Community Grain Banks
| From hunger to hope: How grain banks transform communities JAFSCD peer-reviewed article by Vaishali Sharma (O.P. Jindal Global University, India) |
Community food system strategies, such as community grain banks (CGBs), are pivotal in addressing global food insecurity and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which aims to eliminate hunger and promote food security by 2030. These community-led institutions provide critical support during food shortages, empower local populations, and contribute to economic stability.
In a new JAFSCD article, Empowering local food security: A systematic review of community grain banks, Vaishali Sharma conducts a systematic review of CGBs, exploring their role in enhancing local food security, empowering women, and supporting farmers. The review highlights the importance of CGBs as grassroots solutions to food insecurity and community resilience.
KEY FINDINGS
- CGBs ensure year-round food availability, acting as reliable sources during lean seasons and serving as safety nets for vulnerable members.
- They empower women by providing leadership roles and decision-making authority, challenging traditional gender norms.
- CGBs enhance economic stability for farmers by allowing grain storage and access to consumption credit, reducing dependency on high-interest loans.
- They stabilize food prices, protecting households from debt cycles and increasing purchasing power.
- CGBs foster community resilience by strengthening social networks and trust, encouraging collaboration for long-term food security.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH
- Design CGBs with strong infrastructure and community-specific resource management systems.
- Provide comprehensive training and support for staff to ensure effective management.
- Empower women in leadership roles to enhance CGB effectiveness and decision-making.
- Foster partnerships with government agencies and NGOs for ongoing support and resources.
- Future research should focus on the long-term sustainability of CGBs and their impact on dietary diversity and nutritional outcomes.
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How do community grain banks combat food insecurity and foster resilience in local food systems? In her systematic review, Vaishali Sharma, a doctoral research scholar at O.P. Jindal Global University in Sonipat, India, delves into the crucial role these grassroots initiatives play in enhancing food security. Discover how community grain banks empower local populations and build sustainable solutions for the future, and how challenges can be overcome.
#CommunityGrainBanks #FoodSecurity #SDG2
Read the @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.141.006
