24 Solutions to Fix the Global Food System

In support of the United Nations Food Systems Summit, leaders across the food and agriculture space came together to form the Food Systems Game Changers Lab, to support ideas, enterprises and initiatives that have the potential to transform our world’s food systems. 

Changemakers from EAT, IDEO, Thought For Food, The Rockefeller Foundation, Forum for the Future, Meridian Institute, SecondMuse and Intention 2 Impact joined forces and worked with game changers from every part of the world who have the ideas, initiatives, and innovations that can bring positive change to global food systems—and the passion, grit, collaborative spirit, and determination required to take their solutions forward in partnership with others. 

In doing so, they developed 24 Action Agendas, that offers a vision for future food systems that are sustainable, equitable, healthy, and diverse as well as a transformative pathway to actualise that vision through a particular collective solution set (read the full report.) 

1. Empowering women & youth #

Women and youth play a vital role in the global food system, yet they are often undervalued and lack opportunities to participate in decision-making. Empowering women and youth is important not only for promoting gender equality, but also for creating a more efficient and effective food system. Women are typically the primary caregivers in their households and play a key role in producing, processing, and preparing food. They also have valuable knowledge about local plant and animal species, traditional methods of agriculture, and the needs of their communities. Youth, meanwhile, are the future of the food system. They can bring new ideas and perspectives to address old problems. By investing in women and youth, we can create a more equitable and sustainable food system that meets the needs of all people.

2. Elevating indigenous and native food systems #

The global food system is in crisis. Climate change, shrinking resources, and growing populations are putting increasing pressure on our ability to produce enough food to meet the world’s needs. One way to address this challenge is to elevate indigenous and native food systems. Indigenous peoples have a deep connection to the land and a wealth of knowledge about sustainable agriculture. By supporting indigenous farmers and elevating their traditional practices, we can help to create a more resilient food system that is better able to withstand the challenges of climate change. In addition, indigenous foods are often more nutritious than foods that are grown in industrial agriculture. They are also more culturally diverse, which can help to improve diets and reduce the risk of malnutrition. By supporting indigenous food systems, we can help to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

3. Feeding children nutritiously #

It is estimated that nearly one third of all food production globally is lost or wasted each year. At the same time, hunger and malnutrition are still major problems in many parts of the world. One way to help address both of these issues is to improve the way we feed children.

Good nutrition is essential for child development, both physically and cognitively.children who are well-nourished are more likely to perform better in school and be productive members of society as adults. In addition, improved nutrition can help to reduce the incidence of diet-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

There are several ways to make sure children are getting the nutrients they need. One is to ensure that they have access to a diversity of healthy foods. Another is to educate parents and caregivers about proper nutrition and how to prepare nutritious meals on a budget. Finally, it is important to work with food producers to make sure that nutritious foods are affordable and available to all families.

By taking steps to improve child nutrition, we can help create a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone.

4. Upcycling food & materials #

Upcycling is the process of transforming rejected or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or ecological value. It is a method of creative reuse that reduces waste and often saves energy and resources compared to the production of virgin (new) materials.

The term “upcycling” was coined in 1994 by Reiner Pilch, and popularized by William McDonough and Michael Braungart in their 2002 book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Since then, upcycling has gained traction as a way to close the loop on material waste and help address pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

While upcycling is often associated with crafting and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, it can also be applied on a large scale by businesses and industries. Upcycling food & materials is important because it helps to fix the global food system by reducing food waste, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting local economies.

For example, some companies are upcycling fruit and vegetable scraps into new products such as soups, sauces, and even cosmetics. Others are turning food waste into animal feed or compost.

5. Reducing food loss & waste #

Reducing food loss and waste is important for several reasons. First, it can help to mitigate the effects of climate change. Food production accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and when food is wasted, those emissions are released unnecessarily. Second, reducing food waste can help to address issues of food insecurity and hunger. It is estimated that nearly one-third of the food produced globally is lost or wasted each year. That means that there is enough food to feed everyone on the planet, but much of it ends up in landfills instead of stomachs. Finally, reducing food waste can have a positive impact on the economy. The UN estimates that addressing global food loss and waste could save farmers and businesses $1 trillion each year. Reducing food waste is essential to fixing the global food system.

There are several ways to reduce food loss and waste. On an individual level, people can plan their meals more carefully and make use of leftovers. Food businesses can invest in new technologies to reduce spoilage and increase efficiency. And governments can develop policies to encourage reduction of food waste throughout the supply chain. By working together, we can make a dent in the problem of global food loss and waste.

6. Developing food systems leaders #

The world’s food system is facing numerous challenges, from climate change to dwindling resources to the growing demand from a rapidly urbanizing population. To address these challenges, we need leaders who are knowledgeable and passionate about food systems. Developing food system leaders is therefore essential to ensuring a sustainable and resilient food supply for the future.

Food system leaders need to be well-versed in the complexities of the food system and have a deep understanding of the issues at play. They must be able to think critically and creatively about solutions and have the courage to stand up for what they believe in. They must also be excellent communicators and have the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Developing food system leaders is not only important for the future of the food system, but also for the future of our planet. With their deep knowledge and commitment to creating a better world, food system leaders can help us build a more sustainable and equitable food system that meets the needs of all people.

7. Innovating protein #

Protein is essential for human health, and yet the world’s supply of animal protein is under strain. The demand for meat, milk, and eggs is growing rapidly, but the amount of land available for livestock grazing is limited. Even fish stocks are depleted, as we are now catching nearly two-thirds of all wild fish just to meet our demand for seafood. looking for alternative sources of protein is therefore crucial if we are to feed the world’s growing population.

Insects are one potential source of protein that is getting increasing attention. They are highly efficient at converting food into protein, and they can be farmed using far less land and water than cattle or pigs. What’s more, insects emit far fewer greenhouse gases than livestock. As the world seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, insects could play a key role in sustainable protein production.

There are still many challenges to overcome before insects can become a mainstream source of protein. But with the world’s population set to grow to 9 billion by 2050, we need to start thinking outside the box when it comes to meeting our future food needs. insects may not be our first choice when it comes to dinner, but they could play a vital role in solving the global food

8. Innovating packaging #

One of the most pressing issues facing the world today is the problem of food waste. Every year, billions of tons of food are wasted, while millions of people go hungry. This is not only a humanitarian tragedy, but it also has a significant impact on the environment. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and it takes up valuable landfills. One way to help address this problem is to innovate packaging. Better packaging can help to extend the shelf life of food, making it less likely to go to waste. It can also help to reduce the amount of resources used in transportation and storage. In addition, innovative packaging can help to reduce food waste by making it easier for consumers to portion out their meals. By investing in innovative packaging, we can help to fix the global food system and make the world a better place for everyone.

9. Innovating at the ag-energy nexus #

With the world’s population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the global demand for food will put an unprecedented strain on our resources. Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly 24% of all anthropogenic emissions. At the same time, the agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, droughts, and floods. Innovating at the ag-energy nexus—where agriculture and energy meet—is essential to meeting the challenges of feeding a growing population while reducing our impact on the environment.

Agriculture consumes a significant amount of energy, both in the form of fuel for machinery and equipment and in the form of electricity for irrigation and other uses. The food system as a whole is responsible for approximately 30% of global energy use. Reducing energy consumption across the agriculture sector would have a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, shifting to cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind would help to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Innovations at the ag-energy nexus are also critical to food security. Around the world, small-scale farmers produce most of the food that is consumed locally.

10. Building soil health #

Maintaining healthy soil is essential to the global food system. The soil is a crucial component of agriculture, providing the foundation for plant growth and serving as a repository for nutrients and water. However, soil health is under threat from a variety of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change. As a result, the productivity of agricultural land is declining, putting pressure on the world’s food supply. Building soil health is critical to reversing this trend and ensuring that the global food system can meet the needs of a growing population. There are a number of ways to build soil health, including conserving topsoil, increasing organic matter content, and improving drainage. By taking steps to improve soil health, we can help to secure the future of the global food system.

11. Mainstreaming regenerative & agroecological approaches #

Mainstreaming regenerative and agroecological approaches is critical to addressing the global food system crisis. The industrial food system is characterized by a linear model of production that takes natural resources from the earth, transforms them into commodities, and then disposes of them as waste. This model is not sustainable, as it depletes the earth’s resources and pollutes the environment. In contrast, regenerative and agroecological approaches strive to create a closed-loop system in which wastes are recycled back into the system to replenish and regenerate natural resources. This approach is not only more sustainable, but it also has the potential to improve the quality of our food. Industrial agriculture relies on monocropping, which depletes soils of nutrients and increases the spread of pests and diseases. Regenerative agriculture, on the other hand, builds soil health through practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting. This results in nutrient-dense food that is better for our health. In addition, regenerative agriculture supports biodiversity, which is essential for a healthy ecosystem. Mainstreaming these approaches is essential for creating a global food system that is sustainable and equitable.

12. Scaling agroforestry #

Agroforestry is a land management system that integrates trees and shrubs into traditional farming landscapes. By combining the two, farmers can create a more efficient and productive way to use their land. In addition, agroforestry can help to mitigate some of the negative environmental impacts of traditional farming practices. For example, agroforestry can improve soil fertility and water retention, while also providing habitat for wildlife.

With the world’s population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, it is evident that the current food system is not sustainable. Scaling agroforestry can help to address this challenge by increasing food production in a more sustainable way. In addition, agroforestry can play a role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in the soil. With the challenges of the 21st century, it is clear that agroforestry will play an important role in shaping the future of the global food system.

13. Unlocking data for food systems governance #

Data can be a powerful tool for change. It can help decision-makers understand the complex issues facing our food system and identify potential solutions. When data is open and accessible, it can also help to empower citizens and civil society organizations to hold their governments accountable.

There are already some impressive examples of how data-driven governance has helped to improve the food system. In India, for example, the government has used data to improve the distribution of subsidies for cooking gas, which has helped to reduce fuel poverty and improve access to nutritious food. In Kenya, data is being used to map critical agricultural infrastructure and track financing for smallholder farmers. And in Ghana, data is being used to monitor progress on the government’s flagship agricultural development program.These are just a few examples of how unlocking data for food systems governance can help to fix the global food system.

14. Upskilling farmers through education #

Most people don’t think about where their food comes from or how it’s grown. They go to the grocery store, pick up what they need, and that’s the end of it. But the reality is that our food system is complex, and it’s under a lot of strain. One way to help fix the global food system is by upskilling farmers through education. Farmers play a vital role in producing the food we eat, and yet they often lack access to resources and information. By providing farmers with educational opportunities, we can help them become more efficient and productive. In turn, this can help to improve the quality of our food supply and make it more resilient to shocks like droughts and floods. It’s important to remember that every link in the food chain is essential, and by investing in farmers, we can help to ensure a healthy future for us all.

15. Democratizing food systems technology #

The global food system is in a state of crisis. One-third of all food produced is wasted, and nearly 1 billion people are unable to access adequate nutrition. At the same time, climate change is causing disruption to traditional farming practices, leading to crop failure and food insecurity. It is clear that something needs to be done to fix the global food system. One way to do this is by democratizing food systems technology. This means making sure that small-scale farmers have access to the same tools and techniques that large-scale industrial farmers do. This would allow them to increase their yields, reduce wastage, and adapt to changes in the environment. In addition, it would help to create a more resilient food system that is better able to withstand shocks and stresses. Democratizing food systems technology is an essential step in fixing the global food system.

16. Scaling controlled-environment agriculture #

Scaling controlled-environment agriculture is important for many reasons. One reason is that it can help to fix the global food system. The current food system is broken and needs to be fixed. Scaling controlled-environment agriculture can help to fix this broken system by providing food that is safe, nutritious, and affordable for everyone. Another reason why scaling controlled-environment agriculture is important is because it can help to feed the world’s growing population. The world’s population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and Scaling controlled-environment agriculture can help to meet the needs of this growing population. In addition, Scaling controlled-environment agriculture can help to reduce the negative environmental impact of traditional agriculture. Traditional agriculture uses large amounts of land, water, and other resources, and it generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. Scaling controlled-environment agriculture can help to reduce the negative environmental impact of traditional agriculture by using less land, water, and other resources, and by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

17. Empowering community farming #

Empowering community farming is important because it gives people the ability to grow their own food. This means that they are not as reliant on the global food system, which can be unreliable. Community farming also helps to build self-sufficiency and independence. When people are able to grown their own food, they are less likely to go hungry. They are also less likely to give in to price gouging by supermarkets or other unscrupulous businesses. In addition, community farming helps to preserve agricultural land. When farmers are able to keep their land, they are more likely to steward it responsibly and hand it down to future generations. This helps to prevent soil erosion and keep farmland productive. Finally, community farming strengthens social bonds and builds community spirit. When people work together to grow food, they get to know each other better and develop a sense of shared purpose. As a result, empowering community farming is important because it has the potential to fix the global food system.

18. Building resilient local food systems #

A food system is a complex web of activities and relationships that bring food from the field to our plates. The global food system has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, as the world population has grown and climate change has begun to take a toll on food production. In response, many people have called for a shift towards more resilient local food systems.

There are several reasons why building resilient local food systems is important. First, local food systems are less vulnerable to the shocks and stresses that can disrupt global supply chains. When disruptions do occur, they are typically less severe and easier to recover from. Second, local food systems tend to be more efficient than global ones, due to shorter distances and lower transport costs. This efficiency translates into lower greenhouse gas emissions and less pollution. Finally, Local food systems create opportunities for farmers and other food producers to sell directly to consumers, which can increase farm profitability and provide a steadier income for families.

Building resilient local food systems is an essential step in fixing the global food system. By diversifying production and reducing our reliance on long-distance supply chains, we can make our food system more adaptable to the challenges of a changing climate. In addition, by supporting farmers and other food producers who

19. Enabling affordable & accessible nutrition #

Unhealthy diets are a major contributor to the rising rates of obesity and chronic disease around the world, while food insecurity affects millions of people. Ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food is essential for improving public health and tackling these pressing global issues.

There are many ways to make nutritious food more affordable and accessible. One way is to increase investment in agriculture and food production, so that more food can be grown atlower prices. Another way is to improve infrastructure and logistics so that food can be transported more efficiently and stored for longer periods of time without spoiling. Finally, education initiatives can help people understand the importance of nutrition and make informed choices about what they eat.

Enabling affordable & accessible nutrition is an important step in fixing the global food system. By taking action to make nutritious food more available and affordable, we can improve public health and make a real difference in the lives of people around the world.

20. Incentivising dietary shifts #

The way we produce and consume food has a significant impact on the environment, and veganism is one of the most efficient way to help mitigate climate change. Not only does veganism require less land and water than traditional animal-based diets, but it also generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions. As the world population continues to grow, it is essential that we find more sustainable ways to produce food. Incentivising dietary shifts can help to do this by changing consumer behavior. For example, offering tax breaks for vegan products or discounts on vegan meal plans can make veganism more affordable and accessible. This, in turn, can help to reduce demand for animal-based products, making the food system more sustainable in the long run.

21. Building food literacy through education #

Building food literacy through education is important because it can help fix the global food system. The global food system is broken because it encourages unsustainable practices, such as monoculture farming and overfishing. These practices damage the environment and lead to problems like climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity. In addition, the global food system is often unjust, leaving small-scale farmers and workers without fair wages or access to land. Finally, the current system fails to provide everyone with enough nutritious food. Education can help fix these problems by teaching people about sustainable and just food production practices. In addition, education can help build consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced food. Ultimately, education is essential for creating a more sustainable and just global food system.

22. Mainstreaming true cost accounting #

Mainstreaming true cost accounting is important because it helps businesses to take into account the environmental and social costs of their activities. This information can then be used to make decisions that are more sustainable and improve the overall efficiency of the global food system. There are a number of ways in which true cost accounting can be mainstreamed, including through government regulations, industry initiatives, and NGO campaigns. Mainstreaming true cost accounting is therefore essential in order to create a more sustainable food system that meets the needs of both people and the planet.

23. Making markets for farmers #

Farmer’s markets have been around for centuries, providing a place for farmers to sell their goods directly to consumers. In recent years, however, farmer’s markets have become much more than just a place to buy fresh produce. They have become important community hubs that provide a space for people to gather and connect with one another. They have also become an important part of the local economy, supporting farmers and small businesses. However, making markets for farmers is about more than just economics. It is also about ensuring that farmers have a fair price for their products, and that they are able to sell their goods in a manner that is respectful and dignified. Making markets for farmers is an essential step in fixing the global food system. By supporting farmers and giving them a fair price for their products, we can help to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious, affordable food.

24. Promoting food safety & traceability #

In a global food system that is becoming increasingly complex, food safety and traceability are more important than ever. Every year, there are multiple foodborne illness outbreaks that sickened hundreds or even thousands of people. In many cases, these outbreaks could have been prevented if proper food safety and traceability protocols had been in place. For example, if all food producers were required to keep track of where their ingredients came from, it would be much easier to identify the source of contamination in the event of an outbreak. In addition, traceability can also help to improve food security by ensuring that recall procedures are more efficient. When everyone in the supply chain is aware of where the food came from, it is much easier to remove contaminated products from store shelves and prevent them from reaching consumers. Promoting food safety and traceability is therefore essential for protecting public health and ensuring the efficiency of the global food system.

Food Safety