As concerns regarding the global agricultural and food system continue to grow, combating food insecurity remains a major challenge in many societies. The acceleration of climate change, conflicts, and inflation are all challenges that directly impact food systems and, more importantly, the access of the most vulnerable to sufficient and sustainable food.
In this context, how can we ensure access to sufficient and sustainable nutrition for all? What sustainable measures are being implemented at the local level? What levers exist for local and regional governments to provide long-term solutions? How can international political processes be influenced to guarantee the right to food for all?
Local and regional governments worldwide have been mobilizing for years to deploy solutions adapted to their context and the specific needs of their populations as we face increasingly severe food insecurity.
With the financial support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contributions from the World Sustainable Urban Food Center of Valencia (CEMAS), CGLU commissioned the non-profit organization Let’s Food to develop a study highlighting the key role of local and regional governments in combating food insecurity and ensuring access to nutrition as a means of transforming our food systems.
Ten pioneering experiences are reviewed, highlighting how local and regional governments forge alliances with a variety of actors to support the most vulnerable populations and ensure food security for all. From the establishment of a “food social security” system in Montpellier (France) to support for school canteens in Rufisque (Senegal), these initiatives demonstrate communities’ commitment to addressing the challenges of food insecurity.
Available online in French, English, and Spanish, this publication presents not only experiments conducted by governments worldwide but also offers reflections on global solutions. These ideas are accompanied by a set of recommendations tailored to governments and international institutions.
The study is complemented by the insightful perspectives of experts Thierry Giordano from CIRAD and Rebeca Monroy Torres from the University of Guanajuato. This in-depth exploration aims to highlight the unwavering efforts of the collective of local and regional governments to advance the commitments of the CGLU Pact for the Future, ultimately aspiring to create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient world.