Beyond the Flooding: Building Circular Resilient Food Systems for Places People and Planet

The floods on four continents serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our global food system and the vulnerability of communities to climate change. By embracing regenerative agriculture and circular economies, we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system that nourishes places people and the planet at community level. The 11 strong cartel will put control and profit over nutrition at the expense of us, our farmers, flora and fauna every time

The global impact of floods on food security and the importance of regenerative agriculture and circular economies in building resilient communities

The recent floods on four continents, as well as food resilience at community level highlighted by the "Sow Study Sustain" initiative from Ecolearn, underscore the urgent need for sustainable food production in the face of the Milankovitch cycles and climate change. Milankovitch cycles are a series of long-term orbital changes that affect Earth's climate named after Serbian astronomer and geophysicist Milutin Milanković. With the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, communities worldwide are experiencing disruptions to their food systems, leading to food insecurity and economic hardship. This will peak between October 24 and March 25 but will not be going away given the climate changes we can see with our own eyes on land and in the skies!  

So instead of trying to fill our pockets with gold like the global Eilte, let us focus on a realistic feat, cultivating the green mines we can eat.

Regenerative agriculture and circular economies at community level therefore present a vital pathway to address these challenges.  

• Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services. By promoting practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage, regenerative agriculture can increase soil's water holding capacity, reduce erosion, and improve nutrient cycling. These benefits contribute to more resilient agricultural systems that can better withstand floods and other climate-related shocks.  
• Circular economies prioritise resource efficiency and waste reduction by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. In the context of food systems, a circular economy approach would involve reducing food waste, composting organic matter, and using renewable energy sources. This approach not only minimises environmental impacts but also creates opportunities for local economic development and job creation.  

By adopting regenerative agriculture and circular economy principles through Sow Study Sustain, communities can build resilient food systems that are capable of producing nutritious food even in the face of climate change. This approach focuses on:  

1. Strengthening local food production: By supporting local farmers and promoting diversified agricultural practices, communities can reduce their reliance on long-distance food supply chains, which are vulnerable to disruptions caused by floods and other natural disasters.
2. Improving soil health: Healthy soils are essential for sustainable food production. By adopting regenerative practices, farmers can improve soil's ability to absorb and retain water, which can help mitigate the impacts of floods and droughts.  
3. Reducing food waste: A significant portion of food produced globally is wasted. By implementing circular economy strategies, communities can reduce food waste and ensure that valuable resources are used efficiently.  
4. Promoting community engagement: Building resilient food systems requires the active participation of all community members. By engaging in initiatives such as community gardens, farmers markets, and food co-ops, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system.

These floods on four continents serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our global food system and the vulnerability of communities to climate change. By embracing regenerative agriculture and circular economies, we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system that nourishes both people and the planet. Sow Study Sustain folks!