Food systems – fundamental to all development
The global food security situation has worsened in recent years. Food security and the fight against hunger are therefore one of the main priorities in Norwegian development policy. Norad helps strengthen food systems in developing countries, with an emphasis on increasing local climate-resilient food production, increasing local value creation and income for food producers, reducing malnutrition and malnourishment and reducing the extent of hunger crises.
What
Norad's work regarding food systems and food security is centered around the sustainability goal 2, with the aim of "eradicating hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture".
Why
Food security has a major impact on both society and people. Sustainable food systems are key to future food security and economic development at micro and macro level. Increased efficiency and profits on food sales can contribute to economic growth for households, but also for the national economy through reduced dependence on imports and increased opportunities to export goods.
Access to adequate, safe and nutritional food is a prerequisite for participating in education and working life, which in turn leads to economic development. Malnutrition and malnourishment have extensive long-term consequences for both personal and economic development. Children and women are particularly vulnerable. Global food security has gradually worsened in recent years, including as a result of COVID-19, the invasion of Ukraine and climate change with increasing rates of natural disasters and extreme weather.
At the same time, we see that global food systems affect climate and nature. The World Bank estimates that the agricultural industry accounts for one third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and is by far the greatest driver of loss of nature, including deforestation.
On the other hand, food systems are also considered part of the solution. The World Bank states that greenhouse gas emissions in food systems can be reduced while still increasing food production and preserving biodiversity through better land and resource management that also ensures a good distribution of available resources.
How
Norad contributes to increased food security and sustainable food systems through a number of focus areas.
Increased productivity in agriculture in Africa has resulted in excess consumption and deterioration of land resources, as well as inadequate strategies for sustainable management. Improved soil health, supply of proper nutrition and use of climate-resilient seeds are important contributions when it comes to strengthening the nutritional content of soil. Many countries lack policies, programmes and institutional structures necessary to improve and maintain good soil health. There have been limited investments in research and technological developments relating to soil health. Norway seeks to contribute better knowledge, policies and data relating to soil health in order to contribute to increased productivity that does not come at the expense of the environment, while improving the soil health condition in African countries.
Norad actively works on value chain developments through its partners, especially in southern Africa, where bottlenecks have been identified in value chains and targeted initiatives are being implemented. Examples of such bottlenecks may include a lack of storage facilities, credit, local refinement possibilities or market access. Norad collaborates with the private sector to solve these challenges.
In 2024, Norway, together with other donors, will establish a financing solution for small and medium-sized businesses within food value chains in Afica south ofr the Sahara. The goal is to ensure that smallholders have access to better prices and a greater market for their raw materials. This is an important step in strengthening food security and economic sustainability in the region.
Aquatic food is an important source of nutrition in coastal communities in developing countries and there is great potential to better exploit proteins from aquatic food to improve food and nutritional security. Norway holds a leading global position within fishing and aquaculture, especially when it comes to education, research, management, technology and business development. Through the Fish for Development programme, Norway supports the institutional partnerships between Norwegian government sectors and partner countries.
Small-scale food producers play a crucial role when it comes to food security, especially in developing countries, and are therefore key stakeholders when it comes to Norway’s strategy for food security in development policy. There is a particular focus on women and gender equality. Women constitute the backbone of small-scale agriculture. Their efforts contribute to food production, better nutrition, economic survival and sustainability. Strengthening women’s roles in agriculture is therefore essential in achieving food security and economic development in Africa.
Who/where
Norad’s funding is channelled through partners from the UN and the banking system, civil society, academia and the private sector. Through the Agriculture for Development programme, Norwegian aid contributes to institutional capacity-building, with relevant Norwegian institutions as key partners. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are prioritised within the food security portfolio.
Links
- Joining forces against hunger – Norway’s strategy for promoting food security in development policy
- Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System
- The status of women in agrifood systems, FAO 2023
- The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2023
- The Economics of the Food System Transformation
- Global Food Policy report 2024
Contact
For further information, please contact the Section for Food: Norad-Mat@norad.no