28 research outputs found
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Policy options for food system transformation in Africa and the role of science, technology and innovation
As recognized by the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa – 2024 (STISA-2024), science, technology and innovation (STI) offer many opportunities for addressing the main constraints to embracing transformation in Africa, while important lessons can be learned from successful interventions, including policy and institutional innovations, from those African countries that have already made significant progress towards food system transformation. This chapter identifies opportunities for African countries and the region to take proactive steps to harness the potential of the food and agriculture sector so as to ensure future food and nutrition security by applying STI solutions and by drawing on transformational policy and institutional innovations across the continent. Potential game-changing solutions and innovations for food system transformation serving people and ecology apply to (a) raising production efficiency and restoring and sustainably managing degraded resources; (b) finding innovation in the storage, processing and packaging of foods; (c) improving human nutrition and health; (d) addressing equity and vulnerability at the community and ecosystem levels; and (e) establishing preparedness and accountability systems. To be effective in these areas will require institutional coordination; clear, food safety and health-conscious regulatory environments; greater and timely access to information; and transparent monitoring and accountability systems
Science and Innovations for Food Systems Transformation
This Open Access book compiles the findings of the Scientific Group of the United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021 and its research partners. The Scientific Group was an independent group of 28 food systems scientists from all over the world with a mandate from the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. The chapters provide science- and research-based, state-of-the-art, solution-oriented knowledge and evidence to inform the transformation of contemporary food systems in order to achieve more sustainable, equitable and resilient systems
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Healthy Diet: A Definition for the United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021
Secondary cities as catalysts for nutritious diets in low- and middle-income countries
The world is facing a malnutrition crisis in the midst of rising rates of urbanization; more than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, a number that is expected to reach two-thirds by 2050, consuming 80% of the world's food. Instead of the development of existing cities into 'mega-cities, ' urbanization is creating a patchwork of smaller urban areas. In 2018, close to half of the world's urban residents lived in settlements or towns with less than 500, 000 inhabitants. These settlements are classified as secondary cities and are, in terms of population, the fastest growing urban areas. Poor diets among city inhabitants are the consequence of a combination of forces. These include changes in types of occupation, particularly for women; food-environment factors; shifts in norms and attitudes regarding food; globalization of food supply chains; lack of infrastructure; post-harvest food loss and waste, etc. Secondary cities offer entry points for food system transformation. Secondary cities are characterized by strong urban-rural linkages and the opportunity for localized food production and consumption. These cities could also play a key role in enhancing resilience to food security shocks. This chapter discusses the challenge of the growing triple burden of malnutrition in urban contexts and argues for the important role of secondary cities in transforming urban food systems. Through three case studies of secondary cities in LMICs, these cities are shown as emerging players in nutrition-centered food system interventions. © The Author(s) 2023
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Ensuring Access to Safe and Nutritious Food for All Through the Transformation of Food Systems
Stakeholder perspectives of the Social Licence to Operate: exploring the governance of shale gas development in England
The aim of this research is to investigate the governance of Shale Gas Development (SDG) in England to determine how stakeholders perceive the regulatory regime, regulators and how they understand the associated risks and benefits. The three key research questions are: How do stakeholders of SDG frame their perceptions of risk; which aspects, if any, are important for stakeholders to issue a SLO to the shale gas industry and; to what extent do stakeholders of SGD perceive the regulatory regime in England to be adequate.Using a case study research design, this research investigates the Social Licence to Operate (SLO) and governance in two key SGD areas of England, Yorkshire and Lancashire. Semi-structured interviews with participants drew on a multitude of factors when forming perceptions of therisks and benefits associated with SGD, pro-SGD participants frame their perceptions based on quantitative risk assessment methodologies, anti-SGD participants use their personal experience of the industry. This research examines which are the important factors regarding the issuance of SLO from a community perspective.This thesis contributes to knowledge in the following ways; by highlighting the importance of understanding stakeholders’ perceptions and framing of risk, by considering how and why communities grant the SLO and to recognise that local communities consider the effectiveness of other aspects of the operation in addition to the activities of the industry. It is therefore helpful to consider the ‘granting of’ the SLO by the community rather than ‘gaining’ a SLO by the industry.Limitations for this research include, despite efforts, no representation from key regulatory agencies such as the HSE and the local authorities in Lancashire or Yorkshire. More demographic data would have been desirable, such as participants employment information and educationalattainment in order to ascertain the connection between knowledge and understanding of the issues discussed
Sustainable Housing
Sustainable housing is generally used to describe housing that is environmentally friendly and resource-efficient over the lifetime of the building. Homes are designed to have the least possible negative impact on the environment. This means energy efficiency, avoiding environmental toxins, and responsibly using materials and resources while having positive physical and psychological effects on inhabitants. This book presents a comprehensive overview of sustainable housing, starting from legislation and ending with the design and configuration of homes
Biofuels and Sustainability
This open access book presents a comprehensive analysis of biofuel use strategies from an interdisciplinary perspective using sustainability science. This interdisciplinary perspective (social science-natural science) means that the strategies and policy options proposed will have significant impacts on the economy and society alike. Biofuels are expected to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, revitalizing economies in agricultural communities and alleviating poverty. However, despite these anticipated benefits, international organizations such as the FAO, OECD and UN have published reports expressing concerns that biofuel promotion may lead to deforestation, water pollution and water shortages. The impacts of biofuel use are extensive, cross-sectoral and complex, and as such, comprehensive analyses are required in order to assess the extent to which biofuels can contribute to sustainable societies. Applying interdisciplinary sustainability science concepts and methodologies, the book helps to enhance the establishment of a sustainable society as well as the development of appropriate responses to a global need for urgent action on current issues related to biofuels