Transforming agri-food systems for multiple wins in nutrition, inclusion and environment

doi:10.1016/j.jia.2024.01.017

摘要/Abstract

Abstract:

The call for agri-food system transformation is urgent in many global development agendas (UN 2023). Food systems have contributed to economic prosperity and feeding the world, but they are also associated with numerous challenges, including climate change, continued hunger, poor diets and malnutrition, and increasing disparities (Webb et al. 2020; Fanzo et al. 2021). The vulnerabilities of food systems have been further aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical disruptions, extreme weather events, and economic uncertainties (IPCC 2023; FAO 2023). The rapid population growth, urbanization and industrialization have also resulted in significant land and water resource pressures, as well as food safety and security in many developing countries.

Thus, the agri-food systems transformation should shift from addressing singular dimension (e.g., grain supply or grain self-sufficiency) to achieving multiple goals simultaneously, including nutrition, health, inclusion, environmental sustainability and climate change (Fan et al. 2021).

There are several strategies that can be used for achieving these multiple goals including access to modern technologies such as internet, changing production structure, promoting more stable and resilient income for farmers, implementing social programs to protect vulnerable population, and of course continued technological and productivity improvement .

Under this context, this special focus of the Journal of Integrative Agriculture is to provide empirical evidence on multiple win strategies to achieve agri-food systems transformation. The issue comprises nine papers covering a wide array of topics aimed at improved nutrition, sustainability inclusion and continued efficiency or productivity improvement within the food system. We trust that these papers will enhance readers’ comprehension of how food system transformation can contribute to multiple dimensions of the food system’s goals.

. [J]. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2024, 23(2): 355-358.

Shenggen Fan, Qiran Zhao, Jingjing Wang. Transforming agri-food systems for multiple wins in nutrition, inclusion and environment[J]. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2024, 23(2): 355-358.

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