The Faith and Food Circular Systems Conference, organized by the World Resource Institute (WRI) in partnership with KAICIID, was a two-day event held in Kigali, Rwanda. It featured presentations, panel discussions, and group tasks aimed at addressing food sustainability and the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs). Below is a concise summary of key insights and discussions from the event:
Summary of Insights from the conference
Talk 1:
• Key Statistics:
o 60% of agricultural land in Africa is degraded.
o 30–40% of food produced is wasted.
o Agriculture accounts for 70% of biodiversity loss.
• Impact on Nutrition:
o The triple burden of malnutrition includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron and vitamins), and diet-related diseases.
o Food safety and diet-related mortality are significant concerns.
• Opportunities:
o Africa has untapped potential to increase food production per unit of land. However, this must be balanced with sustainable practices like regenerative farming to avoid reliance on harmful chemical fertilizers.
Talk 2: Presentation: Evidence on Faith and Food Systems
A study explored how FBOs in Rwanda can contribute to food security, focusing on Rwamagana (rural) and Kigali (urban) areas with high food waste. Key findings included:
• Challenges:
o Lack of awareness and prioritization of food sustainability.
o Perception that providing awareness on food security to the population is outside their responsibility.
• Recommendations:
1. Enhance skills and knowledge among FBO actors and leaders.
2. Raise awareness about the social and environmental impact of food waste.
Talk 3: Understanding the Food Value Chain and Identifying Points of Engagement
The stages of food systems are production, processing and packaging, distribution and marketing, consumption, and waste management. Waste management has only recently been emphasized as part of food value chain as it has recently become a critical concern.
Examples of FBO Initiatives:
1. Regenerative Farming:
o AEBR’s Eden Yacu project focuses on practices like crop rotation, organic composting, and reduced soil disturbance.
2. Food Waste Reduction:
o CRS-Uganda uses solar-powered dryers, while Christian-Aid employs cold storage techniques.
3. Community Initiatives:
o Surplus food distribution and community food banks.
Innovative Faith-Based Projects/Group Discussions
During group discussions, participants shared activities their organizations are undertaking and exchanged lessons learned. Below are some key initiatives highlighted:
1. Reclaiming Our Green Initiative: This project, led by an inter-religious organization in Kenya, aims to establish tree nurseries at every place of worship, with a focus on growing fruit trees to promote sustainability and community benefits.
2. Green Church Initiative: A church denomination has implemented a checklist to define the characteristics of a "green church." Churches that meet the requirements are certified as Green Churches. This initiative is now being explored by interreligious organizations in Kenya for adoption across various faith groups.
3. Schools Eco-Clubs Initiative: Catholic Sisters are leading this initiative, working with youth and refugees to promote self-sustainability. The eco-clubs engage young people in environmental conservation and practical sustainability activities.
4. Environmental Awareness for Children: Programs in Sunday schools and mosques aim to educate children and youth about environmental stewardship. Activities include planting seeds, with participants being encouraged to nurture and track the growth of trees as a motivating factor to care for the planet.
5. Documentation of Sustainability Interventions: An inter-religious organization is compiling existing sustainability interventions from various groups to create a comprehensive guide or manual. This resource will be shared with organizations seeking to implement sustainable practices.
Key take aways:
Attending this conference was a valuable experience. I gained insight into the significant influence faith-based organizations have on communities and their potential role in promoting food circular systems. I also learned about impactful interventions already being implemented in various contexts. As a Green Fellow and a believer, I realized the untapped opportunity to advocate for sustainability within my faith community, recognizing it as a meaningful avenue to drive positive change. This experience inspired me to explore green initiatives at my faith community as a meaningful way to contribute to food security and environmental sustainability.