Building resilient food systems for people and the planet

On the International Day for Biological Diversity, ITF’s Africa Programme Officer, Faith Njeri, attended a vital workshop in Nairobi to discuss how we can build resilient food systems that support the needs of people and the planet.

Theme of the day: From Agreement to Action: Build back biodiversity

As we face urgent and interconnected challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity, it is more crucial than ever to move beyond talk and into action. On that note, the workshop organised by the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) brought together a diverse group of experts to explore concrete solutions to these complex problems.

At the heart of this discussion was the Kenya Food Systems and Land Use Action Plan for 2023-2028, which has the potential to transform how we approach our food and land use systems.

Kenya specifically faces grave issues due to unsustainable land use practices like over grazing and rampant deforestation that drive biodiversity loss, soil erosion and water scarcity. These practices in turn have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of millions of people who are already facing widespread poverty and hunger.

One of the solutions to tackle these issues is planting and growing nutritious trees on farms. Besides providing nutrient rich foods all year round, trees can help transform degraded landscapes by nourishing the soil and preventing soil erosion. However, we know that tree planting alone cannot solve these challenges.

Therefore, as a participant in the workshop, I valued the opportunity to advocate for the prioritisation of local communities and gender considerations when discussing actions to manage, protect and restore our natural resources.

Passion fruit trees grown by Lilian Musembi, an ITF beneficiary in Kitui County, Kenya.

Engaging local communities

Here at ITF, we believe that engaging local communities in initiatives to restore, manage and protect our natural resources, is essential to making a real and tangible difference for people and our planet.

Communities have a wealth of knowledge of their local ecosystems and the trees and crops that grow well there. And by working hand-in-hand with them, we can develop and implement more effective strategies for safeguarding the environment.

Prioritising the needs of women

The Kenya Food Systems and Land Use Action Plan for 2023-2028 is a vital tool for achieving a healthier and greener future. However, for this plan to be truly effective, it needs to include gender considerations.

Women often bear the responsibility for securing food, water, and fuel. And they are disproportionately affected by climate change. Therefore, it is crucial for the Action Plan to prioritise the needs of women and ensure that they have equal opportunities to benefit from the anticipated benefits.

By including communities in the management of natural resources and prioritising the needs of women, the Action Plan can be a practical and effective tool for achieving a healthier and greener future.

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Let’s work together to empower local communities to sustainably manage our natural resources and build resilient food systems.