Resilient Food Systems Research Articles

Conference of the Parties (COP) 28 Takeaways at the Intersection of Health, Climate, and Food.

The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change brought together 85 000 climate stakeholders to leverage solutions and accelerate climate actions in 4 key areas: energy transition; issue of funding and financing of climate actions; emphasis on nature, people's lives, and livelihoods; and ensuring inclusivity for all. This commentary highlights insights at the intersection of health, climate, and food gained by the author from participating in COP 28 events. The objective is to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners on emerging opportunities to scale specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based (SMART) climate actions that prioritize health and boost the resilience of food and public health systems.

Research on Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in Africa.

While Moringa oleifera Lam. is gaining importance in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, it is unclear whether research is following the quick pace of its development on the continent. Therefore, this article analyzes the landscape of research dealing with moringa in Africa. This systematic review draws upon 299 eligible articles identified through a search carried out on the Web of Science in April 2023. Research on M. oleifera is rather recent in Africa but interest is increasing among scholars. While the research field is multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral, the literature seems to focus on biological and environmental sciences. Moreover, research is performed mainly in South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana. The analysis suggests a significant potential contribution of moringa to food security and nutrition, climate change mitigation/adaptation, farming systems resilience, and livelihoods. Its versatility and diverse applications and uses make moringa particularly interesting for developing countries, such as African ones. However, this review also underscores some factors hindering its development. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen research on moringa to unlock its potential in Africa. Investments in research, innovation, and development can help address the many challenges that Africa faces and contribute to the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems.

Network embeddedness, entrepreneurial bricolage, and family farm sustainability

Family farm sustainability is an essential guarantee for increasing the resilience of food systems. Based on the network embeddedness theory and entrepreneurial bricolage theory, an exploratory longitudinal case study was adopted. The value-creating behaviors of family farms in different entrepreneurial periods were described and a process model of family farms sustainability with network embeddedness and entrepreneurial bricolage was constructed. The study revealed that family farms faced resource constraints such as shortage of element resources, insufficient market resources and lack of knowledge resources during the induction, start-up, and growth periods, respectively. In order to overcome resource constraints in different entrepreneurial periods, family farms employed multiple network embeddedness ways including relational embeddedness, structural embeddedness and cognitive embeddedness to seek help from actors in the rural social network. Family farms embedded in multiple networks used the entrepreneurial bricolage strategy of “element bricolage – market bricolage – institutional bricolage” to continuously acquire production elements, improve brand awareness, optimize processing techniques and promote the convergence of three industries. Family farms benefited from a win-win result with actors through network embeddedness and entrepreneurial bricolage, and created economic, social and ecological values eventually. The study offers fresh insights into the dynamics of rural entrepreneurship.

Guest editorial: Climate resilient food systems: implications for policy research

Guest editorial: Climate resilient food systems: implications for policy research

Linking farmers' perceptions and management decision toward sustainable agroecological transition: evidence from rural Tunisia.

Global food systems face sustainability challenges like undernourishment, inequity, resource degradation, and pollution. Food production and consumption drive environmental change with greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and land-system shifts. The climate change crisis has intensified concerns about the ecological impact of these systems. Sustainable food networks, such as community-supported agriculture, are promoting sustainable production and consumption through short supply chains. International bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) are also spearheading initiatives for more equitable and sustainable food systems. In Tunisia, where dryland areas predominate, the ongoing implementation of the Agroecology Initiative provides the context for this study, which explores the drivers and barriers of agroecological transformation in this challenging environment. The research focuses on stakeholder engagement, with a gender perspective to explore farmer perceptions. The study, conducted in the northwest of Tunisia in 2022-2023, involved focus groups, workshops, surveys, and questionnaires with various stakeholders. Findings highlight farmer organizations' potential in promoting sustainable farming, with clear goals, diversified systems, and collaborations. However, challenges such as input scarcity, water shortage, low income, and marketing must be addressed. Results also indicate that over 90% of farmers who received assistance with agroecological practices reported a change in their ideas and practices. Fifty seven percent of the workshops participants identified the olive oil value chain as having the greatest potential for agroecological transformation, but it faces constraints such as climate, lack of policy incentives, training, funding, and difficulty in adopting technical innovations. Women's inclusion in agriculture, environmental, social, and economic challenges were also highlighted. Despite these obstacles, key drivers for agroecological transition were identified. These include the compatibility of many agroecological practices with existing farmer capabilities, their cultural and economic benefits, and the positive outcomes for environmental sustainability and health. The study advocates for a socio-technical systems analysis to address the root causes hindering Tunisia's agroecological transformation. A participatory approach is crucial to understanding priorities and developing a sustainable and resilient food system. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of considering diverse farmer perspectives and tailoring strategies to support this critical transition effectively.

A Dynamic Evolutionary Analysis of the Vulnerability of Global Food Trade Networks

The global food trade network (FTN) is a critical infrastructure for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The FTN’s vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts, public health crises, and climate change events directly impacts food security and the ability to meet the SDGs. This study aims to analyze the dynamic evolution of the vulnerability of FTN, focusing on the period from 2000 to 2022, to aim for strategies for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the global food system. Based on complex network analysis, we examine the structural characteristics and evolution of FTN for four major crops: soybeans, wheat, rice, and maize. We identify a trend towards increased network density and regionalization, with a decline in average shortest path length (ASPL) and an increase in the average clustering coefficient (ACC). These changes indicate a shift towards a more interconnected and resilient FTN in response to various shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The findings suggest that the global FTN has adapted to increase resilience, which is essential for achieving the SDGs related to food security and sustainable development. The study’s insights can guide policy interventions to further strengthen the network against future shocks and promote global food security.

Stakeholders’ vision and global goals for food systems in the Solomon Islands: identifying relevant indicators to track progress

Research on food system framework development has increased substantially in recent years to better understand how we can best transform food systems. However, these frameworks generally take a one-size-fits-all approach, with food system indicators lacking relevance in many countries and territories. This research, centred on the Solomon Islands as a case study, employed a participatory approach involving stakeholders to identify context-specific indicators across three food systems pathways. These pathways, reflecting context-specific goals and a collective vision, encompassed strengthening and connecting rural food systems, enhancing the national policy environment, and advocating for food environments supporting healthy food accessibility, affordability, and convenience. The research identified a range of context-specific indicators and evaluated their alignment with existing data sources. Results underscored the need for data collection and analysis efforts to inform evidence-based decision-making. The study also emphasised the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and representative set of indicators, aligning with regional and global efforts to advance food system resilience and sustainability. This research lays the foundation for future endeavours to enhance food system monitoring and assessment, acknowledging nuances and complexities specific to the Solomon Islands and similar contexts.

Unlocking Nutritional Potential: Multi-OMICS Strategies for Enhancing Millet Nutritional Traits

Millet grains have long been recognized for their nutritional significance, serving as staple foods for millions around the world. However, unlocking their full nutritional potential remains a crucial challenge. In this study, we explore the application of multi-OMICS (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics) strategies to enhance the nutritional traits of millet grains. By integrating comprehensive molecular datasets, we aim to elucidate the genetic and biochemical pathways governing key nutritional attributes such as protein content, amino acid composition, micronutrient density, and antioxidant capacity in millets. Through targeted breeding and biotechnological interventions informed by multi-OMICS analyses, we seek to develop improved millet varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles and agronomic performance. This interdisciplinary approach holds great promise for addressing malnutrition and promoting food security, particularly in regions where millets are dietary staples. By harnessing the power of multi-OMICS technologies, we aim to unleash the full nutritional potential of millets, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient food systems for future generations.

Assessment of the Environmental Footprint of Various Food Production Systems

Purpose: This study sought to assess the environmental footprint of various food production systems. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the environmental footprint of various food production systems. Preliminary empirical review revealed that with a call for transformative changes to mitigate ecological impacts while ensuring food security and human well-being. Through a comprehensive analysis, significant variations in resource use and emissions were highlighted across different production methods. The study emphasized the interconnectedness between dietary choices, agricultural practices, and environmental outcomes, urging policymakers to enact evidence-based policies and agricultural stakeholders to adopt regenerative farming practices. Ultimately, the study served as a call to action for concerted efforts to transition towards a more sustainable and resilient food system, integrating ecological principles, social equity, and economic viability to promote harmony between human activities and the natural environment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Systems theory, Ecological Economics and Agroecology models may be used to anchor future studies on the environmental footprint of various food production systems. The study made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy in the realm of sustainable food production and environmental conservation. It advanced theoretical understanding by advocating for a systems-based approach to assessing environmental impacts and highlighting the importance of considering multiple dimensions of sustainability. In practice, the study recommended the adoption of agroecological approaches and the promotion of sustainable farming practices to mitigate environmental harm. Policy recommendations included the implementation of regulatory interventions and incentives to promote sustainability, while consumer education and international collaboration were emphasized for driving demand for sustainable food products and facilitating knowledge sharing. Lastly, the study underscored the importance of investment in research and innovation to drive continuous improvements in sustainable food production systems.

Crop species diversity: A key strategy for sustainable food system transformation and climate resilience

AbstractThe global food system's reliance on a few species threatens food and nutritional security. Species diversification, including indigenous species, is a viable option to address this issue. Diversity enhances food systems' resilience against climatic and economic shocks. It offers resources for improved breeds and allows farmers to mitigate risks. However, successful diversification demands collaboration among farmers, researchers, academics, professionals, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. This review analyzes the role of crop species diversity in food system transformation, focusing on monoculture vulnerabilities, diversification benefits, indigenous species' role in nutrition and food security, and the importance of integrated policies and multi‐stakeholder collaborations. We advocate for interdisciplinary research, participatory approaches, and supportive policies to foster diverse, resilient food systems that ensure food security, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced social well‐being amidst global challenges. While acknowledging the importance of diversity in animal species for food security, the focus of this review is on crop species diversity and its potential to transform food systems.

Closing the Loop: Exploring Food Waste Management in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global food waste patterns through unanticipated shifts in composition and quantities. This review explores the impacts of COVID-19 on food waste generation and management approaches in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region during the recovery phase. This paper comprehensively explores food loss and waste in the NENA region. It presents a detailed analysis of pandemic-induced changes in household food waste behaviors, analyses the integration of circular economy principles in recovery strategies and policy implications, and outlines potential avenues for future research in this critical area. The key findings are threefold: First, this study reaffirms that food waste is a critical challenge in NENA, contributing to food insecurity, water scarcity, and environmental issues. Second, the pandemic catalyzed a dichotomy in consumer behaviors—panic buying initially increased waste, while hardship measures later encouraged sustainable waste reduction practices like meal planning and leftover use. Third, adopting a circular economy approach holds potential, yet its implementation remains limited in terms of curbing food waste and promoting sustainability in NENA. Overall, while the pandemic accentuated the urgency of tackling food waste, it also stimulated innovative policy thinking and strategic planning for building more resilient food systems. This paper concludes that leveraging pandemic-driven sustainability mindsets while addressing systemic drivers of waste will be key to mitigating food waste and its impacts moving forward. This paper offers timely insights into the evolving food waste management landscape in NENA, underscoring the need for integrated policies to navigate post-pandemic recovery effectively.

Participatory System Mapping for Food Systems: Lessons Learned from a Case Study of Comox Valley, Canada

Food systems are complex and multifaceted, comprising a diverse range of actors, processes, and interactions. Participatory system mapping can be employed to help understand this complexity and support the development of sustainable and resilient food systems. This article shares a participatory mapping approach that has been developed as part of the Climate–Biodiversity–Health (CBH) Nexus project in the Comox Valley, British Columbia, Canada. This research pursues two main aims: (1) to ground truth in the CBH system map of food systems, developed with the participation of stakeholders; and (2) to explain how participatory system mapping can be employed to clarify the complexity of food systems in a clear and concise manner for all stakeholders. This research contributes to the literature on participatory system mapping, including critiques of its practical utility, by employing participatory approaches to visualize multi-dimensional and multi-level system maps with an emphasis on verifying that they are clear, understandable/useful, and reliable for diverse stakeholder audiences.

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Minor Fruit Crops: Cultivation Practices, Market Strategies, and Contributions to Agricultural Diversity and Sustainability

Cultivating minor fruit crops constitutes a vital component of diversified agriculture, contributing to local economies, dietary variety, and niche markets. This explores the intricacies of minor fruit crop production, emphasizing the importance of suitable variety selection, meticulous cultivation practices, and effective pest management. Key considerations include water and nutrient management, pruning techniques, and post-harvest handling. Market strategies such as exploring local markets and value addition are discussed, highlighting growth opportunities. The cultivation of minor fruit crops not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also fosters resilient and sustainable food systems. This encapsulates the essence of cultivating minor fruit crops, highlighting their significance in the broader agricultural landscape. Value addition through processing, such as making jams, jellies, or juices, is discussed as a means of enhancing market appeal and economic viability for growers. The role of minor fruit crops in promoting agricultural sustainability and resilience. By fostering biodiversity and offering alternatives to globally dominant fruit varieties, these crops contribute to the creation of dynamic and resilient food systems.

Local food system resilience in the context of shocks and crises: vulnerabilities and responses of agroecology-based farmers in Peru, Germany, and the United States

ABSTRACT Multiple crises have disrupted food systems around the world. The shocks induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with increased energy prices and shortages of fertilizers and agricultural inputs, have affected farmers everywhere. By applying inductive, qualitative, and comparative research approaches, we investigate the impact of shocks and crises on diverse food systems. Using mixed qualitative methods, we integrate the voices of (n = 25) farmers belonging to agroecology-based local food systems in Peru, Germany, and the United States with the aims of: (i) understanding the different crisis scenarios; (ii) determining the vulnerabilities induced in farmers; and (iii) identifying the responses and coping mechanisms that farmers deploy in response to shocks. The results illustrate how farmers are affected by the combined effects of labor shortages, rising input costs, high energy prices, and climate change. Farmers’ responses to stressors are then analyzed and compared using attributes of food system resilience. Based on our results, we argue that resilience-building is determined not only by the environment in which agroecology is embedded, but also by the responsive capacities of farmers. We emphasize the need for more proactive policies aimed at promoting agroecological and localized production to enhance the resilience of food systems against recurrent shocks and crises.

Exploring food system resilience to the global polycrisis in six Asian countries.

The world is currently in the midst of a global food crisis brought about and exacerbated by a series of mutually reinforcing shocks to food systems This study investigated the resilience of food systems in six Asian countries (Bangladesh, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Pakistan, Philippines, and Sri Lanka) amidst the global 'polycrisis' caused by COVID-19, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change. Trend analyses were performed for 19 indicators sourced from global databases and World Food Programme national data, representing the four domains of food system resilience: exposure to shocks; resilience capacities and agro- and food diversity, resilience responses and strategies; and long-term resilience outcomes. The analysis revealed that all six countries experienced the effects of the 'polycrisis', leading to diverse impacts on exchange rates, with Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Lao PDR facing significant currency depreciation. While most countries increased crop production and decreased food imports during the crisis, government economic support during the pandemic varied widely. Resilience outcomes, including national food price inflation and the proportion of populations facing food insecurity, witnessed upward variations. Overall, countries with higher resilience capacities at the start of the 'polycrisis' showed less severe long-term resilience outcomes. Our findings highlight the varied challenges and resilience capacities across each country, influenced by a complex interplay of economic, political, agricultural, and food affordability factors crucial for determining long-term resilience in their food systems. Recommendations for future research include focusing on resilience assessment in food systems, integrating climate change adaptation measures, and developing early intervention strategies.

Promising Nature-Based Solutions to Support Climate Adaptation of Arizona’s Local Food Entrepreneurs and Optimize One Health

This study explores the uptake and potential application of nature-based solutions (NbS) that are particularly promising for small-scale farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs operating in arid and semi-arid regions. Studying the adoption of NbS by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs), including related strengths and limitations, remains an area of exploration due to their potential to optimize interventions that foster environmental sustainability at the intersection of people, animals, and natural ecosystems (i.e., One Health). A multi-method design was used, including literature review, questionnaires, and semi-structured key informant interviews to assess adaptation needs and NbS among a sample of LFEs located in Southern AZ, USA. The findings revealed that existing NbS have been introduced mostly through learning-by-doing practices that are bounded by economic and technological resource constraints. The paper describes a range of accessible approaches and practices that can be piloted and/or scaled up to enhance local food system resilience and contribute to the overlapping health of people, animals, and natural ecosystems. The priority adaptation pathways for NbS were identified to be funding and financing and the co-creation and sharing of knowledge through peer-to-peer and expert-to-peer approaches. The results suggested that AZ LFEs are likely to adopt NbS based on their capacity to address priority climate-driven issues, revenue generation potential, and seamless augmentation with existing food production and operational activities.

Citizen Science and Urban Home Gardeners’ Attitudes Toward Gardening

Citizen science is a participatory research method that enlists community members as scientists to collect data at a scale that would not be possible for researchers on their own and in research contexts that are difficult for researchers to reach. Although the contribution of citizen science to scientific data collection is well-known, a new area of research investigates the impact that citizen science programs have on the citizen scientists. Gardening can support healthy dietary patterns, food access, and food system resilience in urban communities. Leveraging home gardening can be a good way for cooperative extension and community groups to support the health and wellbeing of their community members. However, to reap the health and community benefits of gardening, individuals need to adopt the behavior of gardening. In this study, researchers from University of Florida conducted a home gardening citizen science program between Mar 2022 and Jul 2022 for the purpose of assessing whether participating in a citizen science home gardening program increases the likelihood of participants’ future home gardening. Researchers used a matched pretest and posttest evaluation design to assess whether participation in this program affected the citizen scientists’ (n = 112) beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of home gardening. Citizen science program participants improved their attitudes and beliefs about home gardening but had limited improvement in their self-efficacy about home gardening after participation in the program. A 1-year follow-up survey found that program participants had adopted new gardening behaviors and reported benefits of participating in the program beyond gardening. These results highlight the value of citizen science to facilitate intentions to home garden and show the importance of information and program support to ensure the success of program participants.

Preface

The 3rd International Conference on Agriculture and food sustainability (The 3rd ICAFOSY 2023) The 3rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUSTAINABILITY (The 3rd ICAFOSY 2023) marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of global efforts to address the challenges facing food systems and nutritional security in the wake of climate change, particularly in developing countries. With its overarching theme, “Enhancing the resilience of food systems for food and nutritional security under climate change,” The conference united academics, researchers, specialists, policymakers, and practitioners committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices.At the heart of this collective endeavor, the conference served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, cutting-edge research findings, and innovative solutions. Delegates explored various dimensions of the conference’s focus and scopes, ranging from adaptation, mitigation, and resilience strategies to climate-smart agriculture adoption and the intricate interplay between climate change and agriculture. Participants engaged in fruitful discussions on topics such as bioenergy for sustainable agriculture, climate change education for social transformation, and governance strategies for ensuring food security in the face of climate challenges.A moment of reflection and gratitude is extended to all the colleagues and participants whose dedication and expertise contributed to the success of the 3rd ICAFOSY 2023. The collaborative spirit exhibited during the conference underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding agriculture, food sustainability, and climate change. The collective wisdom and shared experiences of our colleagues have undoubtedly enriched the dialogue and propelled us closer to actionable solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future.The 3rd ICAFOSY held on October 30-31, 2023, the conference found its home in the Main Hall of the Department of Agricultural Socio-economic Building, 3rd Floor, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. The hybrid format of the event allowed for both in-person and virtual participation, enabling a global audience to engage in the discussions and contribute to the conference’s goals. The unique blend of physical and virtual interactions fostered a sense of global collaboration, transcending geographical boundaries to address the challenges posed by climate change to agriculture and food sustainability.Finally, the resounding success of the 3rd ICAFOSY 2023 would not have been possible without the unwavering support and commitment of the Department of Agricultural Socio-economic, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya.List of Editor, Technical Programme Committee are available in this pdf.

Enhancing global food safety standards through international collaboration and policy harmonization

In an increasingly interconnected world, ensuring the safety of the global food supply has emerged as a paramount concern. With foodborne illnesses affecting millions annually and international trade in food products reaching unprecedented levels, the need for robust food safety standards has never been more pressing. This abstract explores the vital role of international collaboration and policy harmonization in enhancing global food safety standards, with a focus on the mechanisms, challenges, and potential solutions involved. At the heart of global food safety efforts lie collaborative endeavors among nations facilitated by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. These entities serve as platforms for harmonizing food safety regulations by developing science-based standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. Through regular consultations, expert committees, and consensus-building processes, these organizations foster agreement on key principles and practices governing food safety across diverse national contexts. However, achieving harmonization in food safety policies poses significant challenges. Divergent regulatory frameworks, varying levels of institutional capacity, and disparities in resources among countries can impede efforts to establish uniform standards. Moreover, geopolitical tensions and trade disputes may hinder cooperation, leading to fragmentation in global food safety governance. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to build trust, enhance communication, and promote transparency among stakeholders. Technological innovations offer promising avenues for overcoming barriers to international collaboration and policy harmonization in food safety. Blockchain technology, for instance, enables transparent and tamper-proof recording of food supply chain data, enhancing traceability and accountability. Internet of Things (IoT) devices provide real-time monitoring of food storage and transportation conditions, helping to prevent contamination and spoilage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms analyze vast datasets to identify emerging food safety risks and inform regulatory decision-making. By leveraging these technologies, countries can strengthen their capacity to implement harmonized food safety standards and improve compliance with international regulations. Furthermore, public-private partnerships play a crucial role in advancing global food safety initiatives. Collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, academia, and civil society organizations facilitates knowledge sharing, capacity building, and resource mobilization. By pooling expertise and resources, these partnerships enable more effective surveillance, response, and mitigation of food safety risks on a global scale. Moreover, they promote information exchange and best practice dissemination, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in food safety management. Policy harmonization efforts must also embrace risk-based approaches to prioritize interventions and allocate resources effectively. By identifying and assessing food safety hazards based on their likelihood and severity, countries can tailor their regulatory measures to address the most significant risks. Moreover, regular monitoring, evaluation, and review of food safety policies are essential to ensure their relevance, effectiveness, and adaptability in the face of evolving threats and challenges. Enhancing global food safety standards requires sustained international collaboration and policy harmonization. By fostering consensus, leveraging technology, and fostering partnerships, the international community can strengthen the resilience of the global food system, protect public health, and promote equitable access to safe and nutritious food for all.

Family farming in climate change: Strategies for resilient and sustainable food systems

Family farming plays a pivotal role in ensuring household food security and bolstering the resilience of food systems against climate change. Traditional agricultural practices are evolving into context-specific, climate-resilient systems such as family farming, homestead gardening, and urban agriculture. This study examines the ways in which family farming can foster climate-resilient food systems amidst climate vulnerabilities. A systematic literature review spanning the past 22 years was undertaken to develop a conceptual framework. From this review, 37 pertinent documents were identified, leading to the creation of a context-specific, climate-resilient food system framework. The research posits that family farming facilitates easy access to food and nutrition by capitalizing on family-sourced land, labor, and capital, and by securing access to technology and markets. Each facet of family farming is intricately linked with sustainability principles. Local adaptation strategies employed by climate-vulnerable households can diminish their vulnerability and augment their adaptive, absorptive, and transformative capacities, enabling them to establish a climate-resilient food system. The research further reveals that farming families employ a myriad of strategies to fortify their food systems. These include crop diversification, adjusting planting times, cultivating high-value crops and fish, planting fruit trees, rearing poultry and livestock, and leveraging their land, labor, and resources—including their homesteads—to access food and nutrition. This study endorses the climate-resilient family farming framework and offers multiple metrics for assessing the resilience of family farming in developing countries.