Self-Sufficient Communities: Rising through Food Sovereignty
Faiz Ahmed
Oakland University
Food: A Power Struggle
The current global economic system is fragile, threating a most basic need: food. Eric Holt Gimenez, author of ‘From Food Crisis to Food Sovereignty’ mentions that in the summer of 2008, there was massive starvation and hunger world over, despite “record harvests and record profits for the world’s major agro-food corporations.” He cites World Bank records of price hikes in food which amounted to “83%” over a period of “three years” and according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, food price hikes amounted to “45%” in just over a period of nine months. The author mentions that this caused riots. “Protests in Mexico, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Indonesia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Yemen, Egypt, Haiti and twenty other countries were sparked by skyrocketing food prices.” The author also mentions that according to the FAO, “There was more than enough food in the word to feed everyone in 2008 – at least 1.5 times the current demand”, and that the only problem was that “90% of the world’s hungry are simply too poor to buy enough food” (143-144).
What’s the worst that can happen?
If the worst happens, communities could be plunged into lawlessness and chaos because nations and communities alike have abandoned independent and self-reliant systems for macro-systems of global dependence for their most basic necessities. There is no quick way to change thousands of years of social and economic evolution, but the damage may be curtailed if communities such as cities and towns can increase food sovereignty – that is, the ability to feed their own people. Some argue that this concern is not real and that nothing will happen to the economy. However, in this year, 2011, the world has witnessed riots, protests, revolutions, and economic disasters, the kind which could paralyze the economy including agro-food processors. In such a situation, since communities are not independent in their food, energy or in the production of their basic necessities, crime could skyrocket causing cities to become no-go zones, just because of the city’s lack of self-reliance. This could worsen the economic, social, political and judicial problems of the country.
Prevention is better than cure, and as such, safeguarding food production, distribution and supplies locally is the best way to limit the damage caused by rising food prices and rising gas prices through these uncertain times.
Self-Reliant Communities
In this age of globalization, the ‘community’ system has disappeared. With the emergence of large metropolises, people are no longer community-oriented. Throughout history, communities have thrived and flourished in relative semi-isolation, independent in their food production, independent in their energy needs, independent in their security and independent in their education. They did not rely on industries or federal governments to provide them with jobs. They were self-sufficient to the extent that all food, employment, energy and educational needs of the community were met locally. All the surplus production which was not consumed by the members of the community was exported to other communities for the purposes of trade.
If there is an economic collapse followed by or comprising of inflation due to increase in interest rates and/or massive unemployment it will increase prices on almost everything. The hardest blow to the citizenry would be the rise in costs of food, gas, and energy.
DIY Food Production
The solution proposed by many parts of society is to gain independence in food production and to make the food supply system from producer to consumer without any go-betweens. This independence in food-related activities is termed as ‘food sovereignty’. The authors Annette Aurelie Desmarias, Nettie Wiebe and Hannah Wittman in their article titled ‘Sovereignty Now! In the Midst of Economic and Environmental Crises, People are Taking Control of our Food Systems’ mention that “food sovereignty is broadly defined as the right of nations and peoples to control their own food systems, including their own markets, production modes, food cultures and environments”. It is a community-controlled democratic form of a food system (18).
This idea of food sovereignty is not a new idea. It used to be the norm historically but it has also been implemented in current times. On a national level, Venezuela is an example of a country that is trying to achieve food sovereignty. Alan Broughton, in his article, ‘Venezuela’s Chocolate Solution’, mentions that Venezuelan agricultural policies promote ‘food sovereignty’. It is also in the Venezuelan constitution. He mentions that since the promotion of food sovereignty, cocoa farmers have had their standards of living increase (20).
A Gathering of Independent Food Communities
On an international level, Terra Madre, a global network of sustainable food communities has emerged in opposition to macro food systems and to champion the cause of food sovereignty. In Carlos Petrini’s book ‘Terra Madre’, he mentions that Terra Madre was “world meeting of food communities” and that it was attended by 7000 delegates from 153 countries, representing around 1600 different food communities.” Those who attended were “farmers, fishermen, artisans, nomad shepherds … musicians, cooks and academics”. He also mentions that in the meeting, they had “inaugural speeches”, “workshops, meetings, forums, talks, and celebrations”. The workshops that Terra Madre holds theorizes the concept of independence and self-reliance of food communities, educates the participants about issues like “seed patents, monopolies and privatization”, virtues of “de- industrializing food”, methods of “recycling and reuse” and “biodiversity”. It also educates participants about the “advantages of local economy”. If it is a viable option for Venezuela and if it is a viable option for 1600 different food communities, it can be tweaked to make it a viable option for America. If not for America then at least for Detroit or other impoverished communities.
If we use Detroit as an example, the same template of revival can be used for other cities as well. Detroit was once a bustling industrial city, however today it may be counted as one of the most impoverished communities, an urban jungle, a ‘food desert’. Nora Goldstein, author of ‘Vacant Lots Sprout Urban Farms’ explains the concept of a “food desert” as an area where there are very few viable sources of healthy food like “grocery stores” and the only food sources in the area are unhealthy “fast food” joints (24).
Get Set Detroit
There are vacant dilapidated buildings all over and the population of the city is on a negative downward linear. Although some may say this is a bad thing, the argument could be made that this is a window of opportunity. The more vacant land there is the better. There are a few people and organizations that recognize the potential and have been trying to take advantage of this window of opportunity. The problem with Detroit can be summed up as a loss of capital which comprises of human resource capital, financial or fiscal capital, educational capital and industrial capital. These are basically the building blocks of an industrialized and modern economy which are leaving Detroit. The best and most viable option for Detroit in this situation would be to return to an agrarian economy. If it is a lack of industrial capital that is causing the major bulk of problems, then it would be a better choice to change the direction of the community, from trying fruitlessly to compete to gain recognition in a system that has turned its back on the city towards a more fruitful direction of growing food.
The potential of growing urban farms in Detroit is being turned into reality already. Businesses, neighborhoods and community organizations are investing their time, effort and money in establishing urban farms in Detroit. In an article written by Mike Score, titled ‘Farming on Urban Land’, Hantz Farms LLC is one such organization. Hants Corporation is the brainchild of John Hantz, “a successful entrepreneur” and a resident of Detroit. In collaboration with Michigan State University and Kellogg Foundation, Hantz Farms developed a “business plan” that investigated “the variability of urban soils, potential soil contamination issues associated with urban environments, the need to fit farms between the remaining urban residences, and the realities of producing farm goods using methods that allow the urban infrastructure to remain in place” (14). The return on investment may not be large, as the business plans proposed a very modest rate. The author states, “These models consistently suggest that once the startup cost is accounted for, a Detroit farm venture should provide a modest 2 to 5 percent return on equity” (14). However, the return on investment may not necessarily be the driving force of this venture. In regards to the motivation behind the project, Score mentions that in business terms, this level of return is very modest. It certainly is not investment grade. However, Hantz’s interest in contributing to the revitalization of Detroit’s economy, making neighborhoods more livable, and exploring innovation through involvement in a new industry have allowed him, and the 600 employees of the Hantz group, to defy conventional business decision-making processes and pursue this vision (14).
Although Hantz Farms LLC is a corporation, urban farming remains a good venture even for individual and family farmers and in other cities. However Score implies that the production has not started yet when he says, “More than 90 percent of area residents directly affected by the proposed farms have signed petitions for city leaders to allow the farm to move ahead” (15). There are certain laws and city ordinances that need to be modified regarding large scale production and negotiations with lawmakers are underway. Goldstein mentions a similar project in Cleveland, and Toledo cities in the state of Ohio. These projects in have been very successful. She also mentions The Food Project, an organization in Lincoln Massachusetts as “having a long history of remediating vacant lots with contaminated soils into urban farms and gardens” (24-26).
Urban Farming: The Benefits
The benefits of urban farming are many. Garnett in making a case for urban farming in Britain states, “It could reduce the amount of food-related transport in Britain which at present accounts for one quarter of all journeys in Britain and some 12 percent of Britain’s fuel consumption” (299+). The author mentions that “locally grown food, reduces the need to travel, to distribute it and to buy it, while local employment in food production reduces the need to travel to work” (299+).
Another benefit of urban farming and food sovereignty is that it can reduce wastage and packaging. As the produce is sold relatively soon, it does not need plastic bag packaging, it does not need refrigeration. In fact, alternate industries can flourish for making bags and sacs made of fibers obtained from these farms. Even paper industries can flourish from the production of the hemp that was used to detoxify the lead contaminated soil (299+).
A major problem that could be solved through urban farming could be crime. Although there are many people who get involved in criminal activities because of the money, there are many who do this out of desperation because of a lack of jobs. If agriculture can create sufficient jobs to offer those who fall into illegal and unethical trades out of desperation, then quite a large portion of the problem of urban crime is also solved.
Yet another major merit of urban farming is the sense of accomplishment that it can provide to people. Accomplishment and self-respect always go hand in hand. A community can only respect itself based on what it has achieved. Food production raises the collective self-respect and the dignity that mankind deserves.
From a personal interview with Baraka Johnson, a community activist in Detroit and an employee of Community Legal Resource, it became clear there is an “Adopt a Lot Program”, initiated by the city of Detroit which helps individuals to take temporary possession of city land for the sole purpose of gardening or landscaping. He also said that “the city cannot disallow its residents from growing food and also raising livestock (on private property). However the city has also come to the agreement with others (those interested in urban farming) that large amounts of livestock cannot be raised in an urban setting.” The legal limitations are mainly in the form of zoning issues.
Urban Farming: Expected Challenges
A major limitation for this project is contaminated soil. Contamination of soil is mostly because of lead from roads, buildings, paints and air pollution. Tara Garnett, author of a journal article titled ‘Farming the City: The Potential of Urban Agriculture’ mentions that in order to avoid the ill effects of lead contamination of soil, some farmers “avoid” the entire ordeal of expensive soil testing by “bringing in soil or compost and by cultivating in raised beds” (299+). Other farmers, the author mentions, who do not wish to spend too much money on expensive decontamination of soils “can grow a non-food crop such as hemp, which has a variety of uses (cloth and paper making for instance) could be grown” and food could be “grown on the site a few seasons later”. (299+).
With regards to the second major limitation, that is the weather being unsuitable for food cultivation in northern cities like Detroit in the winter season, there is a remedy for that as well. Methods for winter farming which are not energy intensive and inexpensive are also being developed so that small business owners can also start profitable ventures. An article titled ‘Farming in the Dead of Winter on the Rise’, authored by Susan Keese of WNPR News, brings to light the methods used for winter farming, even in sub-freezing temperatures. The easiest method used is to create “winter greenhouses” also called as “high tunnels.” The winter greenhouse is a long arching structure that looks like a tunnel. The ceiling is a covering of “spun polyester blankets that let in light and trap the heat.” The author says, “It’s about 12 degrees outside, but inside it’s a balmy 60.” Of course winter foods have to be different from summer produce, as such the best suites produce for winter months are vegetables like spinach, carrots, potatoes, mustard greens, lettuce, turnips, broccoli, leeks, Bok choi, kale and Swiss chard are good for the winter whereas tomatoes and the like are good for summer. The winter greenhouses are completely unheated by any other means apart from the sun (Keese).
An Example to Follow
The rural lifestyle serves as the best model for communities that are self-reliant in their food, energy, security and educational systems. A prime model of this lifestyle are the Amish communities. Although Amish communities shun technology, and urban luxuries, they are better prepared to cope with rising prices and food shortages. On the other hand, communities like Detroit that are not independent in food systems have suffered. Goldstein mentions that a congresswoman from Ohio said that “only 2 percent of the food consumed by Ohio families is actually grown” in that state (25). It would be wise for communities, cities, states and nations to become independent in their basic necessities.
A Misconception
Oakland University
Food: A Power Struggle
The current global economic system is fragile, threating a most basic need: food. Eric Holt Gimenez, author of ‘From Food Crisis to Food Sovereignty’ mentions that in the summer of 2008, there was massive starvation and hunger world over, despite “record harvests and record profits for the world’s major agro-food corporations.” He cites World Bank records of price hikes in food which amounted to “83%” over a period of “three years” and according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, food price hikes amounted to “45%” in just over a period of nine months. The author mentions that this caused riots. “Protests in Mexico, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Indonesia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Yemen, Egypt, Haiti and twenty other countries were sparked by skyrocketing food prices.” The author also mentions that according to the FAO, “There was more than enough food in the word to feed everyone in 2008 – at least 1.5 times the current demand”, and that the only problem was that “90% of the world’s hungry are simply too poor to buy enough food” (143-144).
What’s the worst that can happen?
If the worst happens, communities could be plunged into lawlessness and chaos because nations and communities alike have abandoned independent and self-reliant systems for macro-systems of global dependence for their most basic necessities. There is no quick way to change thousands of years of social and economic evolution, but the damage may be curtailed if communities such as cities and towns can increase food sovereignty – that is, the ability to feed their own people. Some argue that this concern is not real and that nothing will happen to the economy. However, in this year, 2011, the world has witnessed riots, protests, revolutions, and economic disasters, the kind which could paralyze the economy including agro-food processors. In such a situation, since communities are not independent in their food, energy or in the production of their basic necessities, crime could skyrocket causing cities to become no-go zones, just because of the city’s lack of self-reliance. This could worsen the economic, social, political and judicial problems of the country.
Prevention is better than cure, and as such, safeguarding food production, distribution and supplies locally is the best way to limit the damage caused by rising food prices and rising gas prices through these uncertain times.
Self-Reliant Communities
In this age of globalization, the ‘community’ system has disappeared. With the emergence of large metropolises, people are no longer community-oriented. Throughout history, communities have thrived and flourished in relative semi-isolation, independent in their food production, independent in their energy needs, independent in their security and independent in their education. They did not rely on industries or federal governments to provide them with jobs. They were self-sufficient to the extent that all food, employment, energy and educational needs of the community were met locally. All the surplus production which was not consumed by the members of the community was exported to other communities for the purposes of trade.
If there is an economic collapse followed by or comprising of inflation due to increase in interest rates and/or massive unemployment it will increase prices on almost everything. The hardest blow to the citizenry would be the rise in costs of food, gas, and energy.
DIY Food Production
The solution proposed by many parts of society is to gain independence in food production and to make the food supply system from producer to consumer without any go-betweens. This independence in food-related activities is termed as ‘food sovereignty’. The authors Annette Aurelie Desmarias, Nettie Wiebe and Hannah Wittman in their article titled ‘Sovereignty Now! In the Midst of Economic and Environmental Crises, People are Taking Control of our Food Systems’ mention that “food sovereignty is broadly defined as the right of nations and peoples to control their own food systems, including their own markets, production modes, food cultures and environments”. It is a community-controlled democratic form of a food system (18).
This idea of food sovereignty is not a new idea. It used to be the norm historically but it has also been implemented in current times. On a national level, Venezuela is an example of a country that is trying to achieve food sovereignty. Alan Broughton, in his article, ‘Venezuela’s Chocolate Solution’, mentions that Venezuelan agricultural policies promote ‘food sovereignty’. It is also in the Venezuelan constitution. He mentions that since the promotion of food sovereignty, cocoa farmers have had their standards of living increase (20).
A Gathering of Independent Food Communities
On an international level, Terra Madre, a global network of sustainable food communities has emerged in opposition to macro food systems and to champion the cause of food sovereignty. In Carlos Petrini’s book ‘Terra Madre’, he mentions that Terra Madre was “world meeting of food communities” and that it was attended by 7000 delegates from 153 countries, representing around 1600 different food communities.” Those who attended were “farmers, fishermen, artisans, nomad shepherds … musicians, cooks and academics”. He also mentions that in the meeting, they had “inaugural speeches”, “workshops, meetings, forums, talks, and celebrations”. The workshops that Terra Madre holds theorizes the concept of independence and self-reliance of food communities, educates the participants about issues like “seed patents, monopolies and privatization”, virtues of “de- industrializing food”, methods of “recycling and reuse” and “biodiversity”. It also educates participants about the “advantages of local economy”. If it is a viable option for Venezuela and if it is a viable option for 1600 different food communities, it can be tweaked to make it a viable option for America. If not for America then at least for Detroit or other impoverished communities.
If we use Detroit as an example, the same template of revival can be used for other cities as well. Detroit was once a bustling industrial city, however today it may be counted as one of the most impoverished communities, an urban jungle, a ‘food desert’. Nora Goldstein, author of ‘Vacant Lots Sprout Urban Farms’ explains the concept of a “food desert” as an area where there are very few viable sources of healthy food like “grocery stores” and the only food sources in the area are unhealthy “fast food” joints (24).
Get Set Detroit
There are vacant dilapidated buildings all over and the population of the city is on a negative downward linear. Although some may say this is a bad thing, the argument could be made that this is a window of opportunity. The more vacant land there is the better. There are a few people and organizations that recognize the potential and have been trying to take advantage of this window of opportunity. The problem with Detroit can be summed up as a loss of capital which comprises of human resource capital, financial or fiscal capital, educational capital and industrial capital. These are basically the building blocks of an industrialized and modern economy which are leaving Detroit. The best and most viable option for Detroit in this situation would be to return to an agrarian economy. If it is a lack of industrial capital that is causing the major bulk of problems, then it would be a better choice to change the direction of the community, from trying fruitlessly to compete to gain recognition in a system that has turned its back on the city towards a more fruitful direction of growing food.
The potential of growing urban farms in Detroit is being turned into reality already. Businesses, neighborhoods and community organizations are investing their time, effort and money in establishing urban farms in Detroit. In an article written by Mike Score, titled ‘Farming on Urban Land’, Hantz Farms LLC is one such organization. Hants Corporation is the brainchild of John Hantz, “a successful entrepreneur” and a resident of Detroit. In collaboration with Michigan State University and Kellogg Foundation, Hantz Farms developed a “business plan” that investigated “the variability of urban soils, potential soil contamination issues associated with urban environments, the need to fit farms between the remaining urban residences, and the realities of producing farm goods using methods that allow the urban infrastructure to remain in place” (14). The return on investment may not be large, as the business plans proposed a very modest rate. The author states, “These models consistently suggest that once the startup cost is accounted for, a Detroit farm venture should provide a modest 2 to 5 percent return on equity” (14). However, the return on investment may not necessarily be the driving force of this venture. In regards to the motivation behind the project, Score mentions that in business terms, this level of return is very modest. It certainly is not investment grade. However, Hantz’s interest in contributing to the revitalization of Detroit’s economy, making neighborhoods more livable, and exploring innovation through involvement in a new industry have allowed him, and the 600 employees of the Hantz group, to defy conventional business decision-making processes and pursue this vision (14).
Although Hantz Farms LLC is a corporation, urban farming remains a good venture even for individual and family farmers and in other cities. However Score implies that the production has not started yet when he says, “More than 90 percent of area residents directly affected by the proposed farms have signed petitions for city leaders to allow the farm to move ahead” (15). There are certain laws and city ordinances that need to be modified regarding large scale production and negotiations with lawmakers are underway. Goldstein mentions a similar project in Cleveland, and Toledo cities in the state of Ohio. These projects in have been very successful. She also mentions The Food Project, an organization in Lincoln Massachusetts as “having a long history of remediating vacant lots with contaminated soils into urban farms and gardens” (24-26).
Urban Farming: The Benefits
The benefits of urban farming are many. Garnett in making a case for urban farming in Britain states, “It could reduce the amount of food-related transport in Britain which at present accounts for one quarter of all journeys in Britain and some 12 percent of Britain’s fuel consumption” (299+). The author mentions that “locally grown food, reduces the need to travel, to distribute it and to buy it, while local employment in food production reduces the need to travel to work” (299+).
Another benefit of urban farming and food sovereignty is that it can reduce wastage and packaging. As the produce is sold relatively soon, it does not need plastic bag packaging, it does not need refrigeration. In fact, alternate industries can flourish for making bags and sacs made of fibers obtained from these farms. Even paper industries can flourish from the production of the hemp that was used to detoxify the lead contaminated soil (299+).
A major problem that could be solved through urban farming could be crime. Although there are many people who get involved in criminal activities because of the money, there are many who do this out of desperation because of a lack of jobs. If agriculture can create sufficient jobs to offer those who fall into illegal and unethical trades out of desperation, then quite a large portion of the problem of urban crime is also solved.
Yet another major merit of urban farming is the sense of accomplishment that it can provide to people. Accomplishment and self-respect always go hand in hand. A community can only respect itself based on what it has achieved. Food production raises the collective self-respect and the dignity that mankind deserves.
From a personal interview with Baraka Johnson, a community activist in Detroit and an employee of Community Legal Resource, it became clear there is an “Adopt a Lot Program”, initiated by the city of Detroit which helps individuals to take temporary possession of city land for the sole purpose of gardening or landscaping. He also said that “the city cannot disallow its residents from growing food and also raising livestock (on private property). However the city has also come to the agreement with others (those interested in urban farming) that large amounts of livestock cannot be raised in an urban setting.” The legal limitations are mainly in the form of zoning issues.
Urban Farming: Expected Challenges
A major limitation for this project is contaminated soil. Contamination of soil is mostly because of lead from roads, buildings, paints and air pollution. Tara Garnett, author of a journal article titled ‘Farming the City: The Potential of Urban Agriculture’ mentions that in order to avoid the ill effects of lead contamination of soil, some farmers “avoid” the entire ordeal of expensive soil testing by “bringing in soil or compost and by cultivating in raised beds” (299+). Other farmers, the author mentions, who do not wish to spend too much money on expensive decontamination of soils “can grow a non-food crop such as hemp, which has a variety of uses (cloth and paper making for instance) could be grown” and food could be “grown on the site a few seasons later”. (299+).
With regards to the second major limitation, that is the weather being unsuitable for food cultivation in northern cities like Detroit in the winter season, there is a remedy for that as well. Methods for winter farming which are not energy intensive and inexpensive are also being developed so that small business owners can also start profitable ventures. An article titled ‘Farming in the Dead of Winter on the Rise’, authored by Susan Keese of WNPR News, brings to light the methods used for winter farming, even in sub-freezing temperatures. The easiest method used is to create “winter greenhouses” also called as “high tunnels.” The winter greenhouse is a long arching structure that looks like a tunnel. The ceiling is a covering of “spun polyester blankets that let in light and trap the heat.” The author says, “It’s about 12 degrees outside, but inside it’s a balmy 60.” Of course winter foods have to be different from summer produce, as such the best suites produce for winter months are vegetables like spinach, carrots, potatoes, mustard greens, lettuce, turnips, broccoli, leeks, Bok choi, kale and Swiss chard are good for the winter whereas tomatoes and the like are good for summer. The winter greenhouses are completely unheated by any other means apart from the sun (Keese).
An Example to Follow
The rural lifestyle serves as the best model for communities that are self-reliant in their food, energy, security and educational systems. A prime model of this lifestyle are the Amish communities. Although Amish communities shun technology, and urban luxuries, they are better prepared to cope with rising prices and food shortages. On the other hand, communities like Detroit that are not independent in food systems have suffered. Goldstein mentions that a congresswoman from Ohio said that “only 2 percent of the food consumed by Ohio families is actually grown” in that state (25). It would be wise for communities, cities, states and nations to become independent in their basic necessities.
A Misconception
This is not communism or socialism, this is democracy. It is a system where people have more control of their own lives rather than a federal or state government that has too many problems to deal with and usually has no idea or interest in the living conditions of these communities. This concept of food sovereignty is a cornerstone to conservative small government ideologues. However these right wing ideologues fail to recognize that unless communities have reliable self-sufficiency, small government is unsustainable. Forcing small government on communities that are dependent on bigger systems and do not have alternative means of stability can cause the break-up of social cohesion and can be destructive.
Images taken from Google Images Database
First Published in East West Link News - www.ewlnews.com
Images taken from Google Images Database
First Published in East West Link News - www.ewlnews.com
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