Policy seminar: Countries pivotal actors as food systems transform

Food systems in developing countries are undergoing a rapid transformation, much of it shaped by global and regional events. But actions on the country level will be critical in shaping future food system outcomes, and some countries are taking a systemic approach to assessing and acting on food system transformation—considering consumption and food environments, food supply and sustainability, health, and socioeconomic outcomes. A Nov. 14, policy seminar, co-hosted by IFPRI and the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) explored this approach.

Inge Brouwer, associate professor of Food and Nutrition Security at Wageningen University & Research and leader of A4NH’s flagship research program Food Systems for Healthier Diets, highlighted A4NH’s emphasis on considering diets in a country-specific context. She noted the importance of starting with a focus on diets from a consumer perspective to ensure dietary transitions balance health priorities with efforts to reduce intake of unhealthy foods.

Representatives from two of A4NH’s focus countries: Viet Nam and Nigeria, discussed the challenges, opportunities, and trade-offs they encounter in enabling food system actors in their countries.

Photo Credit: Jamed Falik/IFPRI