Food Supply at Risk?

Our agrifood systems are being challenged daily by a variety of factors. Linked below is a story that provides the opportunity to explore agrifood systems and the challenges that they face. We encourage you to explore the linked story below, from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and strike up conversations with others around the globe. 

Is our food supply at risk?

Discussion Points

• What surprised you most from exploring this story and why?
• There are many factors that can stress our agrifood systems (i.e. pandemic, climate, conflict, logistics, etc.). Which factor/s do you believe provide/s the greatest threats to our agrifood systems and why?
• An emphasis of "diversity" was described to protect our agrifood systems. Do you see this diversity (as described) in the agrifood systems where you live? Is there potential room for greater diversity?
• Towards the end of the story there is a section on, what can be done to improve and protect agrifood systems. Of these ideas shared which do you feel is the best tactic for your home area? Does this look different in other areas of the world? Explain your reasonings.

Acute Hunger on the Rise

Many will agree that the last year has provided great challenges for many. Challenges around hunger have been magnified in some parts of the world. Recently a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Programme was released highlighting the challenges facing our world regarding "hunger hotspots." We invite you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to encourage conversations with others.

Acute hunger set to soar in over 20 countries

Discussion Points

• What from this article stuck with you or surprised you? Why?
• There were several key drivers of acute food insecurity that were shared. Which do you feel provides the greatest threat to food security and why?
• Of the threat you identified what are potential solutions? How do we create change?
• There seemed to be great focus on immediate aid which is needed. How do we work towards more sustainable change and improvement over a long period of time? 

A Conversation with Hunger

We often envision hunger as a problem that exists in far off countries and unknown lands, but the reality is that hunger is everywhere. A couple weeks back we highlighted a poetry contest around hunger as a part of #GLAG21.  Recently Roger Thurow authored a piece highlighting a poem by AaronR the Poet inspired by Hiram Larew's Poetry X Hunger. You are encouraged to read the linked post and watch the video included. Following we invite you to utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations with others around the globe.

Talking Back to Hunger

Discussion Points

• What resonated with you from the blog entry or video and why?
• What does hunger look like in your home area? What does it look like in other parts of the world? Compare and contrast the two visions you have.
• "Having food to eat shouldn't be a privilege, but a basic life necessity." What does this line from the poem mean to you?
• How can we combat hunger both locally and globally in a sustainable manner? Share your thoughts and reflect on others. 

We challenge you to take action!

Empowering Women in Agriculture

 Women are essential to the success of agriculture, but yet face many boundaries and challenges in agriculture. At the Borlaug Dialogue as part of the World Food Prize last week H.E. Gilbert Houngbo (President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development) shared the following, "If women were to have the same productive resources, in agriculture, as men we would have 150 million less people suffering from malnutrition and hunger." Below is a video that was shared a couple days ago by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations celebrating International Rural Women's Day. We encourage you to watch the video linked below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Pakistan International Rural Women's Day

Discussion Points

• What did you notice from the video? Could be visual footage or text.
• What is your main takeaway from the video? What surprised you or did not surprise you?
• What role do women play in agriculture in your local area? What are the attitudes towards women in agriculture in your local area? Compare and contrast women's roles in agriculture from different parts of the world.
• It what ways can women in agriculture be empowered locally and globally? 
• As the woman in the video asks, "What do you say?"

#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!

Global Agricultural and Food Markets

The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launches September 23rd. In leading up to it's launch a couple personnel with the FAO highlight some key points and challenges facing us. We encourage you to watch the linked videos below and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe!

Interview with Maximo Torero

Interview with George Rapsomanikis

Discussion Points

• After watching the two videos what stuck with you? What was alarming? Why?
• What were some of the food/hunger challenges mentioned in the videos?
• Why is global trade so important to our food systems? What is the benefit of reducing trade barriers for the food system?
• If we reduce trade barriers for the food system is there the possibility for unintended consequences? Does this look different depending which country you call home? Explain your thoughts?

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

World Food Day

World Food Day is October 16th. Linked below is a video that challenges you to think about the way food is produced, prepared, and impacts our daily lives and those around us. As World Food Day approaches we challenge you to engage with others around the globe to discuss these important issues. Maybe it is engaging with others utilizing the discussion points below or creating posters in your school that brings attention to the challenges and opportunities in front of us.

World Food Day 2019

Discussion Points

• There is a statement in the video "#zerohunger goes beyond hunger." What does this mean to you?
• What challenges face your community, state, and the entire world when it comes to hunger and nutrition? 
• The video states a need for us to change our food systems and how and what we eat? Do you agree with this? Why or why not? 
• Why is it a challenge to change food systems and how and what people eat? How do we overcome these challenges? 
• It is shared that we need to take action to provide a healthy diet for all. How can you take action personally to make this happen? 

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?

Agriculture and Health Come Together

The Director-General of the FAO came together with health ministers at a G7 gathering to stress the need to transform food systems to improve health and nutrition. Some intriguing points are shared in the linked article. We encourage you to read the article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations in classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the globe!

FAO to G7: Urgent Action Needed to Curb Malnutrition Globally

Discussion Points

• Hunger is one of three concerns globally with malnutrition. What other areas are of concern to malnutrition and why?
• What piece of information from the article surprised you the most and why? 
• The following was quoted in the article: "Transforming food systems to promote healthy diets means taking action in each step of the food chain, from farm to fork." What ideas do you have to transform the food system and why would they work?
• Why is the "One Health" approach so important to ensuring food safety?

World Hunger on the Rise

World hunger and malnutrition is a battle that continues to be fought. A recent report found that hunger is on the rise after several years of decline. We encourage you to look over the linked article and utilize the discussion points to guide conversations with others around the globe!

World Hunger Again on the Rise

Discussion Points

• Explain the trend of global hunger over the past years.
• Two main factors have been attributed to the resurgence of hunger and malnutrition. Identify and explain these two factors.
• Look over the "Key Numbers" section. Which facts stick out to you and why?
• In your opinion how do we work towards eradicating hunger and malnutrition?

Yemen: Conflict and Agriculture

Yemen is a country that is dealing with major conflict. There are many impacts that conflict can have on countries and agriculture and food security are areas that are often vulnerable. Below is an article that discusses how conflict is affecting agriculture and food security in Yemen. We encourage you to look over the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to spark conversations around the globe.

Yemen Food Crisis Deteriorates

Discussion Points

• What does food security and nutrition look like in Yemen currently? What has the trend over the past two years been? 
• Explain the difference between food insecurity and malnutrition.
• Explain the importance of agriculture to the country of Yemen.
• What are the challenges facing agriculture in Yemen today? How do you feel these challenges could be overcome?
• Norman Borlaug stated, "You can't build a peaceful world on empty stomachs." Explain how this statement relates to the current situation in Yemen.

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?