Governance of Food Systems Transformation

Governance emerged as a major theme from national and independent food systems dialogues (FSDs) as well as from all Action Tracks. National FSDs emphasize a need for coherence and consistency while diversifying and deepening stakeholder engagement. National dialogues have underscored the lack of knowledge and data to support constructive, systemic, decision-making processes. This was coupled with the need to recognize complex relationships and tensions between competing food systems priorities. Independent FSDs highlighted the importance of diverse, inclusive, and equitable engagement of women, youth, small farmers, and Indigenous people in food systems transformation decision-making and governance. Transforming our collective food systems--from local to global--is necessary to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Yet food systems are complex: they encompass multiple sectors--from seeds to land health, from local production to global value chains, and from consumption patterns to food waste management. They influence numerous outcomes, from nutrition to economic development and climate change. As such, catalyzing food systems change requires operating across diverse sectors, scales, and stakeholders. Current governance mechanisms tend to be siloed, often with limited participation, transparency, and accountability in decision-making processes. This makes it difficult to execute and monitor comprehensive change that reflects the complexity of food systems and the diversity of actors. This brief defines Food System Governance, presents Guiding Principles for Food Systems Transformation, outlines a human-rights based approach to governance, and lays out key dimensions of effective food system governance. The brief concludes with a recommendation to develop a community of practice to advance innovation and learning on food systems governance.