Resilient Food Systems for Resilient Cities

Abstract

Food and nutrition security in cities have gained political importance since 2007 and 2008. During this time, high food and fuel prices resulted in widespread reports of riots and social unrest in cities around the world. The projected impacts of climate change coupled with urbanization will put even a greater strain on urban populations whom, as net consumers, rely mainly on the market for their food. As such, food and nutrition security of urban dwellers are needed for more resilient cities. This paper highlights why and how food, agriculture and natural resource management are to be part of disaster risk reduction, urban management and climate change policies. In this context, the specific and important contribution of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) to the food system is underscored. The benefits of a multidisciplinary territorial approach to support local food systems centred on cities are then described. In particular, we highlight how integrating sustainable diets, management of natural resources and ecosystems with strengthened urban-rural linkages contributes to more resilient cities. Lastly, this paper illustrates how local authorities play a key role in promoting these multi-sectoral and multi-actor approaches to enhance more resilient food systems.