenary also endorsed the annual updates to the Global Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition.

On Wednesday morning, plenary held a global thematic event on the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT) aiming to: share good practices and learn from experiences; monitor progress in implementing the VGGT; and increase awareness and understanding of the VGGT. Panelists and participants presented national experiences and challenges related to VGGT implementation, addressing awareness raising, capacity development, reform of legal and policy frameworks, and multi-stakeholder platforms for VGGT operationalization.

In the afternoon, plenary endorsed the proposal for CFS engagement in advancing nutrition prepared by the OEWG on Nutrition, including a proposal for CFS contribution to addressing global malnutrition in all its forms, and for continued work of the OEWG in 2016-2017. Discussions also commenced on the Multi-Year Programme of Work, and will continue on Thursday.

On the proposed informal discussion on mega-mergers in the agrochemical sector and their impacts on food security, Chair Gornass clarified that the discussion will be organized as a an event of the Civil Society Mechanism on Thursday afternoon.

On Tuesday, 18 October, CFS 43 endorsed a decision on CFS engagement in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, developed by the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on SDGs; and a guidance note for CFS contribution to the 2017 High Level Political Forum (HLPF), including a proposed outline and key messages to be developed by the OEWG and endorsed by the Bureau. Plenary then discussed a presentation on the report on the state of food insecurity and nutrition in the world, to be launched in 2017.

In the afternoon, plenary endorsed the decision and policy recommendations on connecting smallholders to markets developed by the OEWG on Smallholders; and terms of reference for stakeholders to share their experiences and good practices in implementing CFS decisions and recommendations, as a contribution towards the development of an innovative monitoring mechanism.

The Civil Society Mechanism proposed discussing the impact of pending mega-mergers within the agrochemical sector on food security. Some delegations expressed concerns regarding lack of preparation and ignoring the rules of procedure. Following consultations, Chair Gornass announced that an informal discussion on mega-mergers will take place on Thursday, noting that it will not be included in the report of the meeting, but will be held for the information of those interested.

On Monday, 17 October, Chair Amira Gornass (Sudan) opened the 43rd plenary session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 43), drawing attention to CFS’ 40th anniversary.

In the morning, plenary addressed organizational matters and held an opening session on sustainable food systems, nutrition and climate change.

In a video message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined CFS’ key role in the 2030 Agenda and in ending hunger, and urged combating malnutrition in all its forms. FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva noted that integration of food security concerns into the climate change agenda represents a recognition of FAO’s work. Underscoring that more than half of world population suffers from malnutrition, including undernourishment and obesity, he drew attention to the failure of food systems to deliver healthy diets. Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) drew attention to the 2016 Rural Development Report, noting that undernutrition can persist even when incomes rise. Elisabeth Rasmusson, Assistant Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) underlined climate change and population increase as challenges for sustainable food systems, and highlighted the role of smallholders and social protection systems, such as WFP school meal programmes.

In the afternoon, plenary endorsed the proposed recommendations on sustainable agricultural development for food security and nutrition, including the role of livestock, which were based on the report and recommendations of the the High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE).