A recent report by the United Nations on the Food System has raised concerns about power imbalances and inequality in today’s food systems. The study reveals that these issues negatively impact women disproportionately due to a variety of factors including climate change, Covid-19, discrimination, less land rights, and migration. This report has been published in light of the upcoming Food Systems Summit in September 2021.
Understanding Food Systems
Food systems encompass a complex network of activities involving production, processing, handling, preparation, storage, distribution, marketing, access, purchase, consumption, food waste, and the social, economic, and environmental outcomes of these activities.
Findings from the United Nations’ Report
The report highlights several areas where women are disproportionately affected:
Climate Change Impact on Women Farmers
Women farmers suffer more from climate change and land degradation. While women are more aware than men about the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity, livestock problems, and water availability, they do not receive as much crucial information on climate and agricultural matters that would enable them plan for climate changes.
The Issue of Malnutrition
Women face higher obesity levels and are more prone to chronic diseases. Indigenous women play a vital role in eliminating hunger and malnutrition, but limitations in rights recognition and exercise have restricted their access to equitable food systems.
Migration Impacts
Migration among youths during urban transition impacts the gendered nature of economic roles. Migration often results in a growing gap between food production location and consumption, leading to lifestyle changes including dietary habits.
Covid-19 and Food Insecurity
The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have significantly reduced women’s economic and livelihood activities, increasing poverty rates and exacerbating food insecurity. Rural women were among the worst affected among the food insecure population of 821 million as of 2017.
Discrimination and Lack of Land Rights
Rural women, who make up nearly half the agricultural workforce in developing countries, face discrimination. They have limited land rights, face challenges in obtaining ownership, lack access to credit, and are involved in unpaid work.
Suggestions from the Report
The report suggests measures for improvement including independent women groups to shed light on gender inequalities, policies to remove barriers to fundamental services like food, shelter and health, and holding governments and businesses accountable for ensuring equitable livelihoods.
India’s Initiatives for Equitable Food System
India is actively working on establishing an equitable food system. The initiatives include dedicated budget allocation for better inclusion in programs, incentives for ensuring greater participation, women empowerment schemes, and focus on nutri cereals.
About UN Food Systems Summit
The Food Systems Summit is organised as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. It seeks to launch new actions to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs, each of which relies on healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems.
India at UN Food Systems Summit
India has volunteered for the Action Track 4: Advance Equitable Livelihoods for the UN Food System Summit 2021. As agriculture is a state subject, the implementation of specific initiatives by state governments will be crucial.