New Study Highlights Progress and Challenges in Transforming Food Systems to Achieve SDGs by 2030

A new study titled "Governance and Resilience as Entry Points for Transforming Food Systems in the Countdown to 2030," published in Nature Food on January 14, 2025, provides the first in-depth analysis of changes in global food systems since 2000. The research, conducted under the Food Systems Countdown Initiative (FSCI), is a collaborative effort led by Columbia University, Cornell University, the FAO, and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). The study evaluates 50 key indicators of food systems, organized into themes including nutrition, environment, equity, resilience, and governance.

The report highlights notable progress in certain areas while also pointing out ongoing challenges in others. Out of the 42 metrics analyzed over time, 20 have shown improvement. Key achievements include greater access to safe drinking water and an increase in the availability of vegetables, which reflects advancements in nutrition and health. Furthermore, efforts to conserve plant and animal genetic resources have strengthened the resilience of food systems against climate shocks and other disruptions.

However, the study also points to concerning trends. Seven indicators have deteriorated, including heightened food price volatility and declining government accountability. These issues highlight the difficulty of maintaining stability and coherence in food system policies, particularly in the face of global crises. The decline in civil society participation further underscores the need for inclusive governance to address these challenges effectively.

A central theme of the report is the interconnected nature of food systems. Changes in governance or dietary quality, for instance, can trigger ripple effects across other domains, emphasizing the importance of integrated and cross-sectoral strategies. Case studies from Ethiopia, Mexico, and the Netherlands provide valuable insights into how local contexts shape these dynamics.

This comprehensive analysis serves as a crucial guide for stakeholders aiming to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By highlighting both successes and shortcomings, the study offers actionable pathways to foster resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems, underscoring the urgency of transformative action as the 2030 deadline approaches.