Schools and Food Security

Schools have the potential of providing students with adequate and nutritious food, while also providing education to strengthen food security in their local communities and globally. The linked video below explores how schools can contribute to food security and nutrition. We invite you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Schools can contribute to making the right to food a reality

Discussion Points

• How can schools directly and indirectly impact food security and nutrition?
• Of the ways that schools can impact food security and nutrition highlighted in the video, which do you find the most important? Are there any ways highlighted that surprised you? Explain your reasonings.
• Reflect on schools in your local area. Do they contribute to food security? What are nutritional standards? How does your school compare to schools in different parts of the world?

Improving Production, Nutrition, Environment, and Life in Panama

Panama is making great strides in improving its agriculture production and practices in collaboration with others. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations created the video linked below to share Panama's story. We encourage you to watch the video and utilize the discussions points below to strike up conversations with others around the globe. 

Panama Advances

Discussion Points

• Examine the video footage? What do you notice about everyday life and agriculture in Panama? What is similar and different from your home area?
• Throughout the video, four main points are shared in blue text: Better production, Better nutrition, Better environment, and Better life. How do these four areas tie together? What does this look like in Panama? Who does this look like in your home region?
• Of all the initiatives and projects highlighted in the video which ones do you feel could have the greatest impact and why?

#FoodPrize20

 It is World Food Prize week! In past years leaders and experts in agriculture, food, and nutrition from around the globe gather in Des Moines, Iowa (USA) in mid-October. In our current times we are called to gather in a virtual community. This year, like past years, has provided an excellent opportunity to learn from one another and create positive change in the world around us at home and abroad. We encourage you to discuss some of the impactful quotes shared throughout the week, so far, and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations with others around the globe. 

Discussion Points

• Of the quotes shared below, which quotes grab your attention and why?
• Identify a quote (or a couple quotes) from below that apply to you currently (or you can relate to). How and why does this quote/quotes apply to you and/or your local community?
• Are there any quotes that you disagree with or would like to challenge further? Explain.
• Pick a quote to explore further. Let the quote lead you to further research. Share your findings with others. 

Translating Climate Science to Action

• "The climate crisis is here right now. It is getting worse. We have the solutions. It is already drastically impacting farmers. You all, particularly the young people, give me hope, that we can and we will solve the climate crisis." Al Gore, Former Vice President of the United States
• "Humans are the mirror image of the land we live upon." Dr. Rattan Lal, Distinguished Professor at The Ohio State University

Carbon Sequestration, Sustainability in Agriculture, and the Rise of Carbon Markets

• "When I harvest, I harvest the crop, I harvest information, and I harvest CO2 from the atmosphere. That is a win-win-win, not just a win-win." Gabriel Carballal, Farmer from Uruguay
• "Farmers are the world's largest group of land stewards." Sally Rockey, Executive Director of Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research

Investment Innovations for Food Systems Transformation

• "I believe that finance and investment has got to come from all sources." Ted McKinney, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign agricultural Affairs, US Department of Agriculture
• "The people need the planet; the planet doesn't need people." Hillary Barry, Founder and Secretary General, LadyAgri Impact Investment Hub

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Engagement in Food Systems

• "Disseminating science has never been more challenging than in the current landscape." Alex Lamm, Associate Professor at the University of Georgia
• "We are all consumers of information and media and we must train ourselves to distinguish reliable sources from unreliable information and sources." Adam Roberts, Midwest Correspondent with The Economist

Safe, Affordable, Nutritious Food Year Round: Global Aspirations to Local Application for Nutrition

• "In order to feed, in order to produce food, for 10 billion people by 2050...what the world needs is to add an additional 450 million hectares of planting nutrient dense foods and 630 million less hectares of nutrient deficient foods." Pedro Sanchez, 2002 World food Prize Laureate
• "Poor diets are not simply a matter of personal choices. Many people cannot access or afford nutritious food." Renata Micha, Chair of the Independent Expert Group, Global Nutrition Report

Keynote: H.E. Gilbert Houngbo

• "If the women were to have the same productive resources, in agriculture, as men we would have 150 million less people suffering from malnutrition and hunger." H.E. Gilbert Houngbo, President of International Fund for agricultural Development
• "Economic and environmental development must go hand in hand." H.E. Gilbert Houngbo

Remarks from 2020 Laureate

• "Science is useless if it does not serve humanity." Dr. Rattan Lal
• "I believe that helping people, plants, animals, and ecosystems is one and indivisible." Dr. Rattan Lal

Do not let the conversations end here. Jump on social media using #FoodPrize20 to engage further!

The First 1,000 Days

This week I am in Anaheim, California at the National Association of Agricultural Educators conference. This is always a spectacular week of professional development and celebration of spectacular agricultural educators. One of the workshops presented yesterday was titled "The First 1,000 Days: A case study of cross-curricular global engagement around authentic problems" presented by Darla Romberger, Dr. Daniel Foster, and Dr. Melanie Miller Foster. This workshop revolved around a multi-day lesson developed by Darla focusing on the book by Roger Thurow, The First 1,000 Days. As part of the lesson Darla shared a video from Roger and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Linked below is the video that was shared and discussion points to guide conversations around the globe!

The First 1,000 Days by Roger Thurow

Discussion Points

• Explain what the "First 1,000 Days" are. Why are the "First 1,000 Days" so important?
•  Roger Thurow shares the following quote in the video, "A lost chance at greatness for one, is a lost chance for all." What does this quote mean to you?
• What is agriculture's role in the "First 1,000 Days?"
• Is fighting malnutrition in the "First 1,000 Days" restricted to just developing countries or certain parts of the world? Explain your thoughts.
• What can you do in your local community to make others aware of the importance of the "First 1,000 Days?"

World Food Prize Reflections

Last week I was able to attend a week of World Food Prize events in Des Moines, Iowa and we were even able to host a Laureate Lecture on campus in Waterloo. The week is always filled with incredible and inspiring learning opportunities. Throughout the week I took note of many pieces of information and quotes shared. Below you will find a small selection of some quotes I took note of. I encourage you to read through the quotes below and challenge you to discuss with others around the globe!

Challenge:

1. Read each quote individually.
2. Pick at least two quotes to think about and analyze further, in regards to solving world hunger and malnutrition and/or improving agriculture around the globe.
3. Share your thoughts: Discuss with others, raise awareness on social media, create a poster to share with your class/school, and/or take action.

"When rebuilding after conflict nothing can be accomplished until we eat. We must have food in our stomach before anything else." H.E. Chanthol Sun

"We can do well by doing good. Profit and fulfilling a mission can be done together." Polly Ruhland

"We are very good at describing a world we do not want, but we are not very good at describing the world we do want. We must have a vision." Roy Steiner

"Can we feed nine billion people by 2045? When I look at the science and technology I am optimistic, but the pessimistic side of me is concerned by the role politics and regulations play." Chris Nelson

"It's about feeding the world, without starving the earth." Liam Condon

"We all must work off the same data and information before change can happen." Sara Menker

"All lives have equal value, but not all lives have equal opportunities." Roger Voorhies

"In a world with less and less certainty we need more diversity (seed and plant)." Lawrence Haddad

Agriculture Change in Small Island Developing States

Natural disasters, climate change, and numerous other challenges face many small island developing states such as the Comoros, Cabo Verde, Samoa, and others. Through many programs farmers and producers in these small island developing states are looking for opportunities in agriculture to improve the livelihoods of citizens within the country. Linked below is an article that highlights initiatives in small island developing states around the globe and includes a video highlighting the fishing industry in Cabo Verde. We encourage you to read the linked article, view the short video, and utilize the discussion points below to engage in conversations with others around the globe!

Something to Crow About in the Comoros

Discussion Points

• What are some of the major challenges facing small island developing states? 
• What initiatives are being implemented around the globe to help farmers in small island developing states? Of all the initiatives mentioned which do you feel has the greatest potential and why?
• What additional initiatives would you like to see implemented and why would they be beneficial?
• After viewing the video "Our Islands, Our Oceans - Cabo Verde," what do you see as the biggest challenge facing the island and what do you see as the best potential solutions? Explain your thoughts.

Market Benefits Consumers and Farmers

This week we highlight a recent video from Market to Market that shares a unique farmers market structure in Wisconsin.  We encourage you to watch the video at the linked web page below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe!

Non-profit Serves Both Consumers and Farmers

Discussion Points

• What unique components of this farmers market structure make it successful for both consumers and farmers?
• How does this farmers market help bring an international feel to Wisconsin? 
• Could your local community benefit from a similar type of market structure? Why or why not? 
• If you were in charge of the Fondy Food Center and Farm what would you do to grow the program and how would you do it?

World Diets: Beef or beans?

Diets around the globe vary in their make up greatly. A recent study shows we need to cut down on the beef and increase the beans in our diets. However, this does not come without some controversy. We encourage you to read the article linked below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the world!

Less Beef, More Beans. Experts Say the World Needs a New Diet.

Discussion Points

• What stuck out to you the most from this article and why?
• Besides health reasons what other factors determine diets around the world?
• There is a quote in the article that states, "The evidence is not as strong as it seems to be." Why is this statement made? 
• What are the ramifications to the world in general if there are massive shifts in diet? 
• If there were to be a major change in diets around the world how does this happen? How do you convince people of this?

Preparing to Feed Growing Urban Populations

Recently for the first time in the history of our world there are more people living in urban areas than rural areas. This number is only going to continue to grow. This brings challenges of feeding our world in a sustainable fashion. Watch the linked video below and utilize the discussion points provided to reflect and guide conversations around the globe!

How will we prepare our towns and cities for a sustainable future?

Discussion Points

• What did you find most surprising from this video and why?
• At one point in the video many possible solutions are shared from more jobs for women to better income for farmers and more. Review these potential solutions. Which do you feel is the most important and why?
• Of the solution you chose in the previous discussion point, how do we achieve this solution?
• How are cities around the world working together to address this issue? 

European Scientists Call for Change

A recent report put out by scientists in Europe is calling for analysis and change in our agriculture systems. I have linked an article below that shares some of their findings and calls for action. We encourage you to read over the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations in your clasrrooms and communities around the globe!

Call for Urgent Action on Food Security

Discussion Points

• Why do these scientists see a need for change in our agriculture systems? How do they justify these needed changes?
• Under the heading "Food consumption will need to change to improve consumer health:" there are several points shared for change. Of these which do you feel has the greatest potential for change and impact? Explain your response.
• Under this same heading which do you feel has the least potential for change and why?
• There are many scientific advancements and technologies that can attribute to a change in our agriculture systems mentioned in this article. Which practice/technology stuck out to you as the most promising?Justify your response.
• Overall what was your take-a-ways from this article? Do you agree? Disagree? Why?

Forests and Food Security

Forests play a vital role in food security and nutrition around the globe. Linked below is a video that explores the impact of forests on food security and nutrition along with the interaction between traditional production agriculture and forestry. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations in your classrooms and communities! When we travel abroad with students and farmers this is often a topic of discussion.

Sustainable Forestry for Food Security and Nutrition

Discussion Points

• Why are forests so important to food security and nutrition?
• Of the many benefits that forests provide for food security and nutrition which do you feel is the most important and why?
• Many facts were shared in the video. Which fact surprised you the most (or did you find most interesting) and why?
• Towards the end of the video integrating production agriculture and forestry was stressed. Do some additional research and find how this is being done around the globe. Share your findings with others. 

Dairy and Asian Nutrition

What hunger and nutrition looks like is changing in Asia. The article linked below takes a look at hunger and nutrition trends and issues in Asia. We encourage you to read the linked article and have conversations with others around the globe utilizing the discussion points provided.

Dairy Potential Ally in Asian Nutrition

Discussion Points

• What has been the trend in regards to hunger in Asia in the last 25 years and why have we seen this?
• How are diets and health changing in Asia and why?
• What is the difference between hunger and malnutrition?
• Why are small dairy farmers in Asia key to battling malnutrition?
• What are additional ways that nutrition can be improved in Asia as well as your local community?
• Often times people will state that "healthy food starts with a healthy soil." What does this statement mean to you?

African Agricultural Development

Recently the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations held a side event at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development that highlighted agriculture development as a key tool in providing peace and resolve to conflicted areas in Africa. Read the linked article summarizing this event below and utilize the discussion points provided to spark conversations around the globe!

No Peace Without Freedom From Want

Discussion Points

• The director of the FAO emphasized the importance of agriculture development in keeping peace and resolving conflict. How would you justify this statement (how does agriculture do this)?
• Why is the UN so focused on bringing peace to this area (what percentage of UN peacekeeping missions take place in this area)?
• What successes have been seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo in regards to agriculture development? Do you believe these success can be duplicated throughout Africa? Explain your reasoning.
• Explain what the Initiative for Food and Nutrition Security in Africa is focused on. In your mind what needs to be done to make sure this initiative is successful?
• Why do you believe Tokyo would be so interested in African development?

Global Food Security: Why Science Matters

The middle of October the Global Agriculture Learning Center at Hawkeye Community College hosted David Lambert as he presented his lecture "A Closer Look at Global Food Security: Why Science Matters" as part of the World Food Prize Lecture Series. David hit on many of hot topics relating to global food security ranging from climate change to child nutrition. Linked below is David's lecture. It is about 45 minutes in length. Unfortunately, David passed away just a few days after sharing his lecture with us. In his honor I encourage you to share his lecture with others and start discussion around global food security.

David Lambert's Lecture

Discussion Points (Feel free to share these points and questions ahead of time to guide notes while watching.)

• Why should we even care about hunger around the world?
• What does hunger look like in the United States and around the world? What facts surprised you?
• What role does science play in global food security?
• Explain the concept behind "1,000 Days."
• What does agriculture's global footprint look like?
• What facts were shared regarding climate change?
• What has history and science said about the safety of biotechnology and genetically modified foods? Explain.
• How does food loss and waste factor into global food security?
• David shared the best policy solutions for global food security. Which policy/policies that he shared do you feel has the biggest potential for a positive impact and why?

World Food Prize Comes to Hawkeye

Today we were honored to have David Lambert from Washington D.C. on campus to share his lecture "A Closer Look at Global Food Security: Why Science Matters" as part of the World Food Prize Lecture Series. David is is an internationally recognized advocate for global food security. A former senior vice president of the New York Stock Exchange, he was President Clinton’s appointee as Foreign Agricultural Service counselor in Rome from 1999-2003. He serves as a distinguished fellow for Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center. As principal for Lambert Associates, he provides strategic policy advice on global food security, child nutrition, food safety, and agricultural biotechnology.

David shared issues impacting and facing global food security. He covered everything from climate change to nutrition to biotechnology. He went on to challenge those in attendance to encourage a culture change to cut down on food waste as 40% of food never reaches a human stomach for various reasons. Watch in future weeks for a video of David's lecture. We will share this video on our blog when it is available.

Click to View David's PowerPoint

Above David is pictured with administration, faculty, and staff from the Global Agriculture Learning Center and Hawkeye Community College.This lecture series offered by the World Food Prize is part of the World Food Prize being held in Des Moines this week. On Wednesday students and faculty will travel to Des Moines for the Borlaug Dialogue and World Food Prize. Watch for nightly recaps and updates from the events in Des Moines to expand conversations around the globe!