A systematic review of sustainable food systems identifies socio-economic pathways driving food systems transformations

Nature Food 2026 Open access

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Authors: Daniel Chrisendo, Sara Heikonen, Johannes Piipponen, Thomas Banafa, Delphine Deryng, Mohammad El Wali, Matias Heino, Xavier Irz, Mika Jalava, Josias Láng-Ritter, Rachel Mazac, Venla Niva
+4 more Mia Pihlajamäki, Marja Roitto, Hanna L. Tuomisto, Matti Kummu
DOI: 10.1038/s43016-026-01317-0
Cited by: 10
References: 98

Abstract

Socio-economic conditions influence the implementation of proposed solutions for transforming food systems. Here we systematically screen over 1,700 articles and select 349 for detailed review, investigating the role of socio-economic drivers in sustainable food systems transformations across different world contexts. We identify seven sustainable food systems transformations, including sustainable land resources and soil health, precision agricultural practices, diet change and novel food transition, good nutrition and health, food loss and waste reduction, healthy freshwater and marine ecosystems, and climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. We propose socio-economic pathways comprising specific socio-economic drivers needed for achieving them and provide actor-specific recommendations to support sustainable food systems transformations.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact Agriculture Land Use Rural Development Environmental and Cultural Studies in Latin America and Beyond

Publication details

Journal / source
Nature Food
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
7
Issue
3
Pages
234–246
Publication date
16 March 2026
Language
EN