Food sovereignty and sustainability: a path towards environmental and social balance

By Camilo Andrés Mercado and Ever Bedoya

Currently, humanity faces a multiple crisis that encompasses the environmental, economic and social. Climate change, biodiversity loss and inequalities in access to natural resources have highlighted the limitations of the dominant agro-industrial model. In this context, food sovereignty emerges as a viable and ethical alternative that seeks to re-establish peoples' control over their food production and strengthen their link with the land. This concept, initially proposed by the international movement La Via Campesina in the 1990s, is deeply related to sustainability, understood as the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. Analysing the relationship between food sovereignty and sustainability implies reflecting on local production, the reduction of the carbon footprint and the conservation of native seeds as fundamental pillars of a more equitable and sustainable future.

Food sovereignty is defined as the right of peoples to decide their policies and strategies for the production, distribution and consumption of food, ensuring that food is healthy, culturally appropriate and produced using sustainable methods. According to Altieri (2009), agroecology and local production are key tools to reduce dependence on industrial systems that deteriorate ecosystems and increase the vulnerability of rural communities. This approach promotes agriculture based on traditional knowledge, respect for biodiversity and social equity. In this way, food sovereignty not only seeks to guarantee access to food, but also to transform the economic structures that control the global food system.

One of the most relevant components of this relationship is local production, which acts as a driver of sustainable development. Local economies strengthen social ties and reduce dependence on global markets, which are often subject to economic fluctuations and financial speculation. Small-scale food production allows farmers to manage their resources responsibly, avoiding overexploitation of soil and water. In addition, peasant or local markets reduce the distance between producer and consumer, promoting fresher, more nutritious food with less environmental impact.

In this sense, the reduction of the carbon footprint is a direct consequence of food sovereignty. The current global food system generates about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from transport, deforestation and the intensive use of chemical fertilizers (FAO, 2018). The strengthening of short marketing circuits and the consumption of local foods are effective strategies to mitigate this impact. Likewise, the adoption of agroecological practices – such as crop rotation, the use of organic fertilizers and reforestation – allows carbon to be captured in soils and improves air quality. These actions not only contribute to environmental sustainability, but also to the resilience of communities in the face of climate change.

Another essential aspect is the conservation of native seeds, which represents the biocultural legacy of the peoples. Shiva (2001) argues that traditional seeds are the basis of food security, as they guarantee genetic diversity and the ability to adapt to new climatic conditions. However, the expansion of GM seeds and intellectual property laws have restricted farmers' access to their own seeds, leading to economic dependence and loss of autonomy. The protection and exchange of native seeds, promoted by peasant organizations, not only strengthens food sovereignty, but also preserves the agricultural diversity necessary for ecological balance.

Agroecology, as a science, practice and social movement, represents a concrete way to articulate food sovereignty and sustainability. Altieri and Toledo (2011) state that agroecology combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific advances to create resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems. This perspective promotes the rational use of natural resources, the integration of crops and animals, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems. In addition, it encourages the active participation of rural communities in decision-making, strengthening equity and social justice.

On the other hand, it is necessary to recognize the challenges faced by food sovereignty policies in the global context. Land concentration, corporate grabbing and the pressure of international trade limit the possibilities of small producers. In addition, government policies tend to favor agribusiness to the detriment of peasant agriculture. Overcoming these obstacles requires political will, environmental education and international cooperation to build fairer and more sustainable food systems.

In conclusion, food sovereignty and sustainability are two sides of the same coin in the search for a more balanced and just future. Both promote a harmonious relationship between human beings and nature, based on respect, diversity and social justice. Local production, the reduction of the carbon footprint and the conservation of native seeds are strategies that not only guarantee food security, but also preserve the environment and strengthen the cultural identity of the peoples. Adopting food sovereignty as a guiding principle implies recognizing that food is a right and not a commodity. Therefore, moving towards this model is essential to build more sustainable, resilient and supportive societies, capable of facing the global challenges of the 21st century.

References

·         Altieri, M. A. (2009). Agroecology: scientific bases for sustainable agriculture. Buenos Aires: CLACSO.

·         Altieri, M. A., & Toledo, V. M. (2011). The agroecological revolution in Latin America: rescuing nature, ensuring food sovereignty and empowering peasants. Journal of Peasant Studies, 38(3), 587–612.

·         FAO. (2018). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

·         Shiva, V. (2001). Protect or plunder? Understanding intellectual property rights. London: Zed Books.

·         La Via Campesina. (1996). Declaration of Food Sovereignty. World Food Summit, Rome.