Innovating for Sustainable Agri-food Systems: A Synthesis of Evidence with Potential Applications to Colombia

In the framework of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) Congress: Reaction and Resistance: Imagining Possible Futures in the Americas, which took place from June 12 to 15, 2024 in Bogotá, Colombia, Joaquín Arias, Ph.D., made the presentation "Innovation in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: An Evidence Synthesis with Potential Applications in Colombia", which shows the results of an evidence synthesis process based on the Avanzar2030 methodology. This approach aims to identify and evaluate policy interventions that promote sustainability in Colombia's agri-food systems. The methodological process included the search and systematization of scientific and grey evidence. The presentation highlights the role of agriculture in the country's economy and food security, as well as the challenges associated with undernourishment, access to healthy diets, and gaps in agricultural productivity. Vulnerabilities to climate change and the need to adopt sustainable technologies are also examined. In conclusion, the importance of improving the effectiveness of public policies through innovative approaches, institutional strengthening and multi-sector collaboration is emphasized to achieve a balance between the environmental, social and economic dimensions of agri-food sustainability.