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Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:07:01 +0000
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This is Ana Afonso from Spain, again.

Some reflection on Question 3.4 and the RAI Principles:

Small farms and small producers are acknowledged as very important actors to implement the CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (RAI Principles) that were approved by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in October 2014 and aim to contribute to food security and nutrition and to the improvement of sustainable livelihoods for small producers, with a comprehensive, responsible and respect for the environment approach.

The RAI Principles are in line with the questions 3.4 raised in the conference: "How can small farms specifically contribute to achieving food security and improved nutrition in a sustainable way?". In particular this issue is linked to the following Principles 

Principle 2: Contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic development and the eradication of poverty 

Principle 6: Conserve and sustainably manage natural resources, increase resilience, and reduce disaster risks 

Principle 7: Respect cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, and support diversity and innovation

We have found some examples in Spain and Ecuador of how some small farmers' behaviours lead to the achievement of the RAI Principles and contribute to food security in a sustainable way involving the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social and economic. Although they are widely known, some of these behaviours deserve to be reminded.
- Small farms are suitable to occupy the market niche which represents organic and biodynamic food crops. This involves the implementation of an integrated technology of care for the environment and plant health. Organic and biodynamic agriculture are a means to strengthen both the environmental and economic dimension of sustainability.
- By operating in association, small farm cooperatives increase competitiveness and ability to negotiate strengthening the economic and social dimensions of sustainability
- Small farmers should be aware of the importance of sharing their experience to each other and to researchers and civil society. Information and transparency are a powerful source of communication that empowers people and reduces their vulnerability.

Ana Afonso 
PhD and Agronomist Engineer
Grupo de Investigación en Planificación y Gestión Sostenible del Desarrollo Rural Local (GESPLAN)  
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
ETSIAAB 
Av. Puerta de Hierro, 2
28040 Madrid
Spain
www.ruraldevelopment.es/
E-mail: ana.afonso.gallegos (at) gmail.com

[The objective of the RAI Principles is "to promote responsible investment in agriculture and food systems that contribute to food security and nutrition, thus supporting the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security". The Principles are "global in scope and have been developed to be universally applicable, acknowledging the particular role and needs of smallholders worldwide, in combination with other stakeholders, in addressing food security and nutrition". The Principles are available in all UN languages from http://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-home/activities/rai/en/. An FAO press release which marks their endorsement by the CFS in October 2014 notes that agreement took over two years of consultations and negotiations and that "The Principles are voluntary and non-binding, but represent the first time that governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, UN agencies and development banks, foundations, research institutions and academia have been able to come together and agree on what constitutes responsible investment in agriculture and food systems" -   http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/260518/icode/ ...Moderator].

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