Socio-Technical Innovation Bundles for Agri-Food Systems Transformation

This open-access book summarizes the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 with respect to the global systems that produce and distribute food, and provides actionable recommendations for achieving healthy and nutritious diets, equitable and inclusive value chains, resilience to shocks and stressors, and climate and environmental sustainability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 195 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book is the culmination of an expert panel convened by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and Nature Sustainability. The panel took on the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 directly, with a focus on the global systems that produce and distribute food. Through a rigorous synthesis and analysis of existing research, the panel made compelling recommendations that, if implemented, would simultaneously lead to healthy and nutritious diets, equitable and inclusive value chains, resilience to shocks and stressors, and climate and environmental sustainability.

The panel's synthesis and analysis of existing research uncovered a wealth of insights and opportunities for action. It identified key challenges and barriers to achieving sustainable food systems, such as the need to increase agricultural productivity, reduce food waste, and improve access to healthy and nutritious food. It also highlighted the potential benefits of sustainable food systems, such as improved human health, economic development, and environmental protection.

Based on its analysis, the panel made a series of actionable recommendations. These recommendations addressed various aspects of sustainable food systems, including agriculture, food production, distribution, consumption, and waste management. For example, the panel recommended promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as organic farming, agroforestry, and precision agriculture to increase productivity and reduce environmental impact. It also recommended improving food distribution systems to ensure that food reaches those who need it most, while reducing food waste and promoting healthy and nutritious diets.

The panel also emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable consumption and waste management practices. It recommended reducing food waste by improving food storage, processing, and distribution, as well as promoting consumer awareness and education about sustainable food practices. It also recommended promoting sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy conversion, to reduce environmental impact and promote resource conservation.

In conclusion, this open-access book provides a comprehensive and actionable framework for achieving sustainable food systems. It highlights the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals, to work together to address the complex challenges and opportunities facing sustainable food systems. The panel's recommendations provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable food systems that are healthy, nutritious, equitable, and environmentally sustainable.

Weight: 437g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030888015
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022