A set of preliminary indicators for holistic sustainability assessment of household food consumption in rural and urban China

Abstract

To provide a preliminary reference point and a scientific basis for future comprehensive sustainability assessments of household food consumption (HFC) in China and beyond, this study develops an indicator system for sustainability assessment of HFC in urban and rural China. The system encompasses four dimensions (nutrition, the environment, economy and socio-culture) and a comprehensive assessment index (CAI, on a scale from 0 to 100 points) of analysis. The system is derived from an extensive literature review supplemented with an expert opinion survey and considers the current structure of diet in China. Environmental dimension involves indicators of environmental footprints and food waste. Nutritional dimension involves nutritional status and food security. Economic dimension involves food affordability, self-sufficiency and economic cost of food waste. Socio-cultural dimension involves consumption of traditional and ready-made food, food availability and accessibility. The assessment results show that nearly 50% of households fall into a relatively high sustainability zone (50–75 points) and a relatively low sustainability zone (25–50 points), respectively; and there are no households achieving a high sustainability score (75–100 points). Sustainability of HFC in rural China is higher than that in urban areas; sustainability increases as households grow in size and receive higher annual income. The study highlights measures required to improve the current structure of diet in China.