Smallholder farmers have called for greater inclusion within national strategies for food systems transformation ahead of a key United Nations meeting.

UN Member state representatives will gather in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia next week to review progress towards more sustainable and equitable food systems, four years after the inaugural UN Food Systems Summit.

Food systems continue to struggle to sustainably meet the needs of the global population. More than 700 million people faced hunger in 2023, while food systems contribute around a third of global emissions and 80 per cent of global deforestation.

The Summit’s stocktaking meeting will feature ministerial roundtables and high-level panels to review national commitments and progress.

But farmers have issued a call for greater representation and recognition as the frontline of food systems transformation.