The event provided a multi-stakeholder discussion about how providing equitable livelihoods and proper social protection mechanisms are crucial in ending global malnutrition in all its forms. It highlighted that to effectively change the systems inhibiting all 4.5 billion food systems workers from accessing adequate and sustainable nutritional inputs, we must mobilize all stakeholders to create a shared vision, ambition, and identification of common ground.

The event discussed the data gaps in food systems while discussing the importance of partnerships and the role of both, private and public sectors in unlocking decent job opportunities. The ideas and solutions discussed during this session fed into the ongoing work of the Coalition.

All actors must work together to promote labour and human rights, economic and social justice, 100% living incomes and wages, adequate and nutritious food for all food systems workers, and increase opportunities for decent employment within the agri-food sector. Effectively addressing the decent work deficits for all food systems workers is key to advancing equitable livelihoods, economic and social justice, resilient food supply chains, and sustainably transforming our food systems. First and foremost, food systems transformation must: i) build agency for the most vulnerable people working across diverse food systems; ii) Change power relations in food systems - both in formal spheres and in non-formal spheres; and iii) Transform structures – the embedded social norms and practices that systematically privilege some groups over others.

Discussion topics included:

1. Mechanisms required to ensure the regular collection, analysis, and publication of statistics on food systems workers at both national and international levels


2. How to strengthen partnerships for accelerated action towards more and better jobs for youth in agri-food systems


3. How to ensure the agency of food system workers by addressing their inclusion in collective bargaining, social dialogue, and workplace organization


4. How to accelerate nationally defined social protection floors that guarantee at least essential health care, safe and nutritious foods, and basic income security to all, including the poor, food-insecure, and workers in the agri-food systems including migrant workers

Speakers:

• Ann Turinayo - Country Director - International Fund for Agricultural Development (moderator)
• Ms. Maura Barry Boyle, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Resilience & Food Security, USAID
• Reema Nanavaty, Executive Director, Self Employed Women’s Organisation
• Nadine Gbossa, Director, Food Systems Coordination, External Relations and Governance Department,IFAD
• Beatrice Gakuba, Executive Director, AWAN Africa
• Mr. Simon Winter, Executive Director, Syngenta Foundation
• Ms. Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Ms. Christine Campeau Global Advocacy Director – Food Systems, CARE