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In recent years, the call to transform global food systems has become increasingly urgent. The challenges of food production inefficiencies, distribution issues, and food waste contribute to a global crisis in nutrition and food security. At the same time, environmental and social externalities such as biodiversity loss, land degradation, and poverty exacerbate these challenges. A new initiative, the Kunming Manifesto, proposes harnessing the power of agrobiodiversity to address these pressing issues. By emphasizing the diversity of crops and ecosystems, this manifesto aims to not only improve nutrition but also bolster environmental resilience and social equity.
Understanding the Roots of Food System Challenges
The global food system is plagued by numerous inefficiencies and inequities. One of the primary challenges is the reliance on a narrow range of staple crops, namely rice, maize, and wheat, that provide the majority of the world’s calories. These staples, while essential, offer limited nutritional value and often require intensive agricultural practices that contribute to environmental degradation. Biodiversity loss, land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions are significant environmental consequences of the current system.
Social inequalities compound these environmental issues. Many communities, particularly in Africa, struggle with food insecurity. According to the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, over a billion people in Africa lack consistent access to healthy diets. Globally, malnutrition remains a critical issue, particularly among children and women. These challenges highlight the urgent need for a radical transformation in how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.
The Potential of Agrobiodiversity
Agrobiodiversity refers to the variety and variability of plants, animals, and microorganisms used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture. Increasing this diversity is crucial for creating resilient food systems. As Carlo Fadda, Director of Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, stated, “If we’re going to transform the global food system, we need to encourage biodiversity on our plate.” The Kunming Manifesto emphasizes the need to reintroduce underutilized crops to farmers’ fields and consumers’ tables.
The manifesto also calls for increased stakeholder cooperation across the food system. From farmers and practitioners to policymakers and funders, collaboration is essential to advancing agrobiodiversity. By integrating agrobiodiversity into existing frameworks such as the Rio Conventions on climate, biodiversity, and desertification, stakeholders can leverage its potential to address environmental challenges effectively.
Collaboration for Change
Global cooperation is vital for realizing the potential of agrobiodiversity. The manifesto includes examples from countries like China, France, and Kenya, illustrating how communities and international organizations can deliver lasting benefits through agrobiodiversity. However, scaling these initiatives requires greater engagement from investors, policymakers, and the private sector.
Fadda highlights the need for strategic funding and policies to support agrobiodiversity. Billions of dollars currently subsidize traditional agricultural practices. Redirecting some of these funds could enable agrobiodiversity to flourish, offering substantial benefits to both people and the planet. Improved soil and water management, alongside increased crop diversity, will be key to this transformation.
Case Studies: Agrobiodiversity in Action
Real-world examples demonstrate the impact of agrobiodiversity. In Kenya and Uganda, community seed banks supported by the Alliance have provided over 10,000 people with seed security and access to diverse, nutritious foods. These initiatives have also generated significant economic benefits, with nearly $100,000 in sales derived from agrobiodiversity and native tree species.
Fadda emphasizes the role of multistakeholder collaboration in achieving these outcomes. “Agrobiodiversity can help remedy the systemic inequality and distortion in the food system,” he notes. By supporting existing biodiversity, communities can achieve nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits more rapidly.
As the world grapples with the dual challenges of food insecurity and environmental degradation, the Kunming Manifesto offers a roadmap for change. By embracing agrobiodiversity, we can create more resilient and equitable food systems. The question remains: Will global stakeholders rise to the challenge and make agrobiodiversity a central component of our future food systems?
