Alliance calls for food sovereignty, climate justice

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Oct. 12: The Alliance of Agriculture for Food has called for using this year’s World Food Day to strengthen the voices for food sovereignty and climate justice rather than celebrate, in view of the devastating floods that have recently hit the country.

Issuing an appeal ahead of the 46th World Food Day, the alliance highlighted the need to address the impacts of climate-induced disasters on agriculture, food systems, livelihoods and local communities.

The glacial avalanche in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26 and heavy rainfall from September 24 to 27 triggered devastating floods, destroying homes, markets, roads and other infrastructure. Large areas of farmland have been buried under sand, rocks and debris, leaving many farmers without cultivable land or sources of income.

Speaking at a press conference, Uddhav Adhikari, coordinator of the alliance, said the sustainable rehabilitation of affected communities, restoration of agricultural production and reduction of future disaster risks were essential to safeguarding food security and livelihoods. He urged the government, local authorities, civil society and the international community to ensure a just and sustainable recovery for disaster-hit communities.