How to use this Toolkit:
Each section offers practical guidance and tools.
You can dip into individual sections as needed or work through the toolkit.
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P007 → Risk Mitigation
Managing Risk & Adaptation - Building Resilience in Local Food Systems
Resilient food systems bend without breaking. Every local food project, no matter how small, benefits from a simple plan to anticipate risks and prepare for change. Thinking ahead helps communities recover faster and adapt to challenges.
Common Risks in Short Supply Chains
• Extreme weather events (flooding, drought, frost).
• Crop or livestock losses due to pests or disease.
• Transport or logistics breakdowns.
• Sudden changes in input costs or market demand.
• Health issues or staff shortages.
• Loss of key customers or sales outlets.
Each of these risks can be reduced through preparation, communication, and collaboration.
Diversify production, build cooperative links, and maintain simple backup plans.
Adaptation Planning - From Risk to Response
Adaptation means responding creatively when things change. This can be as simple as adjusting harvest dates, sharing storage space, or updating delivery routes after a fuel price increase. The goal is not to eliminate uncertainty but to stay flexible and connected.
Checklist for Adaptation
Review key risks at the start and end of each season.
Share information with partners to anticipate disruptions.
Keep at least one backup supplier and transport option.
Document lessons learned after each challenge.
Invest in diversity, of crops, partners, and income sources.