Sustainable Agrifood Systems Intelligence (SASI)
FAO Investment Centre
Agrifood systems concern the way our food is produced, processed, transported, traded, distributed, consumed and disposed of. Population growth, urbanization, shifting wealth and changing consumption patterns are straining these systems, jeopardizing their ability to provide healthy food and sustainable livelihoods.
Agrifood systems produce about one- third of global greenhouse gas emissions and consume large amounts of natural resources, especially water. They also contribute to critical biodiversity loss and land degradation, threatening the very existence of agriculture for future generations. All this underscores the urgent need to sustainably transform agrifood systems.
At a glance
- FAO, the European Union and the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) launched the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation Initiative (SASTI) in 2020 to conduct large-scale agrifood system assessments and consultations in nearly 50 countries. This effort gathered evidence and knowledge around four core goals: food security, nutrition and health; inclusive economic growth; territorial development and equity; and the environment.
- They published 41 country profiles stemming from these assessments, which help to identify entry points for innovative policy and investment solutions.
- FAO, the European Union and Agrinatura – a consortium of European research institutions – initiated a new phase known as Sustainable Agrifood Systems Intelligence (SASI). The goal is to improve the availability of knowledge and guidance on the institutions, policies and investments needed to accelerate the transition to sustainable agrifood systems.
- Building on these assessments, the FAO Investment Centre is working with countries to support institutional platforms to address the diverse challenges and opportunities in transitioning to sustainable agrifood systems, with an emphasis on evidence-based data, collective problem solving, strengthened capacities and strategic communication. This work is now under way in Bhutan, Colombia and Sierra Leone.
Related links
Latest stories
Climate Finance: an instrument for sustainable agrifood system transformation in Sierra Leone
05/08/2024
Agrifood systems are highly vulnerable to climate change. Accessing climate finance can help transition to more climate-resilient agricultural practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Government officials, development partners, financial institutions and civil society organizations in Sierra Leone participated in a two-day training on climate finance for agrifood systems.
Sierra Leone: from assessment to concrete action for sustainable food systems
04/06/2024
A wind of change is blowing in Sierra Leone, one that will help ensure the people’s access to more locally produced, sustainable and nutritious food. With the ‘Feed Salone Strategy’, the Government intends to mobilize investments to boost agricultural productivity as part of its plan to enhance food security and inclusive economic growth.
InfoPoint Event: Sustainable Food Systems Transformation in Bhutan
06/04/2023
While keeping its firm commitment to the environment and preserve its status as a green champion, Bhutan is looking to promote Brand Bhutan through the development of high-value niche agrifood products for the export market.
Accelerating the transformation of African food systems is key to meeting the SDGs
19/10/2022
At the 2022 summit of the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) held in Kigali, Rwanda, 5-7 September 2022, the future of food systems in Africa was at the core of the debate. They are a fundamental part in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, but mid-way through, intensified efforts are needed to meet the target.
The challenge of diversifying food production and diet
10/10/2022
There is a wide recognition that our food systems are no longer sustainable. They do not provide a diverse and healthy diet, the systems of production are damaging to the environment and the economic gap between actors is widening.
Moving ahead with the sustainable and inclusive transformation of agri-food systems
02/02/2022
To coincide with the publication of the results of the global Food System Assessment (FSA) undertaken by the European Union, FAO and the agricultural research centre for international development (CIRAD) in cooperation with national governments, a high-level webinar was held on 20 January as part of the EU's Infopoint series.
Food Systems Assessment On Track To Deliver Key Data At Un Summit
22/09/2021
As world leaders gather in New York for the UN Food Systems Summit, convened under the General Assembly, to discuss solutions to improve the world's food systems, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is releasing key results from a major food systems assessment programme, carried out in over 50 countries under the leadership of governments and in close collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the French Agricultural Research Centre for Development (CIRAD).
FAO Investment Centre releases initial results of food system assessments in 50 countries
27/07/2021
Country teams led by governments and supported by EU delegations, FAO representatives and other development partners are conducting the assessments, with results already compiled from Bhutan, Burkina-Faso, Madagascar and Nepal.
Featured publications
Country profiles
Food System Assessments
Mauritania Country Profile
01/2023
Available in French only. This is a summary of the main challenges facing Mauritanian food systems and possible solutions to make them more sustainable...
Food System Assessments
Niger Country Profile
01/2023
Available in French only. This Food Systems Profile provides a summary of the main food system issues in Niger and highlights potential solutions for...
Food System Assessments
Guinea-Bissau Country Profile
10/2022
Available in French and Portuguese. This is a summary of the main issues facing food systems in Guinea-Bissau and possible solutions to make them more...
Food System Assessments
Nigeria Country Profile
09/2022
This Food Systems Profile provides a summary of the main food system issues in Nigeria and highlights potential solutions for their sustainable and...
Food System Assessments
Côte d'Ivoire Country Profile
07/2022
Available in French only. This is a summary of the main issues facing food systems in Côte d'Ivoire and possible solutions to make them more sustainable...
Food System Assessments
Eswatini Country Profile
07/2022
This Food Systems Profile provides a summary of the main food system issues in Eswatini and highlights potential solutions for their sustainable and...
Food System Assessments
Mozambique Country Profile
06/2022
Available in Portuguese. This Food Systems Profile provides a summary of the main food system issues in Mozambique and highlights potential solutions...
Food System Assessments
Zimbabwe Country Profile
06/2022
This Food Systems Profile provides a summary of the main food system issues in Zimbabwe and highlights potential solutions for their sustainable and...