India, Ghana and Vietnam are among the countries that have been able to evolve their food systems by unlocking the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those that are farmer-allied and operating in local food chains, said a World Economic Forum (WEF) report.
The report was released on January 16 on the first day of the annual meeting of WEF in Davos, Switzerland. It said that countries that tackle food crises can boost jobs, health and nature, and meet net zero goals better. Food systems, when transformed, can help solve some of the world’s toughest problems, from climate change to resilient livelihoods, the report added.
“Transforming food systems provide healthy and nutritious diets and dignified jobs for farmers and producers. This report shows how economic development with environmental protection supports communities in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts,” said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director of the WEF’s Centre for Nature and Climate.
The report, prepared in collaboration with Bain & Company, presented repeatable models from seven “early mover” countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe whose performances have been comparatively strong and whose examples and lessons are widely relevant.
In India, the report said, a multi-decade programme grounded in support for smallholder farmers and dairy enterprises has helped transform dairy into India’s largest agricultural commodity, accounting for roughly one-third of rural incomes and 10 per cent of total caloric intake in 2019.
