A sustainable food system is a system that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases that help ensure food security and nutrition for future generations are not compromised. A key outcome of sustainable food systems is the provision of sufficient, safe, healthy, nutritious and affordable food that meets the nutritional needs of all, including children and adolescents. Countries will need to reorient their food and agricultural policies towards more nutrition-sensitive investments and social protection to adapt and transition to healthy dietary production and trade systems. Specific policy interventions can promote mindset and behavioural changes among all food systems actors, bring about desirable shifts in food production and consumption patterns, and lead to more inclusive and equitable agrifood systems. The roles of agriculture and the rural sector remain unclear, largely because of a limited understanding of the nutritional impacts of food systems. A comprehensive situation and policy analysis of the region is needed as a basis for planning effective policy responses.
This book aims to contribute knowledge and understanding regarding the nutritional impacts of food systems. The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region contains great diversity in income levels and in food insecurity, malnutrition and other socioeconomic deprivations. This book supports countries suffering from various forms of malnutrition (undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overnutrition) in strengthening their evidence base for addressing nutrition-related challenges from the food system perspective. In so doing, this book can serve as a basis for multistakeholder engagement and stakeholder dialogue.
This book aims to promote a holistic agrifood systems approach to achieving food security and improved nutrition in all its forms, including the promotion of nutritious food and increasing access to healthy diets for better nutrition