Asean CSR

 Why focus on Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture?

Agriculture is a way of life in ASEAN, with 8 out of 10 countries in ASEAN dependent on agriculture and its production. In the least developed countries such as Myanmar and Laos, the sector accounts for more than 40% of GDP. The region is a major producer and exporter of palm oil, crude rubber, rice, sugar, seafood and fruits. However, the sustainability of the sector – and the plates of millions of Southeast Asians – is currently at threat from climate change, overfishing, unsustainable farming methods, food wastage, and other problems. Much effort is required to ensure that the region’s agricultural sector, as a key source of food and income, continues with the wise stewardship of earth’s resources.

Our work in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture is a growing area of work for us, as we continue to participate in more regional initiatives to promote responsible agricultural practices.

Through our work, we have contributed / are contributing to:

• The Singapore Alliance on Sustainable Palm Oil (SASPO), the first initiative of its kind in Asia to promote the use of certified sustainable palm oil. The business-led initiative was founded in 2016 with its 5 founding members: WWF, Unilever, IKEA, Danone, Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Ayam Brand. ACN joins SASPO as 1 of the 2 associate members. It also sits on SASPO’s Steering Committee and provides advisory support and linkage with the business sector.

• A research project on access to finance for inclusive business models and rural entrepreneurs in ASEAN. The project started in 2016, was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and implemented by ACN, Oxfam, the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC). Policy recommendations from the research was be presented to decision-makers in September 2017 at the ASEAN Inclusive Business Summit in Manila. The outcomes of the project was a full report, a 6-page summary, and a comprehensive directory titled Financing and Technical Support Options for MSMEs. 

• A multi-stakeholder programme led by Oxfam to promote women economic empowerment in the agricultural sector. The Gender Transformation and Responsible Agribusiness Investments in Southeast Asia (GRAISEA) programme will be implemented from 2015 to 2018, focusing on promoting responsible business and women empowerment along agricultural supply chains. ACN supports the programme as a regional partner.

• Leveraging Business in ASEAN for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture (LAB), a 3-year programme endorsed by the ASEAN Senior Officials for Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in 2014. This is part of a strategy to ensure long-term food security and to improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region. As part of LAB, we convened a consultation for the Food and Agriculture Business Principles (FAB Principles) which commenced at Rio+20 in 2013. We also jointly submitted a proposal on LAB that focused on improving food security.

 

To find out more about our work in Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, or to collaborate with us in our efforts, please contact: Melissa Chong (melissa@asean-csr-network.org)