Discussion n.5 – 25.08.2014 / 15.09.2014
PROCEEDINGS
Natural resources governance and the
right to adequate food
Collection of contributions received
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Table of Contents
Introduction to the topic .....................................................................................................................................3
Contributions received .........................................................................................................................................4
1. Chiranjibi Rijal, Development Inn Pvt Ltd, Nepal ............................................................................................ 4
2. KV Peter, World Noni Research Foundation, India ........................................................................................ 4
3. Timo Beiermann, Independent, Germany.......................................................................................................... 5
4. Manuel Castrillo, Proyecto Camino Verde, Costa Rica ................................................................................. 5
5. Violet Mugalavai, University, Kenya ..................................................................................................................... 6
6. Jaime Rodríguez Mallón, Gobernación de Tarija, Bolivia............................................................................. 7
7. Gabriela Quinteros, Gobierno Autonomo Municipal de Achacachi, Bolivia ......................................... 8
8. Patricia Ana Villarpando Vargas, Fundacion Agua Tuya, Bolivia............................................................... 9
9. Gianluca Ragusa, International Independent consultant - Fisheries and aquaculture specialist, Italy
11
10. Carmen Lahoz, Spain ........................................................................................................................................... 12
11. Muhammad Ariful Haque, Kamfisht Universe Engineering, Bangladesh ......................................... 12
12. Luisa Cruz and Margret Vidar, Facilitators of the discussion, Italy ..................................................... 13
13. José María Medina Rey, PROSALUS, Spain.................................................................................................. 14
14. Malou Ibita, Philippines ...................................................................................................................................... 16
15. Kondwani Hara, Centre for Social Concern, Malawi................................................................................. 16
16. Kimbowa Richard, Uganda ................................................................................................................................ 17
17. Luisa Cruz and Margret Vidar, Facilitators of the discussion, Italy ..................................................... 18
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Introduction to the topic
2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of
the right to adequate food in the context of national food security (Right to Food Guidelines). At its 41st
Session from 13-17 October 2014 the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) will undertake a
retrospective of the progress made in the implementation of the Right to Food Guidelines (RtFG). FAO
prepared a number of working studies on different aspects of the Right to Food Guidelines as a
contribution to the retrospective, and a number of these will be discussed in the Right to Food Forum.
Natural Resources Governance is the subject of this online discussion.
As a basis for this discussion, the relevant working study is available here. It explores advances and
challenges related to the Right to Food Guideline 8 and argues that:
1. Natural resources are crucial for achieving food security and nutrition and the responsible
governance of tenure is key for the realization of the right to food.
2. After 10 years of the adoption of the Right to Food Guidelines, it is possible to identify positive
developments in that a human rights based approach has been applied in a series of
international initiatives within the global agenda.
3. A decade later, achievements have also been made at country level through policies and legal
frameworks which recognize vulnerable people ́s rights to access, use and management of
natural resources. There is a growing recognition of customary rights in statutory legislation
and gender is considered in legal reforms to improve women’s access to natural resources.
4. Despite important policy changes at international and national level, reforms have not kept up
with commercial pressures on natural resources and future efforts to address the increasing
pressures on ecosystems and the threat to sustainable production and access to adequate
food are still required.
The working study concludes that the governance of natural resources remains one of the most
important areas for food security and human rights standards are crucial to consolidate an enabling
environment for the realization of the right to food.
This discussion aims at gathering more evidence from the past 10 years on Guideline 8 in particular.
We would welcome contributions around the following focus questions:
A. Are there specific country examples or stories that illustrate how natural resources are
governed (by i.e. policy and legal frameworks related to water, land, fisheries, forestry,
etc) towards the progressive realization of the right to food?
B. Are there specific country examples of mechanisms related to the governance of natural
resources that contribute to enhance accountability?
Please join the debate on natural resources governance and the right to food.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments!
Luisa Cruz and Margret Vidar
FAO Development Law Branch (LEGN) - Right to Food Team (ESA)
.
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Contributions received
1. Chiranjibi Rijal, Development Inn Pvt Ltd, Nepal
Riverbed farming (baluwa/bagarkhetii.e. cultivation in the sand) is the general practice of cultivating
crops on the bed or in some cases banks of the river during the low water/dry seasons. This practice
dates back to thirty years when mostly Indian nomadic farmers living near the border areas used to
come to cultivate the riverbeds which were arable for certain types of crops. Watermelon was the only
crops cultivated in the beginning. Although it started under the circumstances where there were no
alternative lands for cultivation of crop such as watermelon, the scope has certainly widened greatly.
And its utilization in wider scale is a relatively recent phenomenon.
The practice has evolved from being a subsistence livelihood approach to a commercial enterprise
among the marginalized, landless and land-poor communities of terai. The key reasons of the
expansion of this practice is mainly due to availability of fertilizers and nutrients and improved
agriculture technologies, easy availability of riverbeds, access to transportation and markets. Products
from RbF always have access to market. The emergence and development of haat bazaars has
positively impacted rural agriculture in general with no exception for RbF. The yields are either sold by
the farmers in these local markets or whole sellers and middlemen come to the farmers’ doorsteps to
purchase the yield.
Major crops in RbF
The major crops grown by farmers along the river beds are water melon (CitrulluslanatusT.),
bottlegourd (Lagenariasiceraria), cucumber (CucumisstivusL.), summer squash (CucurbitapepoL.), bitter
gourd (Momordicacharantia L.), pumpkin (Cucurbitamoschata D.), pointed gourd (Trichosanthesdioica
R.) and sponge gourd (LuffacylindricaR.). Few farmers also grew chilly, beans, tomato and other high
value vegetables on the riverbeds. The choice of crop entirely depends on soil conditions and water
availability.
Majority of farmers undertake direct sowing of seeds in the pits. Seed rate used for each species
depends on the nature of the plants. Seeds are usually wrapped until germination and sown once they
germinate. After sowing the seeds, mulching was done using locally available dry grasses. Sowing of
seeds was done between November-December but there has been a slight shirt in the period as
monsoon occasionally extends beyond the normal rainy season as riverbed farming depends on the
water level in the rivers. However, early sown seeds and resulting seedlings have higher survival
chances because they are able to survive the frost and dew during the winter having matured early.
Plastic capping has also emerged in the riverbed farming in recent years.
2. KV Peter, World Noni Research Foundation, India
In India with the passing of the legislation FOOD SECURITY ACT-2014,right to adequate food has
become a duty of the Government to be enforced. Rice being the staple food, it is
supplied(25kg/month/family) at Rs 1/kg to citizens below poverty level. Poverty level is defined as
daily purchasing power below US $ 1.5/capita/day. Government of India has to store 75-80 million
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tonnes of food grains in its warehouses to meet the requirement. Agriculture in India being
dependant on monsoon rains, any vagaries affect food grain production. Sixty percent of Indian
population being producer-consumer farmers, subsidised supply becomes imperative. As per
Agreement on Agriculture under WTO, no country is allowed subsidy more than 10% of production
value. A farmer oriented country with smaller holdings, this stipulation is difficult to be met. A
discussion on circumventing this stipulation of WTO will be desirable.
Prof KV Peter Ph D FNAAS. FNASc. FNABS. FHSI. FISVS, FISGPB
Director, World Noni Research Foundations
3. Timo Beiermann, Independent, Germany
Regarding 4.
Even if progressive law is in place recognizing tenure, implementation may lacking due to missing
capacities of governments, of the owners of claims and for sure competition and power to extract
resources tend to pressure.
However, I have seen examples for impact assessments on tenure in country with laws followed mainly
World Bank standards. Ignorance of traditional land uses and claims were evident. No information was
provided even if laws stated to protect traditional claims and their livelihood. When a point of a village
is the only thing what is delivered it is more than suspicious My brief recommendations would be to
address:
-
guidance in operationalizing and appropriate technical solutions and coherent information
needed to assess tenure
-
clear institutional setups which are easily to access and should include grievance mechanisms
in case of conflicting opinions
-
somehow flexibility in processes providing evidence of tenure and claims in regard of time.
This should take into account that powerful economic interests/ corruption could tend to
interfere legalizing processes and groups lacking access to information and capacities won't be
able to deliver compliant format to be successful
-
provide also technical guidance in matter of how to use natural resources sustainable and to
provide more visibility of ecosystem services to strengthen perception of environmental issues
in general. A special focus on smallholders and family enterprises in case of natural resource
management could enable and empower sustainable growth based on persistence society
patterns
4. Manuel Castrillo, Proyecto Camino Verde, Costa Rica
[Original contribution in Spanish]
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Saludo cordial a todos y todas. Les adjunto documento ESTUDIO DEL ESTADO DE LA PRODUCCIÓN
SOSTENIBLE Y PROPUESTA DE MECANISMOS PERMANENTES PARA EL FOMENTO DE LA
PRODUCCIÓN SOSTENIBLE CONSULTORÍA SP-12-200 en Costa Rica realizado por el grupo consultivo
GFA Consulting Group, para el Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería en el Marco del Programa de
Fomento de la Producción Agropecuaria Sostenible (PFPAS ) En este estudio, vemos una intención de
establecer políticas de sostenibilidad de acuerdo a los diferentes contextos productivos agropecuarios
y los procesos de sostenibilidad requeridos de acuerdo a criterios selectivos de variables en contextos
legales, producción sostenible, residencia, equidad y otros, que conlleven a planes normativos que
orienten el uso sostenible de las actividades agropecuarias y su relación con los recursos naturales.
Es posible generar avances en la sostenibilidad, en la medida que disposiciones políticas y el acceso a
recursos financieros sean prioritarios en las agendas de desarrollo nacionales. El manejo como unidad
que se le de a los recursos naturales y su estructuración dentro del paisaje humano, sus actividades y
relaciones, deberá ser el imperativo a futuro para asegurar la continuidad de los recursos naturales y
la permanencia de " bienes alimentarios ".
Saludos.
[English translation]
Best regards to everyone. I am pleased to attach the document “REVIEW OF THE STATUS OF
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND PROPOSAL FOR PERMANENT MECHANISMS TO PROMOTE
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION” (CONSULTING SP-12-200) conducted by the advisory firm GFA
Consulting Group for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock within the framework of the
Programme for the Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Production (known in Spanish as PFPAS).
This study aims to establish sustainability policies according to the different agricultural production
contexts and required sustainability processes considering selective criteria of variables in legal
contexts, sustainable production, resilience, equity and others. These policies and processes should
lead to policy plans guiding the sustainable use of agricultural activities and their relationship with
natural resources.
Progress on sustainability can be made, to the extent that political arrangements and access to
financial resources are a priority in national development agendas. The management of natural
resources and its structure within the human landscape, its activities and relationships, should be
imperative in the future to ensure the continuity of natural resources and the perpetuation of "food
assets".
Regards.
5. Violet Mugalavai, University, Kenya
Are there specific country examples of mechanisms related to the governance of natural resources
that contribute to enhance accountability?
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Natural resources can be natured by communities who should be determined to conserve/harness
their own ecological balance so that people collectively work towards their RTF and participate in so
doing in a sustainable eco-systems, eco-effective approach with the determination to bring as many
people on board, right from kindergarten to the highest level of learning, and from to the grassroots
to the working class. All inclusiveness is a major step in making sure that everyone is accountable, so
that duty bearers can see the individual or group ventures and join in their support.
Harnessing and sharing indigenous seeds, seedlings, of both fruit, fuel and medicinal trees, and
bringing back food diversity is a step towards micronutrient efficiency especially where there is
rampant malnutrition among communities and especially children. Making re-afforestation and small
ruminants a hobby for children to enjoy and grow up knowing that they can work towards their own
right to food within systems which feed into each other is a sure way to success towards RTF.
When l was growing up, the gooseberry, blackberry and the guava used to grow very easily in the
woods where their seeds had been dispersed and this was so for all the rural households. But this is
not automatic anymore. It is important for willing hearts and hands to bring back food diversity
through concerted efforts. I have been involved in tending seedlings of fruit and vegetables that are
going extinct and distributing them together with new varieties such as the rhubarb to women
groups and children in schools to take care of them and eat from their own sweat, and share with
other households so that these crops are populated.
The use of recycled or harvested water in times of harsh climatic conditions is also of paramount
importance.
The duty bearers have supported such projects especially when accompanied by
nutrition education and l believe the RTF and good nutrition can be achieved through efforts
6. Jaime Rodríguez Mallón, Gobernación de Tarija, Bolivia
[Original contribution in Spnish]
A) Bolivia a partir de su nueva Constitución Política del Estado en diciembre de 2009, gracias a las
luchas, demandas y propuestas de los sectores sociales se ha logrado desde la misma constitución y
otra normativa posterior que los recursos naturales estratégicos son propiedad del pueblo boliviano y
que deben servir para mejorar las condiciones de vida de las actuales y futuras generaciones de
bolivianos.
El agua es un recurso que debe ser primero para las personas, para la producción y para la naturaleza
y el estado debe garantizar su acceso así como el saneamiento básico.
En cuanto a las tierras se está priorizando el saneamiento y titulación de las mismas dando seguridad
jurídica, se está apoyando tanto a los productores de tipo familiar y agroindustrial para que se
asegure la producción agropecuaria para consumo interno y los excedentes para la exportación.
Una de las leyes mas importantes aprobadas y promulgadas por el estado plurinacional es la "Ley
marco de la Madre Tierra y Desarrollo Integral Para Vivir Bien".
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B) En Bolivia se implementó obligatoriamente en las entidades públicas la Rendición de Cuentas que
se lo debe hacer a la ciudadanía. De tal manera que se sepa que se están haciendo con los recursos
púbicos que proyectos se están ejecutando, a quienes beneficia, etc.
[English translation]
A) Bolivia, following its new State Constitution of December 2009 and subsequent regulations, and
thanks to the struggles, demands and proposals of the social sector, has achieved the ownership of
strategic natural resources by Bolivian people. This should help to improve the living conditions of
current and future Bolivian generations.
Water is a resource that, first of all, should be used for people, for production and for nature, and the
State must ensure its access and basic sanitation.
As for land, sanitation and titling are being prioritised, providing legal security, supporting both family
and agro-industrial producers to guarantee agricultural production for domestic consumption and
surplus for exportation.
One of the most important laws adopted and promulgated by the multinational state is the
"Framework Law on Mother Earth and Integral Development for Wellbeing".
B) In Bolivia accountability was compulsorily implemented in public institutions. In this way, citizens
can know how public resources are managed, what projects are being implemented, who is being
benefited, etc.
7. Gabriela Quinteros, Gobierno Autonomo Municipal de Achacachi, Bolivia
[Original contribution in Spanish]
Bueno respecto a las políticas a nivel de Estado se viene desarrollando ya hace bastante tiempo
políticas que coadyuvan a la temática de seguridad alimentaria , como por ejemplo el: Decreto
Supremo Nº 1939, 19 de marzo de 2014 que faculta políticas, planes, programas y proyectos
integrales de fomento a la producción agropecuaria, artesanal, forestal y al turismo, con el objetivo de
obtener el mejor aprovechamiento, transformación, industrialización y comercialización de los
recursos naturales renovables. Por ejemplo la Parágrafo II del Artículo 2 de la Ley Nº 448 nos señala
algunos de estos programas: Programa Nacional de Frutas, Programa Nacional de Producción de
Hortalizas, y Programa Nacional de Rumiantes Menores y Pesca.
Son un aserie de políticas que se vienen desarrollando a través de ministerio de desarrollo rural y
tierras.
Estas políticas si bien garantizar el desarrollo de tareas, son programas nuevos que estas todavía
implementándose, en unos años las experiencias en el desarrollo de estos programas permitirán
contar con políticas que respondan a las necesidades y pueda brindar resultados pues en la actualidad
se encuentra algunas falencias en su aplicación la forma en que están siendo aplicadas.
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[English translation]
Regarding state policies, several ones contributing to the improvement of food security are being
developed for quite some time now, such as: Supreme Decree No. 1939, March 19, 2014, which
enables integral policies, plans, programs and projects promoting agricultural, artisanal and forestry
production and tourism, with the aim of achieving the best use, processing, manufacturing and
marketing of renewable natural resources. For example, paragraph II in Article 2 of Law No. 448 points
out some of these programs: National Fruit Program, Vegetable Production National Programme and
Small Ruminants and Fisheries National Programme.
This set of policies is being developed through the Ministry of Rural Development and Land.
These policies, while ensuring the development of tasks, are new programs still being implemented. In
a few years the experiences accumulated during the development of these programs will allow having
policies addressing the needs and yielding positive results, as nowadays their implementation has
several shortcomings.
8. Patricia Ana Villarpando Vargas, Fundacion Agua Tuya, Bolivia
[Original contribution in Spanish]
A. Dentro la Constitución política del Estado de Bolivia, reconoce el derecho fundamental a la
alimentación y al agua (el art.16), el derecho a la salud (art.18) y reconoce la responsabilidad del
estado en dotar a los ciudadanos de los servicios básicos (art. 20). El deber del Estado y de la
población conservar, proteger y aprovechar de manera sustentable los recursos naturales y la
biodiversidad, así como mantener el equilibrio del medio ambiente (Art. 343). La población tiene
derecho a la participación en la gestión ambiental, a ser consultado e informado previamente sobre
decisiones que pudieran afectar a la calidad del medio ambiente. A su vez reconoce el derecho de los
pueblos originarios, indígenas campesinos, reconoce su identidad, su libre determinación y
territorialidad (art.30).
Las directrices nacionales en torno a la problemática de recursos naturales (aunque se establece en un
entorno más productivo), la seguridad alimentaria y cambio climático, se encuentran regidas por el
Plan Nacional de Desarrollo, la Revolución Rural, Agraria y Forestal, la Política de seguridad
Alimentaria y el Programa Sectorial de Adaptación de la Seguridad y Soberanía Alimentaria al Cambio
Climático que han establecido algunas políticas y acciones importantes. La mayoría de las políticas se
están desarrollando mediante el Ministerio de Medio ambiente y Agua y el Ministerio de desarrollo
rural y tierras. Algunos programas importantes son: Programa Nacional de riego, Programa
desnutrición Cero, Programa Nacional de frutas, etc.
Respecto a la legislación ambiental, la normativa vigente es la Ley de medio ambiente (No 1333), Ley
forestal (No1700), decretos de vida silvestre, parques nacionales, caza y pesca (No 12301), entre otros.
En este último periodo se han desarrollado la Ley de la Madre tierra, el decreto de minería (No29117),
algunos proyectos de ley importantes en esta temática son: la Ley de tierras, Ley de Bosques y la ley
de Biodiversidad.
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Las políticas y programas que se han estado desarrollando tienen una visión productiva sobre todo,
con apoyo de tierra y proyectos para el sector campesino-originario, sin embargo, se debe trabajar
por incluir la visión de los pueblos de tierras bajas en cuanto al manejo y protección de sus territorios
y recursos naturales y su inclusión en la realización de políticas y programas que les afecte
directamente o indirectamente.
B. Tras la promulgación de la Ley de la Madre tierra, se viene encarando el desarrollo de tres
mecanismos muy importantes para el país: El mecanismo de adaptación, el mecanismos de mitigación
y el Mecanismo conjunto de Bosques. la importancia de los mismos, recaerá en su integralidad y su
transversalidad en cuanto a recursos hídricos, recursos naturales, seguridad alimentaria, tierra, salud y
educación.
[English translation]
A. The Political Constitution of the State of Bolivia recognizes the fundamental right to food and water
(Art.16), the right to health (Art.18) and the responsibility of the State to provide basic services to the
citizens (Art. 20). It also acknowledges the duty of the State and the population to conserve, protect
and sustainably exploit natural resources and biodiversity, and maintain the environmental balance
(Art. 343). People have the right to participate in the environmental management, and to be consulted
and previously informed about decisions that can affect the environmental quality. At the same time it
recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples and farmers, their identity, self-determination and
territoriality (Art.30).
National guidelines regarding the natural resources issues (although established in a more productive
environment), food security and climate change, are governed by the National Development Plan, the
Rural, Agricultural and Forestry Revolution, the Food Security Policy and the Sector Adjustment
Programme of Food Security and Sovereignty to Climate Change. All of these have established several
important policies and actions. Most policies are being developed by the Ministry of Environment and
Water and the Ministry of Rural Development and Land. Some major programs are: National Irrigation
Program, Zero Malnutrition Programme, Fruits National Programme, etc.
Regarding environmental legislation, the current regulations are the Environmental Act (No. 1333), the
Forest Act (No.1700) or the Wildlife, National Parks, Hunting and Fisheries decrees (No. 12301) among
others. In this recent period, the Law on Mother Earth and the Mining Decree (No. 29117) have been
developed. Some important draft laws on this matter are: the Land Act, the Forest Act and the
Biodiversity Act.
Policies and programs developed so far have a primarily productive approach. Land support and
projects are provided to the farmer sector. However, work should be undertaken to incorporate the
views of lowland populations on the management and protection of their territories and natural
resources and include them in the formulation of policies and programmes affecting them directly or
indirectly.
B. After the promulgation of the Law on Mother Earth, the development of three very important
mechanisms for the country is being addressed: the adaptation mechanism, the mitigation mechanism
and the joint forests mechanism. The importance of these mechanisms will depend in their integrality
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and transversality regarding water resources, natural resources, food security, land, health and
education.
9. Gianluca Ragusa, International Independent consultant - Fisheries and aquaculture specialist,
Italy
Dear Mrs Cruz and Vidar,
thank you for your kind invitation to contribute (sustainable fisheries development is often forgotten
in funding and initiatives worldwide) and renewed consideration.
According my past experiences, in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, governance at regional,
national and local level has to be strengthened (notably in Africa) and more funding, institutional
strengthening (human resources and means) and capacity building for Administrations and civil
society will be welcomed.
Co-management (several examples in FAO repository documents, kindly see some examples
attached) and participation and civil society consultations and inclusion (I have had the pleasure to
experience it in drafting the national fishery policy of the lovely Mali with consultations and
validations at national and regional level) with responsible management duties sharing) as well as an
ecosystem based approach (considering too the socio-economic aspects versus the environmental
one of the policies and strategies) are in my view good examples of accountability as well as
Administrations and civil society ownerships.
A more integrated approach in wise use of natural resources (as suggested by the Convention on
Biological Diversity Secretariat as well as by the Convention on wetlands) could be an useful solution
for land and water access conflicts resolution and a good example of new model of governance.
According to FAO data (kindly find the reference attached, section 1.1.1 Employment in fisheries: the
official statistics), "more than 180 million people worldwide worked full-time or part-time in capture
fisheries and aquaculture in 2008, including production and secondary activities such as post-harvest
processing and marketing, boat construction and maintenance, making and repairing nets, fishing
gear and processing equipment, and ice production and supply. Nearly half were women, mainly
concentrated in post-harvest work and marketing, but 12 percent of the 44.9 million fishers and fish
farmers (typically considered a male domain) were women", so in the relevant section please do not
forget to include the role of the women in the fisheries sector, too, .
Finally, I would like to stress the need of capacity building in production (post harvest losses reduction
that increase the pressure on the resources without any or low positive impact on the livelihood of the
concerned populations and groups) and value chains strengthening and building.
Hope it is useful
I look forward
Sincerely
Gianluca
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10. Carmen Lahoz, Spain
The Institute of Hunger Studies has recently carried out (commissioned by FAO) a Right to Food
assessment in the ECOWAS region. The assessment includes the analysis of the status and trends of
the food and nutrition security situation, the legal environment of the RtF focusing on legislative
provisions that have relevance for the protection and realisation of the RtF, the regional policies and
programmes and their contribution to the RtF, and the identification of regional institutions and civil
society organizations and their mandates and activities related to the RtF.
Although the assessment does not focus on natural resources, there are some interesting experiences
related to the protection of the environment. In particular I would like to share with you a case that
illustrates the role of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in relation to the violation of the
human rights.
Although the ECOWAS Court is still a young institution, its role is already relevant in human rights
rulings and it has already made significant decisions on matters related to the RtF. One of the most
recent examples of the action of the ECOWAS Court on the realisation of the RtF is the case presented
by a civil society organization against 6 oil companies and the federal government on human rights
violations in the Niger Delta. In this case, the CSO alleged "violations of the right to an adequate
standard of living, including the right to food, work, health, water, life and human dignity, to a clean
and healthy environment, and to economic and social development".
The ECOWAS Court unanimously declared that the Nigerian Government was responsible for the
violation of the people’s RtF, among other rights, in the Niger Delta committed by the oil companies.
According to the ECOWAS Court, the right to a generally satisfactory environment favourable to
development was violated through the deterioration of living conditions in the Niger Delta that
occurred because of the government’s failure to regulate the companies that had despoiled the area.
The ECOWAS Court ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to take all effective measures to ensure
restoration of the Niger Delta environment; to prevent the occurrence of damage to the environment;
and to hold the perpetrators of the environmental damage accountable.
11. Muhammad Ariful Haque, Kamfisht Universe Engineering, Bangladesh
I have found interest about soil made zeer pot project for natural freezing of food by Practical Action
(www.practicalaction.org). I think if we make a case with multiple soil made zeer pot and rapped with
jute fibre or any suitable materials which will save the soil made zeer pot as well as its function of
natural freezing will unchanged, then food glossaries will use it to sale food instead of using Formalin
& other chemicals.
Banks and other financial institutes should finance more on family farming for to fight against using
Formalin & other chemicals in food.
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If government owned unused canals, ponds & almost dead rivers are utilized on Public Private
Partnership (PPP) basis for Floating agriculture, Floating Cage Fish farming & crop processing, then it
will able add more fresh food & money for us. Presently, local banks are financing this type of projects
to the marginal people against BDT10 saving bank account as a part of Green Banking and this scope
should utilize accurately.
Multiple bypass highways connectivity with Trans Global Highway can ensure Regional Balanced
Development'. I believe by “trans global Highway” food price will go down due to this smooth
communication system as well as tons of food will be saved from unexpected rotten having more
market place availability . If possible, in Bangladesh, BIWTC can launch Speed boat service from
district level terminals to Thana level terminals and even if possible village level terminals. It will save
cost of traveling, time, and safe waterways from grabbers. “Food Air transportation Authority” can be
formed to ensure cheap & faster transportation of food.
Sufficient Environment friendly low cost food reservoirs could be set up with the funding of banks and
these storages should not be used to increase food price rather than public interest. We can set up
Digital Multipurpose Water Overhead Open Tank(DMWOOT) with the help of ICT & renewable energy
companies, banks and others to enhance using natural resources by low cost. Controlled Biological
pest control system need to be implemented to avoid chemicals. Bio-fertilizers needed more to avoid
chemical fertilizers.
I think earthquake preventive Rural Multi-storeyed Building project in Delta region can save our
agricultural lands and unplanned urbanization. This will help us a lot to achieve 'Water-Soil Ratio
Balanced (WSBR)' in our Bangladesh. Real-time GIS Spatial Data are needed for setup Rural Multistoreyed Building.
I think, we can Extract Seabed Soil with the help of GIS for land level rising to save from going under
sea due to climate change. If we failed to reduce global warming or unable rise our land level, then we
bound to loss our agricultural lands & habitats.
12. Luisa Cruz and Margret Vidar, Facilitators of the discussion, Italy
Dear Right to Food Forum Members,
Thank you very much for the rich and diverse contributions received so far. We have gathered
concrete experiences from different countries and regions showing efforts towards the realization of
the right to food through a better governance of natural resources.
Some of the inputs of the discussion have underlined the major role of traditional practices that
moved from subsistence towards commercial focus. This is the case of Riverbed Farming as
mentioned by one of our participants from Nepal. This point was also brought to the discussion by
emphasizing that a solid knowledge of traditional land use and an impact assessment of future
legislation is key in order to ensure effective implementation of legal frameworks. It was pointed out
that claims made by traditional communities and their livelihoods should be protected though dispute
resolution mechanisms that are suitable for the context of traditional communities. The importance of
traditional practices and ensuring access to indigenous seeds was highlighted by the participant from
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Kenya who showed also the significance this has for food diversity, which is one of the conditions for
food to be adequate.
The contributions from Bolivia bring concrete evidence on how legislation is being adopted in the
country in order to provide a framework for improving governance of natural resources as a basis for
the realization of the right to food. We noted that the Bolivian Constitution protects the right to food
and the right to water in article16, and we learned about the adoption of the Framework law on
“Mother Earth and Integral Development for Well Being” among the creation of several programs
such as the one addressing adaptation of food security and food sovereignty to climate change.
Another interesting example from Latin America is the contribution from Costa Rica showing current
efforts and proposals for adopting sustainable production policies in the country.
Finally, the experiences from Africa show the importance of taking a participatory approach to the
process of lawmaking as well as an ecosystem based approach applied particularly to the fisheries
sector where the role of women is key. Another contribution noted the need for further institutional
strengthening and capacity development for government and civil society. In terms of accountability
we received a very interesting contribution referring to a recent case of the ECOWAS Court of justice
illustrating how a regional body can intervene to hold both governments (that should ensure
appropriate regulation) and private sector companies accountable for environmental damage and
therefore for the violation of the right to an adequate standard of living including the right to food.
The discussion is still running and we will be more than pleased to receive further contributions till the
15th of September.
Thanks again and best regards,
Luisa Cruz and Margret Vidar Facilitators Luisa Cruz and Margret Vidar FAO Development Law Branch
(LEGN) - Right to Food Team (ESA)
13. José María Medina Rey, PROSALUS, Spain
Estimadas/os amigas/os,
[A continuación, Ed.], aporto algunos comentarios y reflexiones sobre este tema de la gobernanza de
los recursos naturales a raíz del proceso de elaboración de una ley de seguridad alimentaria en Perú,
al que he venido dando seguimiento en los últimos años.
Creo que la gran implicación que ha habido por parte de organizaciones de sociedad civil en este
proceso ha sido un ingrediente importante para el resultado conseguido y deberá seguir siéndolo en
el proceso de aplicación y desarrollo de la ley.
Un cordial saludo
Entre 2011 y 2012 se pusieron en marcha varias iniciativas legislativas relacionadas con este tema en
diversas comisiones parlamentarias del Congreso, varias de las cuales fueron aglutinadas en 2013 en
un solo proyecto de ley de seguridad y soberanía alimentaria residenciado en la Comisión Agraria.
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Después del proceso de tramitación y de los debates realizados en la Comisión Agraria, el 19 de
diciembre de 2013 se votó el proyecto de ley y se aprobó provisionalmente, pendiente de algunos
ajustes. EN junio de 2014 el proyecto de ley ha sido aprobado por el Congreso peruano y ha pasado a
la consideración de la Presidencia del Consejo de Ministros para los pasos finales antes de su entrada
en vigor.
Un primer aspecto a señalar es que, a pesar de que el título es “Ley de Seguridad Alimentaria y
Nutricional”, el texto identifica como objetivo de la ley “reconocer y garantizar el derecho de los
peruanos a una alimentación adecuada y saludable, con énfasis en la población más pobre y
vulnerable” y reconoce la obligación del Estado de “garantizar, respetar, proteger, promover,
desarrollar y monitorear las diversas acciones encaminadas al pleno goce del derecho a una
alimentación adecuada sin discriminación alguna y empleando el máximo posible de sus recursos”, para
lo cual tiene que favorecer y crear condiciones para el progreso social y económico y tomar medidas
específicas inmediatas encaminadas a erradicar la desnutrición y la inseguridad alimentaria y
nutricional, revalorizar los conocimientos locales, mejorar la disponibilidad y el acceso a alimentos,
priorizar a los colectivos más vulnerables, actuando para ello en todos los ámbitos de gobierno.
Aunque esta ley no habla de forma explícita sobre la gobernanza de los recursos naturales, me
parecen interesantes algunos aspectos que, de una u otra forma, incidirán en dicha gobernanza
cuando la ley llegue a su desarrollo y aplicación:
·
Por un lado, la ley hace una apuesta clara por la sostenibilidad en la gestión de los recursos
naturales. Así, entre los objetivos de la política de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional, se alude a
algunos que guardan relación con esta dimensión, como por ejemplo, “fomentar de manera especial la
producción orgánica y ecológica de forma sostenible y diversificada, defendiendo la biodiversidad y el
ambiente” y “garantizar la investigación científica, tecnológica y productiva para conocer y revalorar los
recursos naturales que aseguren la alimentación, la resistencia al cambio climático, la accesibilidad
socio cultural, su acceso económico y aporte nutricional”. De esta forma, ya se está marcando unos
parámetros interesantes para la gobernanza de los recursos naturales, en clave de sostenibilidad.
·
Por otro lado, la ley da prioridad de forma explícita a la agricultura familiar y campesina,
señalando que señala que el Estado valora y protege los conocimientos y buenas prácticas de los
pequeños y medianos productores agrarios, respetando sus culturas, modos de producción y manejo
de la biodiversidad bajo el enfoque de interculturalidad. Entre los objetivos de la política de seguridad
alimentaria y nutricional, se alude a algunos que guardan relación con este modelo de agricultura,
como por ejemplo, “propiciar condiciones favorables para los pequeños y medianos productores del país
orientada a la reducción de la dependencia alimentaria”, “promover la generación del valor agregado y
los encadenamientos productivos aprovechando los recursos naturales y las ventajas competitivas del
país” y “promover la participación activa y coordinada de los productores, comercializadores y
consumidores para la vigilancia del cumplimiento de la normatividad sobre seguridad alimentaria y
nutricional”.
Además, al definir los objetivos técnicos y sectoriales, se señala, entre otras cosas que, de cara a
garantizar la disponibilidad de alimentos, se dará prioridad a los productos alimentarios provenientes
de la pequeña producción agropecuaria y de pescadores artesanales, así como al desarrollo de
apropiados canales de comercialización y abastecimiento. Esta apuesta por la agricultura familiar
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demandará una determinada gobernanza de los recursos naturales en cuyos esquemas de política
tenga un lugar preferente garantizar el acceso a recursos de los pequeños productores.
14. Malou Ibita, Philippines
Dear Right to Food Team,
Thanks for all your hard work. Here is an example from the Philippines. Here is the link: Making
farming work in the big city (http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/68611-urban-farmingquezon-city).
I hope this helps!
Wishing you the best in all your endeavours.
God bless,
Malou Ibita
15. Kondwani Hara, Centre for Social Concern, Malawi
Agriculture, the mainstay of Malawi’s economy, is heavily dependent on weather especially natural
rainfall, which is now being affected by effects of climate change. There is a direct linkage between
climate change and health, especially linked to infant malnutrition. Almost in every season, Malawi
experiences dry spells which affect overall agricultural production. Low yields lead to household food
insecurity. Household food insecurity affect under 5 children, breast feeding mothers and expectant
women. Children, under 5 years old need adequate and nutritious food since they are fast growing;
breast feeding mother need enough food for her maintenance and milk production and expectant
women also need adequate and nutritious food for their body maintenance and the growing foetus.
In Malawi, there is wanton cutting down of trees for various uses and for charcoal production and
these have led to deforestation. Forest officials all the time confisticate truck loads of charcoal bags at
road blocks but traders seem not to stop. The problem is that we do not a clear policy that prohibits
production of charcoal.
Careless cutting down of trees has made firewood to be scarce and this has heavily affected women
and girls since they have to travel long distances to fetch for firewood; it was not so few years ago.
Climate change has also brought the problem of erratic rainfall, lowering the water table. Women
have to travel long distance in search for water.
The Right to adequate food has been hindered by the following 2 issues

Low agricultural production: since natural resources have been depleted, rains are not reliable,
leading to low agricultural production, which further lead to household food insecurity. With
this scenario, access to food is not realised by household individuals and their Right to
Adequate food is not achieved. Depletion of natural resources means that firewood for
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cooking become scarce and found far away; this will make women to travel low distances in
search for firewood. Introduction of low fuel saving technologies will help to lessen the time
women spend on fetching of firewood and water and adequate time will be allocated to crop
and livestock production. Policies that will help to increase the rate of adoption of fuel saving
technologies

Overburdening of women (multiple roles): almost 70% of agricultural production in Malawi is
done by women, yet, they are also involved in other productive and reproductive roles in the
society. This has heavily affected agricultural production in Malawi. Again low production leads
to household food insecurity, and at the end of it all, the Right to Adequate food is not
achieved. The same here, introduction and strengthening the use of low fuel saving
technologies will help to lessen the time women spend in fetching for firewood. An example is
the use of fireless cookers and clay stoves.
Another natural resource which has been affected is the land and its consistituents. Due to cutting
down of trees and other vegetation, the land has been left bare and it is vulnerable to soil erosion;
leading to loss of soil fertility. Loss of soil fertility is affecting agricultural production. Conservation
Agriculture (CA) has proven to be a very important practice that has helped some farmers, especially
early adopters to have bumper harvest. To those who practice it, their right to food is achieved
despite dry spells. There is low CA adoption by smallholder farmers in Malawi as evidenced by
research findings. Increasing the awareness on CA which has proved to be a good mitigation measure
to climate change effects on agriculture will help people to realise their right to adequate food. This
has to be in the country’s legal framework.
16. Kimbowa Richard, Uganda
In East Africa, there are a mix of achievements and challenges related to the governance of natural
resources towards the progress realization of the right to food. As the East African Sustainability
Watch Network, we have been assessing level of implementation of the East African Community in
implementing the East African Community (EAC) Climate Change Policy since 2012 (based on 3
livelihood areas - rural energy supply, water supply and sanitation; and recently food security and
nutrition).
This year we have added on another level in terms of developing a 'Sustainable Development Score
card related to key commitments on fisheries, nutrition and food security in Uganda, Kenya and
Tanzania (May 2014)'. This was based on the East African Food Security Action Plan (2010 – 2015)
where the East African Partner States made commitments to address food insecurity in the region, as
the initial step of implementing the provisions of the EAC Treaty as set out in Chapter 18 Articles 105 110
For example, from this Scorecard (0 to 3 with 3 being the highest), East Africa is not faring well in
terms of establishment and strengthening food market infrastructure; supporting development of
fisheries infrastructure; improve management of natural resources for sustainable production;
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emergency food aid liked to long-term development of food supply system; promotion of compliance
to agreed mgmt decisions among others.
In relation to a commitment to improve management of natural resources (land, water, fisheries and
forest) in order to ensure sustainable production in all the 3 countries poor coordination /
fragmentation of roles amongst implementing agencies dealing with natural resources ranks high (1)
Please find more about the East African Sustainability Watch's 'Sustainable Development Score Card
related to key commitments on fisheries, Nutrition and food security in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya
(May 2014)
http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/righttofood/sites/default/files/ea_suswatch_network_score_card__eac_food_security_action_plan_-_may_2014.pdf
17. Luisa Cruz and Margret Vidar, Facilitators of the discussion, Italy
Dear Right to Food Forum Members,
Many thanks for all the valuable contributions received during the past weeks. We are very pleased to
have facilitated an exchange of so many interesting developments related to the governance of
natural resources and its contribution towards the realization of the right to food.
Your comments approached this topic from a wide variety of angles. Some of them showed the
importance of natural resources legislation and the direct linkages with food security laws that are
being adopted in different countries. There is a need for keeping a consistent approach in both legal
areas in order to achieve effective results. The Peru example showed how the food security and
nutrition law adopts an approach that considers sustainability and family farming as major objectives
to be attained trough the governance of natural resources. Also, in this example the participation of
civil society was flagged as an important ingredient for ownership and effective implementation of
legislation. Other countries that shared legal experiences were Bolivia and India. Participation and
inclusive processes were underlined as a cornerstone for a good governance of natural resources as
well as for the realization of the right to food. The example of a participatory process for the
development of fisheries legislation in Mali was mentioned by one of the participants.
Another aspect that was dealt with in the discussion was the importance of traditional practices as a
basis for sustainability and biodiversity. We received some relevant contributions from Nepal, Costa
Rica, and Kenya. Beyond tradition, innovative strategies were flagged in the Philippines, bringing to
the discussion urban agriculture as a strategy for food production.
Beyond the positive developments achieved so far, key challenges are still to be addressed. Climate
change and the scarcity of natural resources such as forests and water is one of those key issues
mentioned in the discussion. The contribution from Malawi illustrates how erratic rainfall is affecting
the availability of water for food production. It also highlighted how women are particularly affected
since they need to walk longer distances for the collection of the resources needed for their
households. The same is happening with firewood for cooking that is becoming scarce as a
consequence of deforestation. This example shows that strong regulation and enforcement
mechanisms are needed to ensure a sustainable management of natural resources. Climate change
and weak governance can seriously affect food production and nutrition.
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Despite those challenges, regional efforts in the African continent show illustrative examples towards
improved governance of natural resources. We noted how the East African Partner States made
commitments to address food insecurity in the region by adopting the East African Community
Climate Change Policy and the East African Community Food Security Action Plan. These regional
policy frameworks are tangible efforts towards sustainable development in the EAC region through
harmonized and coordinated regional strategies, programs and actions to respond to climate change
and food insecurity. This example shows also the important role that plays civil society in assessing the
implementation of such policy frameworks. The EA SusWatch Network -a network of NGOs from
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania- developed a sustainable Development Score Card related to key
commitments on fisheries, nutrition and food security in those three countries. At the regional level,
we also gathered relevant contributions showing how accountability mechanisms such as regional
courts in ECOWAS are addressing environmental damages from a right to food approach, by
recognizing the responsibilities of the private sector towards this human right and the obligations of
Governments to protect and adopt measures to fulfill the right to food.
We want to thank all of you again for these inputs that will certainly contribute for an enriching
discussion during the retrospective review that will take place during the next CFS in October. The
Right to Food Guideline 8 contains recommendations for a good governance of natural resources that
are still valid today taking into consideration major challenges such as climate change, scarcity of
natural resources and a commercial pressure on natural resources that affect the realization of the
right to food, particularly of the most vulnerable groups. The RTF Guidelines remain highly relevant
and are now also complemented by others, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
People and the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and
Forests in the Context of National Food Security.
With best regards,
Luisa Cruz and Margret Vidar FAO
Legal Officers/Facilitators of the current discussion
FAO Development Law Branch (LEGN) - Right to Food Team (ESA)
Right to Food Forum  http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/righttofood