‘Systems’ transformation key to food security’
Agriculture, the biggest employing sector, supports Pakistan’s economy and addresses food security challenges. However, this sector did not improve during the last three decades and was adversely impacted by climate change, urbanization and population growth”. This was revealed in the report titled ‘Solving the Great Puzzle: Pakistan’ launched during the National Multistakeholder Dialogue on Food Systems.
WWF-Pakistan organised the launching event at a local hotel in Islamabad on Tuesday.
According to the report, an average Pakistani household spends around 50 per cent of their monthly income on food, making them particularly vulnerable to shocks including high food prices. It also indicated that Pakistan has the highest rate of malnutrition in the South Asian region. The report recommends that employing a place-based approach, actions may be taken to transform our food systems.
The report revealed that crop yields over recent years have suffered from water availability issues which are expected to worsen over the coming decades. It also warned that rising population and warmer temperatures resulting from climate change will affect the agriculture sector.
The report recommended steps for the transformation of the food system in Pakistan, which can be achieved through improvement of natural resource management, enhancement of governance models, promotion of scientific knowledge and increase in public awareness and re-direction of agriculture-related subsidies. It further proposed that large improvements in supply chains and transportation systems are required to reduce food losses and waste which will help ensure food safety and improve production quality.
The one-day multistakeholder workshop aimed to foster a comprehensive dialogue on the transformation of food systems in Pakistan, strengthening national, sub-national goals and international commitments.
WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan said that Pakistan is primarily an agrarian economy, but food security is increasingly becoming a concern due to increasing population and climate change vulnerabilities. He highlighted the role of WWF-Pakistan in creating more sustainable food systems and livelihoods. He further mentioned that the report provided key insights into transforming food systems to ensure food security and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
Ministry of Food Security and Research Food Commissioner Dr Saleem Mohsen said that it is pivotal to investigate the intricacies of food systems, particularly within the context of Pakistan. “We must learn from global best practices and understand the need for localisation of initiatives to resolve local issues”, he added.