Multisectoral governance is key to food systems transformation

During the first dialogue, Australian researcher Dori Patay presented the findings of a global study that mapped how countries are implementing multisectoral governance in their food systems.

The policy brief A Global Mapping of Multisectoral Food System Governance Institutions shows that out of 190 countries mapped, 34 have different multi-sectoral governing institutions.

- We did this study to show that “yes it can be done”. There are pioneer countries, and the study shows these good examples for others to learn from, said Dori Patay during her presentation.

Whole-of-government approach

In most countries, many different ministries and departments are involved in making policies that affect the food systems. Not seldom do the different polices counteract each other. Therefore, more coordination is needed. A whole-of-government approach is a way to see that policy coherence is strengthened.

Conflicting interests, power asymmetries, disconnected sectors, and actors are some of the obstacles to the whole of government approach. What is also needed is the whole of food system governance, with a participatory approach.

The study emphasizes the need to be conscious of what functions councils and other coordination structures should have, if existing structures can be used, or new coordination platforms should be formed.

One size doesn't fit all

According to Dori Patay, this depends on the setting and the needs of a specific country, and one takeaway from the mapping in the policy brief is that one size doesn’t fit all.

After Dori Patay presentation, Philippe Leclerc, policy officer from the EU Directorate General of International Partnerships, emphasized that independent science is key for policy makers to define new interventions and policies and to attract investments. Food systems play a critical role for soil health, water resources, climate adaptation and mitigation, and biodiversity and are key to reaching the SDGs.

- We are promoting a multisectoral approach in our partner countries, he said, and took Cameroon as an example where a multisectoral committee, including several ministries, contributes to policies and interventions to reach the SDGs.

Philippe Leclerc also highlighted the role of FAO and Agrinatura in supporting EU evidence-based policy making through sustainable agrifood systems intelligence and science policy interface.