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 healthy and nutritious diets, equitable and inclusive value chains, resilience to shocks and stressors, and climate and environmental sustainability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 195 pages
Publication date: 08 February 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 areas where improvements can be made to achieve the SDGs, including promoting sustainable agriculture practices, improving food waste management, and enhancing access to healthy and nutritious foods.

One of the key recommendations of the panel is the need to promote sustainable agriculture practices. This includes reducing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, promoting crop diversity, and improving soil health. By adopting sustainable agriculture practices, farmers can produce more food while reducing their environmental footprint and improving the livelihoods of their communities.

Another recommendation is the improvement of food waste management. Food waste is a significant issue that affects both the environment and human health. The panel suggests that governments, businesses, and individuals take steps to reduce food waste, such as improving food storage, promoting food donation, and developing new technologies to reduce food spoilage.

Enhancing access to healthy and nutritious foods is another critical recommendation of the panel. This includes improving the availability and affordability of fresh produce, as well as promoting healthy eating habits and education. By improving access to healthy foods, the panel aims to reduce the prevalence of diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The panel also made recommendations for improving the resilience of food systems to shocks and stressors, such as climate change and natural disasters. This includes developing climate-smart agriculture practices, improving water management, and investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events.

Finally, the panel emphasized the importance of promoting climate and environmental sustainability in food systems. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and reducing food waste. By promoting sustainability, the panel aims to create a more resilient and sustainable food system that can meet the needs of current and future generations.

In conclusion, this open-access book is a valuable resource for policymakers, businesses, and individuals interested in achieving the SDGs and creating a more sustainable and equitable food system. The panel's rigorous synthesis and analysis of existing research provides actionable recommendations that can help us move towards a more sustainable and healthy future.

Weight: 313g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030888046
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022