Healthy Diets for a #zerohunger World
October 18, 2019
With the introduction of modern seed-breeding programs, many farmers are now reliant on commercial seed companies who produce a few dominant and patented types.
In Bella Vista, Tuixoquel in Comitancillo, as part of our Community Food Security project, the community is working to revive the use of criolla bean seeds—using local seeds, and keeping, storing, and sharing seeds—instead of purchasing commercially produced seeds. The use of commercial seed has resulted in the loss of diversity and a loss of highly nutritious traditional foods. Criolla bean seeds are higher in protein than the dominant ones sold commercially.
In one generation, thousands of varieties of crops uniquely adapted to local growing conditions have been lost around the world. By saving the best seeds from every crop, these seed stewards in Guatemala are working to preserve native seed stocks — to preserve the food of the future.
The world has set a challenge to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. This not only means producing enough food, but also healthy and diverse food. A profound change of the global food and agriculture system is needed if we are to nourish the 815 million people who are hungry today. (SDG #2)
The right to food is not about charity, but about ensuring that all people have the capacity to feed themselves in dignity.