Revitalizing Multistakeholder Forums for Sustainable Food Systems in Vietnam: A Call to Action
In the complex landscape of global food production and environmental sustainability, multistakeholder forums (MSFs) have emerged as significant platforms designed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. In Vietnam, researchers are critically examining the effectiveness of these forums in addressing pressing issues related to greenhouse gas emissions and equitable food systems. A recent study spearheaded by experts from Nong Lam University and Flinders University has shed light on the limitations of current MSFs and has called for a transformative approach aimed at fostering real-world changes.
The backdrop to this inquiry is alarming. Vietnam’s food systems contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, with estimates suggesting they account for as much as 30%. These emissions stem not only from agricultural activities but also from the entire food supply chain, including production, processing, and distribution. Despite almost three decades of high-level discussions and forums dedicated to sustainability and low-emission food production systems, tangible progress has been elusive. Researchers are now challenging the status quo, asking whether more forums are the answer when past efforts have yielded limited benefits.
Through thorough literature reviews and interviews with forty organizations across Vietnam, the study’s lead researcher, Professor Thuy Pham, has highlighted that while knowledge has been shared in these forums, the influence on emissions and community equity has been minimal. The findings indicate a concerning disconnect between the aspirations of MSFs and their actual impact on both climate change mitigation and rural community welfare. A pressing need to redefine the structure and objectives of these forums has emerged, urging policymakers to resist simply organizing more meetings and focus instead on concrete, actionable outcomes.
The study revealed that MSFs in Vietnam operate at multiple scales—regional, national, and provincial—each targeting diverse stakeholder groups for various objectives. However, this fragmentation has led to ineffective discussions and limited awareness among stakeholders, undermining collaboration and resource efficiency. The absence of a cohesive strategy means that the wealth of ideas generated at these forums fails to translate into real-world applications that can advance emission reduction goals in the food production sector.
One of the crucial recommendations from the study is for key policymakers to learn from existing MSFs, assessing what has worked and what has failed in prior initiatives before embarking on creating new platforms. This approach emphasizes the importance of aligning technical solutions with transformative governance models and fostering genuine stakeholder engagement across the food system. Policymakers are urged to ensure that the perspectives of diverse stakeholders—including local communities, indigenous groups, and women—are meaningfully integrated into decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the co-author of the study, Dr. Tang Thi Kim Hong, emphasizes the critical role of inclusive policy frameworks, such as Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contributions and Resolution 34 on national food security. Achieving reduced emissions and sustainable food production hinges on active participation from all sectors, including both governmental and non-governmental actors. The researchers stress that it is vital to analyze how inclusive the existing low-emission food systems are, particularly in the context of the Mekong Delta region, thereby assessing representation and stakeholder interests in decision-making.
Despite the noble intentions behind multistakeholder forums, they are often dominated by powerful stakeholders who possess the financial resources, knowledge, and political influence necessary to shape discussions. As a result, marginalized voices—especially those of local communities, indigenous peoples, and women—are frequently excluded from meaningful participation. The research urges the restructuring of MSFs to empower these disadvantaged groups, granting them leadership roles and a voice in the operational framework of the forums. This paradigm shift is crucial for ensuring that the on-ground challenges faced by vulnerable populations are adequately addressed.
In her remarks, Professor Pham calls for a refined understanding of what constitutes effective multistakeholder engagement, advocating for a collaborative model where experiences and lessons learned from existing forums inform future initiatives. This knowledge-driven approach can facilitate the development of low-emission food systems that align with broad equity objectives, enabling sustainable transformations in the agricultural sector.
The researchers’ findings resonate with a growing body of literature that critiques traditional models of stakeholder engagement in environmental governance. By advocating for an inclusive and participatory approach, this study responds to an urgent need within food systems research to better understand the complexities and interconnections among different stakeholders. The overarching goal is to redefine success in these settings, moving beyond mere dialogue to actionable strategies that can lead to substantive changes in greenhouse gas emissions and social equity.
As the research suggests, the way forward requires an integrated approach that acknowledges the intricate web of relationships within food systems. Effective climate solutions must encompass technical innovations while simultaneously addressing governance structures and stakeholder dynamics. Policymakers are tasked with ensuring that all relevant voices are heard, ensuring that transformative interventions benefit all members of society, particularly those most affected by food insecurity and environmental degradation.
The value of this groundbreaking study lies not only in its critique of the current state of multistakeholder forums but also in its hopeful vision for a more inclusive and effective approach to sustainable food systems. As experts continue to examine the intricate dynamics of food production and climate change, the recommendations from this research offer a crucial pathway toward fostering collaboration, enhancing resilience, and driving meaningful change in the Mekong Delta and beyond.
In conclusion, the challenges posed by climate change and food security necessitate a re-evaluation of how stakeholders engage in policy discussions. As Vietnam navigates its path toward sustainable development, empowering all stakeholders—particularly the marginalized—remains pivotal. It is vital that future forums prioritize real impact by learning from past experiences, ensuring that the voices that often go unheard can finally contribute to shaping a sustainable and equitable food future. The call for action is clear: it is time to transform good intentions into concrete progress while fostering a comprehensive understanding of food systems and their multifaceted challenges.
Subject of Research: The effectiveness of multistakeholder forums in promoting low-emission food systems and equity in Vietnam.
Article Title: Revitalizing Multistakeholder Forums for Sustainable Food Systems in Vietnam: A Call to Action
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: Not applicable.
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Image Credits: Credit: Photo: Flinders University
Keywords: Food systems, greenhouse gas emissions, multistakeholder forums, sustainable development, climate change, Vietnam.
