Governance of food systems transformation

Co-creating knowledge on governance approaches for food systems transformation

"The world now produces enough food to feed its population. The problem is not simply technical. It is a political and social problem. It is a problem of access to food supplies, of distribution, and of entitlement. Above all it is a problem of political will."

- Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Former UN Secretary-General (1992-1996)

Food systems governance can be understood as “the ability of actors to steer the food systems to achieve food security, enhance resilience, facilitate adaptation, or to instigate transformation and involves not only the actors and activities of the food system itself but also the actors and activities of related domains such as land use, conservation, energy and water resource management, poverty, and human development.” (Delaney A., et al, 2018)
However, beyond more technical analyses of technological innovations or the impact of changing production or consumption regimes, there is still insufficient understanding on how to steer highly complex and multi-dimensional food systems towards transformation. This transdisciplinary research project is reviewing food system governance approaches in selected partner countries in order to inform Germany's international support for food systems transformation. The project is implemented in three key phases:
Scoping phase: The focus of the first project year is on reviewing the experience of the One World, No Hunger Special Initiative (SEWOH) and drawing broad insights for food systems governance. Undertaken in close consultation with development cooperation actors and SEWOH implementing organizations, the aim is to create a common understanding of food systems transformation and how these processes can best be governed.  
Analysis of transformation processes: The United Nations Food Systems Summit in 2021 served to galvanize international attention around transformation of agri-food systems as a new political goal. However, it remains unclear how this global aspiration can be translated into concrete actions, especially at the national and sub-national levels. Building on in-depth case studies, the second phase of the project aims to better understand, and document, processes towards food systems transformation. This analysis will further explore the requisite political structures and steering instruments for effective food systems governance, with a focus on: how to initiate and sustain transformative processes; “who needs to be at the table”; and the role of external support. 
Food Systems Transformation Academy: Knowledge gathered over the three-year project will be further consolidated and shared through a proposed Food Systems Transformation Academy. The Academy will serve as a platform to develop a common understanding of food systems transformation, promote knowledge exchange, and contribute to the implementation of more inclusive and sustainable food systems.
Project Name
Governance of food systems transformation
Duration
2022-2024
Team

News & Blog Posts

Governor’s Day with Farmers – an innovative governance tool to bring more local agri-food actors to the policy table
Blog Post

Governor’s Day with Farmers – an innovative governance tool to bring more local agri-food actors to the policy table

Highlights of the 2nd Governor's Day with Farmers, Kakamega County Kenya
Joint Conclusions
Publication

Joint Conclusions

Recommendations on how to shape the governance of food systems transformation developed at international expert meeting in Berlin, January 2023
Business as usual will not fix urban food system crisis: A call to prioritize local voices
Blog Post

Business as usual will not fix urban food system crisis: A call to prioritize local voices

Berlin meeting examines gaps between international policy intentions and implementation on the ground
Hunger’s Vicious Cycle: Intersecting food price, security and political crises in Burkina Faso
Blog Post

Hunger’s Vicious Cycle: Intersecting food price, security and political crises in Burkina Faso

Climate shocks and rising global input costs are converging with internal conflict and political instability, triggering devastating food price increases in Burkina Faso.
We’re on the Cusp of the Most Catastrophic Food Crisis in 50 Years: Where Is the Global Response?
Media Coverage

We’re on the Cusp of the Most Catastrophic Food Crisis in 50 Years: Where Is the Global Response?

An unprecedented global crisis is in the making, due to the convergence of “Four Cs” (Conflict, Covid, Climate and Costs)

Publications

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