A range of pressures including rapid population growth, urbanization, growing wealth and consequent changes in consumption patterns, are challenging our agrifood systems’ ability to provide nutritious food, and to contribute to enhanced livelihood opportunities in an environmentally sustainable way. Our agrifood systems are contributing to, and affected by, extreme weather events as associated with climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Responding to these challenges requires a systems-based approach that addresses the range and complexities in a holistic and sustainable manner.
A sustainable agrifood system is one that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generation is not compromised. This means that it is profitable throughout, ensuring economic sustainability, it has broad-based benefits for society, securing social sustainability, and that it has a positive or neutral impact on the natural resource environment, safeguarding the sustainability of the environment.
Resources
Pathways for agrifood systems transformation and regional cooperation in the Mediterranean – Executive Brief
05/11/2024
Focusing on the Mediterranean, this executive brief explores unique challenges and opportunities for transforming agrifood systems in this region, emphasizing...
Policymaking for agrifood systems transformation in Uganda
29/10/2024
This brief provides a snapshot of the policy and institutional processes aimed at accelerating the sustainable transformation of Uganda’s agrifood systems...
Let Learning Lead: A Promising Practice for Agrifood Systems Transformation. Emerging Insights and Innovations from the SFS-MED Experience. Report of the workshop “Agrifood Systems Learning for Change – The SFS-MED Experience”, FAO Headquarters, 6-7 June 2024
28/10/2024
This report documents specific and beneficial agrifood systems changes as a result of the SFS-MED project. It illustrates the role and practices of...
Events
Podcast
Podcast: The power of agrifood systems
18/07/2023
Tune in to the FAO talks podcast with Corinna Hawkes, Director of FAO’s Division of Food Systems and Food Safety, to look at how agrifood systems play vital roles in our lives, ensuring our health and wellbeing, and make a major impact on the environment.
Videos
SFS-MED Webinar 6: Green growth for sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean region
01/12/2023
The sixth episode of the SFS-MED Webinar series brought together representatives from governments, agri-food enterprises, researchers, international...
On Urban Food Policies with Corinna Hawkes - FAO
21/08/2023
What is the role of cities in transforming food systems?