Literature Review on the Science-Policy Interface in Agrifood Systems with a focus on Mexico

This literature review examines the science-policy interface (SPI) in agrifood systems and the agrifood-climate-nutrition nexus, with a particular focus on Mexico. It highlights how scientific knowledge is translated into actionable public policy. It begins by defining SPIs as social processes that bridge scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to co-produce knowledge and improve decision‑making in the face of complex challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainability. Effective SPIs are characterized by their salience, credibility, and legitimacy, and rely on governance structures, the co‑production of knowledge, and continuous learning to function well.The document synthesizes global frameworks and models, noting the roles of boundary organizations, multi-stakeholder platforms, innovation ecosystems, and participatory approaches in enhancing evidence uptake. It highlights lessons from climate‑agriculture research showing that iterative, inclusive, and failure‑tolerant SPI processes enhance resilience and policy relevance.The document focuses on SPIs in Mexico, where institutional fragmentation, limited coordination, and insufficient integration of traditional and local knowledge present major barriers. Nonetheless, innovative efforts, like government advisory internships and local sustainability programs like the Agenda 21 in Michoacán, demonstrate the potential of participatory governance and contextualized knowledge production. Evaluations of these initiatives reveal both strengths (clear objectives, motivated actors) and challenges (cognitive distance, uneven performance, limited policy impact). The review concludes that strengthening SPIs in Mexico requires investment in inclusive platforms, capacity building, knowledge brokers, and institutionalized learning systems. Robust SPIs are essential for enabling equitable, resilient, and sustainable agrifood transformations amid accelerating climate and socioeconomic pressures.'This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust [310024/Z/24/Z]. Potential climate change effects on food security, nutrition, and health of the Mexican population. Co-design integrated policy measures. January 2024 '