Abstract
Recent discussions on the results of food security programs devote key attention to complex interactions between policy interventions and business innovation for improving nutrition outcomes. This shift from linear approaches of food and nutrition security towards a more interlinked and nested analysis of food systems dynamics has profound implications for the design and organization of research and innovation processes. In this article we outline our experience with interdisciplinary and interactive processes of food systems analysis at different scale levels, paying systematic attention to three critical system interfaces: intersections with other systems, interactions within the food system, and incentives for food system innovations (the so-called: 3I approach). We discuss the importance of these interfaces for leveraging food system adaptation and managing food system transformation. We also provide illustrative examples of the relevance of food systems analysis for the identification of appropriate and effective programs for reinforcing the resilience, responsiveness and inclusiveness of novel food and nutrition programs.
Highlights
Research and policy on food security has long been dominated by questions regarding availability, access and utilization
It requires a thorough understanding of the structure of a food system and the dynamics of food system changes over time and space in relation to predefined societal, environmental or distributional goals
It is useful to ask the question: what differences does it make to rely on food systems analysis for the selection of public policy and private investment priorities, and which instruments and incentives can be used to support these objectives? We focus on five food systems levels that are of critical importance for internal interaction, and distinguish between different types of interventions that focus on (a) supply-led production logic and (b) demand-led food consumption logic
Summary
Research and policy on food security has long been dominated by questions regarding availability, access and utilization. Food systems analysis is based on systematic appraisal of different underlying processes that influence food availability, access and utilization, as well as a detailed analysis of the roles of different stakeholders involved, notably the role of the consumer in nutrition-oriented food systems It requires a thorough understanding of the structure of a food system and the dynamics of food system changes over time and space in relation to predefined societal, environmental or distributional goals. We outline a framework to explore pathways of food system adaptation and to assess the dynamics of food systems transition that goes beyond the mere description of alternative options This permits us to explicitly acknowledge trade-offs between production and nutrition goals, and may support active engagement of public and private stakeholders [9]. Sustainability 2019, 11, 171 public and private actions and for capturing potential trade-offs between different societal goals in a timely way
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
