Scientific Brief: Sustainable Food Systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Scientific Brief
The food systems of Low- and Middle-Income Countries are facing challenges in meeting the needs of both people and the environment. These challenges include providing sufficient and nutritious diets to over 3 billion people, as well as contributing to environmental issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and land degradation. The UN Food Systems Summit in 2021 revealed that there is a global consensus that food systems need to change to be more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient in order to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, food system transformation is complex and can be overwhelming, making it difficult to identify critical linkages and inform policy.
This scientific brief wants to support policy makers by giving a comprehensive overview on both the concept and on ongoing discussions. ´
In this scientific brief we highlight a few entry points that address the current challenges and drivers:
- Sustainable intensification of food production; built on diversified crop systems, agroecological practices, and the development of aquatic food,
- Reduction of post harvest losses
- Development of infrastructure in food trade and processing
- Promotion of nutritious food that is available and affordable to all
Finally, food policy and governance have a central role in shaping the food system and in support to smallholder farmers, SMEs, and vulnerable consumers.
CALLENIUS Caroline;
MAES Olivier;
VERSTRAETEN Roosmarijn;
REMBOLD Felix;
2024-04-24
European Commission
JRC136438
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC136438,
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