14. Options Towards Environmentally Sustainable Food Systems-.pdf

Options Towards Environmentally Sustainable Food Systems Romy Chammas M.Sc Summer 2024  Introduction Generally, the natural resources that are used by food systems are neither managed sustainably nor efficiently. T...

Options Towards Environmentally Sustainable Food Systems Romy Chammas M.Sc Summer 2024  Introduction Generally, the natural resources that are used by food systems are neither managed sustainably nor efficiently. The increasing food demand due to population growth and growing prosperity will further increase the pressure on these resources. Moreover, the food system leads to a number of environmental impacts, such as biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn weaken food production. This chapter will discuss the available options to enhance the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources. However, it is important to note that food systems vary widely around the world. There are large differences in the challenges and opportunities with regards to natural resources as well as in the ways to achieve progress in overcoming these challenges.  Options Towards Environmentally Sustainable Food Systems The goals for sustainable food systems from a natural resource (environmental) perspective (Table 11): Sustainable use of renewable resources: not degrading them and not compromising them for future generations Efficient use of all resources Producing more food with the same amount of resources Producing the same amount of food with fewer resources Low environmental impacts from the food system activities  Options Towards Environmentally Sustainable Food Systems A large number of options are available to make food systems more sustainable in terms of resource use. Some of these options not only result in a positive effect on the natural resource itself, but could also have a positive effect on other natural resources or environmental impacts. For example: Better nitrogen management will not only lead to improved mineral efficiency, but it might also lead to better water quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing food waste will reduce overall demand, thereby reducing all environmental impacts by food systems.  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Land Many biophysical interventions exist to enhance the sustainable and efficient use of land, landscapes, and soils. For example, soil amelioration helps improve sustainability and efficiency, although tensions may also exist between the short- term goal of high yields (efficiency) and the long-term goal of sustainable use. Given the large varieties in soil, climatic and socio-economic conditions, there are no universal solutions, but rather each solution should be tailored to the local context.  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Land Options for a more sustainable management of land, landscapes, and soils: Maintenance of soil organic matter content because of its role in soil biodiversity, water-holding capacity, and nutrient supply. Soil organic matter content can be maintained by a regular supply of organic substances like plant residues, manure, and compost. At the landscape level, maintenance or reintroduction of landscape elements and other ‘natural’ areas, which can provide valuable ecosystem services (Scherr & McNeely, 2008) Prevention of overgrazing and restoration of degraded rangelands  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Land Options for a more sustainable management of land, landscapes, and soils (Cont’d): Prevention of soil erosion by: ✓ Keeping the soil covered, for example by growing plants or mulching with leaves ✓ Terracing ✓ Windbreaks ✓ Maintenance of landscape features, such as trees Avoiding contamination of soil by chemicals or waste, the sources of which include agriculture, industry, and landfills ❖These features also help to provide other ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and water and nutrient regulation.  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Land Options for a more efficient management of land and soils: Sustainable intensification: simultaneously improving the productivity and sustainable management of natural resources Higher crop yields per unit of land, while minimizing or eliminating adverse environmental impacts As in most cases, this will mean a better targeted input of other resources (water, minerals, seeds). More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Water Options for a more sustainable management of fresh water: No depletion of groundwater resources (aquifers) Preventing pollution, contamination, and overuse of water Options for a more efficient use of fresh water: Increasing the crop yield per unit of water  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Water Irrigation Systems: An important component is to make more water available to crops when it is most needed. For example: during flowering This usually requires far less water than full-scale irrigation. In some areas, small-scale managed water technologies can be introduced, such as low-cost drip irrigation and small affordable pumps.  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Water To reduce the pressures on fresh water resources, it is also advised to use other sources like treated wastewater, provided that this water is free of contaminants. Also, rainwater harvesting is a useful technique in some areas.  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Biodiversity A more sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services can be achieved mainly by reducing pressures on these natural resources. Important goals are the maintenance of ecosystem integrity and stimulation of the resilience of ecosystems.  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Biodiversity Options for a more sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystem services: No degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services by reducing deforestation, overgrazing, land conversion, etc… Conservation or reintroduction of landscape elements, such as wetlands, hedges, and other more natural areas Agricultural diversification practices such as agroforestry, multi- cropping, and crop rotations Reduced and more targeted use of pesticides  More Sustainable and Efficient Use of Biodiversity For a more efficient use of biodiversity and ecosystem services, food system actors should maintain or even improve food production while relying more on ecosystem services such as: Pest and disease control Pollination Nutrient and water cycling In this way, a more efficient and sustainable use of ecosystem services would potentially implicate a shift from current high- input agricultural systems to systems that profit more from ecosystem services.  More Efficient Use of Minerals Options for a more efficient use of nutrients are to improve fertilizer efficiency at the crop level through: Soil testing Appropriate amount and timing of fertilizers based on crop requirements → ‘Precision agriculture’ Replacing mineral fertilizers with animal manure and organic matter (crop residues, compost, and green manure) Conserving soil to reduce nutrient losses  More Efficient Use of Minerals Options for a more efficient use of nutrients are to improve fertilizer efficiency at the crop level through (Cont’d): Better recycling of minerals from food losses and wastes, leading to a return flow of minerals from urban to rural areas The final steps involve the minerals from human excreta and other sources in sewage systems. The first concern is that these minerals should not be released into freshwater or coastal systems, where they might cause serious pollution issues. Secondly, recycling of the minerals increases the overall nutrient efficiency.  More Efficient Use of Fossil Fuels Options for a more efficient use of fossil fuels: Reducing energy-use and improving energy efficiency at all stages: ✓ Reducing the use of energy-intensive equipment, such as for cooling ✓ Reducing transport, especially energy-intensive transport like air freight ✓ Changing diets and lifestyle (lower consumption of products that need cooling for instance) Switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or bioenergy (biofuel).  More Efficient Use of Fossil Fuels However, the use of bioenergy, particularly biofuels, as an alternative for fossil fuels has several disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration. A higher demand for biofuels will add to the need of expanding cropland to meet growing food demand, and also creates risks of higher food prices. Expansion of cropland may also be at the expense of forests (deforestation). In addition, several environmental effects are associated with growing biofuel crops, such as increased eutrophication and water quality problems. (UNEP, 2009)  Pathways Towards Environmentally- Sustainable Food Systems Three governance dynamics or ‘pathways’ have the power to reshape current food systems, and hence their interactions with natural resources. These governance dynamics or pathways are: ✓ Improvements by governments and international institutions ✓ Adaptations by food system actors ✓ Alternative (niche) innovators The 3 governance dynamics are not mutually exclusive but usually co-evolve alongside each other. The interplay and synergies among these 3 pathways could create a significant effect towards more sustainable food systems.