Page 130 - U4SSC Collection Methodology for Key Performance Indicators for Smart Sustainable Cities

Collection Methodology for Key Performance Indicators for Smart Sustainable Cities

Dimension Society and Culture
Sub-Dimension Safety, Housing and Social Inclusion
Category Food Security
KPI Name Local Food Production
KPI No. SC: SH: FS: 1A Type: Advanced Type: Sustainable

Definition / Percentage of local food supplied from within 100 km of the urban area.
Description

Rationale / Food security is a complex concept and it consists of various dimensions including:
Interpretation / Availability: this refers to the physical availability of food in terms of adequate
Benchmarking supply;
Utilization: this refers to consumption of fresh food in sanitary conditions with no
negative effects on the well-being or health of an individual;
Access: this refers to the economic means by which fresh food can be acquired in
adequate quantities for consumption; and
Stability: this refers to adequate intake and availability of food on a regular basis,
overcoming any adverse climatic conditions, economic limitations and overriding
any possibilities of nutritional deficiencies. (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states that "food
security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic
access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and
food preferences for an active and healthy life." (FAO, 1996)
Adopting a people-centric approach for local food systems promotes participatory
governance at different level:
Social level: Local procurement is generally focused on whole food products which
are healthier, fresher, more nutritious and tastier because of their seasonality. Also,
local procurement provides an opportunity to increase domestic food self-
sufficiency, as well as to strengthen communities by increasing the accountability
and transparency between consumers and producers. Additionally, local
procurement can be an effective option for protecting traditional food cultures and
native species;
Economic level: local procurement supports farmer retention on farmlands, greater
income generation at the community level, employment growth and import
substitution. Additionally, local food channels, such as farmers’ markets, can further
stimulate business activity by providing small producers with greater access to
consumers; and
Environmental level: Local procurement can reduce the negative environmental
impacts associated with the transportation of food over long distances as well as
the demand on congested infrastructure. Local procurement can also be an
effective option for supporting local agriculture and production which, if managed
sustainably, can increase the resilience of ecosystems which can be beneficial for
mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. (FAO)
A positive trend should be pursued with higher percentages indicating better food
security.

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