Sustainable, local food systems

The local food and vegetable market stall reflects an increased valuation of the importance of local production in the aftermath of global shocks from COVID-19. Food rests at the core of not only making progress on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) but also on achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). The market stall also symbolizes a focus on SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), reflecting potential savings in carbon emissions and shifts in consumption patterns. Transforming food systems offers the possibility of shifting agriculture from being part of the problem to being part of the solution, including addressing SDG 13 (Climate Change) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). As the first of six transformations, it offers a more in-depth study of what such a transformation looks like, including the role of food processing, distribution, access, consumption, and waste. The chapter features two case studies: one on an African ecological innovation called Push-Pull, and the other on subsidies reform.