Does Food Sovereignty Promote National Food Security?
The concept of food sovereignty enlarges the boundaries of food security beyond food access and availability. It emphasizes community involvement and decision-making, local production and knowledge, and cultural preservation within food systems. However, food sovereignty collides with longstanding free trade principles, including those upheld by the World Trade Organization (WTO). This article delves into the dynamic nature of food sovereignty as expressed in the Nyéléni Declaration and explores the use of trade measures to achieve its goals. Putting forward a nuanced approach, the article acknowledges the experiences governments have had in pursuing food sovereignty, especially in the face of climate change and conflicts. It highlights current options to promote food sovereignty within the constraints of trade law, emphasizing the delicate task of balancing adherence to international law with the need to address national food security concerns.