sustainable food

Advancing the right of people living in poverty to sustainable livelihoods has been a cornerstone of Oxfam’s work for many decades. Our goal is to enable millions of women and communities to become more resilient to a changing climate, and to secure access to the land and natural resources on which they depend.

Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent, but it is the world’s most vulnerable people who are hit the hardest. In the south of Niger, Oxfam works on sustainable income generating activities to make the population more resilient to climate change and food insecurity.

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is a certification initiative which aims to promote responsible aquaculture. Oxfam regards ASC as an initiative to transform the sector, but there is a need for urgent improvements on social aspects such as fair contracts for farmers, decent labor rights in the industry, and effective and transparent stakeholder consultation.

In February 2013, Oxfam launched the Behind the Brands campaign to challenge the ‘Big 10’ food and beverage companies. The companies have made significant new commitments, but they must now ensure that their suppliers actually change their practices in line with the commitments made.

Food and beverage industry giants improve policy commitments but they must turn them into action.

Sustainable agriculture offers the best chances for countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deal with climate change.