The world is changing fast. From climate, to pandemics, to inter-state conflict, numerous crises at the local, national and global scales are consequences of the disproportionate and unjust use of our planet’s resources, the unequal distribution of power, and the desire to put profits, economic growth and the interests of the wealthy ahead of human […]
While urban areas only account for two percent of the earth’s surface, they contain half of our planets’ people. By 2050 that will even be an estimated two-thirds. They already consume nearly 80 percent of global food and energy produced. Also they generate about 70 percent of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global waste, […]
Because Hivos believes that sustainable change will only happen if people undertake concerted and collective action, we bring together all relevant stakeholders in effective multi-actor initiatives. They allow rightsholders and their organizations, government and business representatives, creatives and technologists to co-create fair and inclusive solutions to complex problems. Hivos’ collaboration with the RUAF Global Partnership […]
The consequences of climate change are here. And we must act now. More sustainable and resilient food systems have the potential to address multiple challenges, and accelerate the implementation of several international agreements, including the New Urban Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement. RUAF and partners work to transform urban agriculture and food systems in […]
This article was originally published on Hivos. While the climate crisis poses a serious threat to global food security, the way we produce our food increases the pace and severity of climate change. But the consequences of these mutually reinforcing processes will be felt disproportionately by those least responsible for causing the problem: the urban […]
Author: Dr. Cheron Constance In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a volcanic eruption that flattened the agricultural sector has given greater urgency and impetus to efforts to ‘build back better’ from the COVID-19 crisis. Cheron Constance explains the effect of the eruption and its aftermath on farmers. She argues that to build back better, there […]
by Samuel Ikua, Mazingira Institute With over 200 staff at the Food Agriculture and Forestry Sector and an Urban Agriculture Promotion and Regulation Act (2015), Nairobi City County is leading in urban agriculture in both policy and practice. Most importantly, it has agricultural extension officers in crops and livestock at the sub-county level. These […]
City region food systems help assure access to food when supply chains are impacted by climate shocks and stresses and pandemic infection control measures, and play a vital role in building back better, according to an expert panel at the 13th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) held on 18-22 January 2021. GFFA is […]
Authors: Jess Halliday and Barbara Emanuel The theme of World Food Day 2020 – Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together – was probably settled well before Covid-19 arrived on Planet Earth, killing more than a million people, devastating economies, and laying bare the fragilities and inequalities of the food system. But the importance of working together is […]
Authors: Victoria Schoen (University of Kent) and Chris Blythe (Social Farms & Gardens) As the UK went into COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, many community gardens in London stepped up as emergency food providers, despite unclear government advice on whether they could continue operating. Highlighting the flexible, community-centred approach of such gardens, as well as […]
