Innovation at FAO


Behavioural science: Better decisions for better results

Why is behavioural science important for agrifood systems transformation? 

FAO recognizes that lasting change in agrifood systems requires a shift in how people act. From the practices farmers use to grow their crops, to the policy decisions governments make, understanding why humans do what they do, and how to effectively change behaviour, is a critical component of agrifood systems transformation. Behavioural science provides the tools, methodologies and insights needed to understand and influence human decision-making, enabling the design of innovative solutions that are not only novel but also widely adopted and impactful.  The FAO Office of Innovation supports the use of behavioural science as a key enabler of agrifood systems transformation through the work of its Nudge Unit.  

How does FAO apply behavioural science? 

FAO leverages cutting-edge insights from the behavioural sciences to help individuals, communities and governments to make better decisions, accelerating progress towards a more sustainable, healthy and food-secure world. Together with partners around the world, FAO:  

  • Identifies key behavioural and contextual barriers that hinder much-needed changes in agrifood systems;  
  • Co-creates innovative solutions with local communities to ensure their perspectives and lived experiences are reflected in project designs;  
  • Tests solutions using rigorous scientific methods to assess their effectiveness in the real world; 
  • Builds a knowledge base from proven interventions to enhance the success of future work; and 
  • Fosters innovative and experimental mindsets among internal and external partners through specialized training, workshops and masterclasses. 

 

Behavioural science in action

To date, FAO has used behavioural science to support sustainable behaviour change on four continents: 

  • In Kenya, FAO partnered with local communities to help farmers make climate-informed decisions through radio broadcasts voiced by trusted messengers.  
  • In Mozambique, FAO collaborated with slaughterhouse staff to co-create an innovative meat processing solution, making it easier to adhere to critical biosecurity protocols such as handwashing and proper cleaning techniques. 
  • In Azerbaijan and Georgia, FAO worked closely with stakeholders along the onion and potato value chains to pinpoint the behavioural and structural causes of food loss and waste and co-created bespoke solutions scenarios to address these issues.  
  • In Latin America, FAO conducted a behavioural assessment to identify the barriers to and enablers of sustainable livestock farming through desk research and key informant interviews with policymakers, programme implementers and livestock federations.  
  • In Italy, FAO promoted healthier food choices by redesigning a cafeteria to make healthy options more visible, accessible and appealing to customers.   

FAO continues to grow its behavioural science practice through partnerships with local stakeholders around the world, fostering better decisions for better results.  

Interested in learning more?
Please contact [email protected]