Mexico Links Science, Policy to Strengthen Food Security – Mexico Business News

Mexico’s Agricultural Policy and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Collaborative Approach to Food Security

The Government of Mexico, through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (SECIHTI) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), is implementing a new policy framework to integrate scientific research into agricultural practices. This initiative is designed to bolster national food security and sovereignty, with a primary focus on staple crops such as corn and beans. The policy directly addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by fostering collaboration between government, academia, and producers to create a resilient and sustainable food system.

Strategic Objectives and SDG Alignment

The core mission is to leverage scientific and technological advancements to address critical challenges within the agri-food sector. The stated objectives demonstrate a strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:

• Achieve Food Sovereignty and Security: By improving the conservation and sustainable use of key crops, the initiative directly targets SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), aiming to ensure all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
• Enhance Producer Welfare: The focus on improving conditions for small and medium-scale producers contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Promote Sustainable Resource Management: By emphasizing efficient water use and the conservation of native crop varieties, the policy aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Adapt to Climate Change: A key priority is to make agriculture more resilient to the impacts of climate change, a direct action in support of SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Innovation and Institutional Partnerships (SDG 9 & 17)

The framework is built upon a foundation of multi-sectoral collaboration, exemplifying SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). SECIHTI is coordinating with public research centers, universities, and national laboratories to apply advanced knowledge and technology. This commitment to research and development supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

• Technological Integration: Advanced tools such as artificial intelligence and high-performance computing are being utilized to optimize agricultural production and mitigate climate risks.
• National Research Network: SECIHTI currently supports 92 research projects across 29 states, involving over 70 national institutions.
• Thematic Focus Areas: Research initiatives are aligned with agricultural needs, including the development of bio-inputs, conservation of native genetic resources, innovation in farming machinery, and technologies for efficient water use.

Key Initiatives and Tangible Outcomes for Sustainable Production

The “Faros Agroecológicos” (Agro-ecological Lighthouses) model was presented as a cornerstone of the strategy. This model focuses on generating knowledge and developing technology to create sustainable agricultural systems that directly benefit producers. The deliverables presented to SADER provide concrete evidence of progress toward achieving the SDGs.

1. Regional Seed Production Nodes: Five nodes for corn and beans have been established to enhance food security and protect biodiversity, contributing to SDG 2 and SDG 15.
2. Innovative Machinery Models: Five new machinery models were developed to improve productivity and reduce the environmental footprint of farming, in line with SDG 9.
3. Bio-input Technologies: Ten technologies for bio-inputs have been created to promote sustainable farming practices and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, supporting SDG 12.
4. Water-Use Efficiency Technologies: Ten technologies for efficient water management address water scarcity challenges, a critical component of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13.
5. Producer Support Network: A training and support network has been established for small and medium-scale producers, fostering inclusive growth as envisioned in SDG 1 and SDG 8.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article is fundamentally about ensuring food security and sovereignty in Mexico. It focuses on improving the production of key crops like corn and beans, enhancing the welfare of producers, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, all of which are central to SDG 2.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The initiative heavily relies on integrating scientific research and technological innovation into the agricultural sector. The article mentions the use of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, innovation in farming machinery, and the support of 92 research projects, directly connecting to the goal of building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  A key objective mentioned is the “mitigation of climate change impacts on crops” and the need to “adapt agriculture to climate change.” This shows a clear commitment to strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related challenges in the agricultural sector, which is the core of SDG 13.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article emphasizes the importance of collaboration. It describes an “intersectoral dialog” and highlights the partnership “between the scientific community and federal agencies” as well as “between science, government, and producers.” This collaborative approach is essential for achieving the SDGs and is the focus of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. The article’s core mission to “ensure the country’s food security and sovereignty” by focusing on staple crops like corn and beans directly addresses this target.
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The initiative aims to “improve producer welfare” and provides a “training and support network for small and medium-scale producers,” which aligns with this target.
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. The article mentions the goal of “sustainably use maize and bean crops,” “sustainably manage natural resources,” and the development of a “sustainable agricultural production model called Faros Agroecológicos.”
   • Target 2.5: By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species. The strategy includes the “conservation of native crop varieties” and the creation of “regional seed production nodes for corn and beans.”

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries. The entire initiative is based on this, with the government “integrating scientific research with public policy,” supporting “92 research projects,” and employing technologies like “artificial intelligence and high-performance computing” to solve agricultural challenges.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. The article explicitly states the need to “adapt agriculture to climate change” and mitigate its impacts on crops, which directly corresponds to this target.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.6: Enhance… cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation. The article describes a national partnership model to “reinforcing collaboration between science, government, and producers” and align “academic and technological capacities with the needs of the agricultural sector.”
   • Target 17.7: Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies. The deliverables presented, including “five machinery models, 10 bio-input technologies, [and] 10 water-use efficiency technologies,” are examples of developing and disseminating technology to benefit producers.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several specific, quantifiable deliverables that can serve as indicators to measure progress:

• Number of research projects supported: The article states that “SECIHTI supports 92 research projects,” which is a direct indicator of investment in scientific research (Target 9.5).
• Number of regional seed production nodes: The mention of “five regional seed production nodes for corn and beans” is a concrete indicator for progress on conserving genetic diversity (Target 2.5).
• Number of new technologies developed: The article lists specific technological outputs that can be counted as indicators of innovation and dissemination (Target 17.7). These include:
  • Five machinery models
  • Ten bio-input technologies
  • Ten water-use efficiency technologies
• Establishment of support networks: The creation of a “training and support network for small and medium-scale producers” is an indicator of efforts to improve the capacity and productivity of small-scale farmers (Target 2.3).
• Implementation of sustainable models: The presentation of the “sustainable agricultural production model called Faros Agroecológicos” is an indicator of progress towards implementing sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: mexicobusiness.news