Chapter 03: From Food Availability to Nutrition and Sustainable Food Systems: From availability to sustainability

There has been a major transition of focus from calorie-dense food to nutrition security. However, this transition is not merely a shift in production priorities but reflects a broader transformation in global food systems governance and sustainability thinking. Merely increasing the production of yield to nutrient rich foods is now the objective by optimizing food systems that are not only sustainable but also environmentally friendly. This shift is prompted by the rising burden of both forms of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, and global warming. Global warming and malnutrition both exert long- and short-term consequences. There is a dire need for sustainable multisectoral approaches that prioritize diet quality, nutrient-rich foods, climate health, and quality of life. Recent evidence also emphasizes the integration of climate-resilient agriculture, dietary transition policies, and food systems governance frameworks to address these interconnected challenges. Establishing sustainable dietary guidelines, eliminating subsidies for commodity crops, and adding cost to the foods with high environmental degradation will ultimately benefit the environment and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases among the people. Changes in public policy that have double- or triple-duty actions that target all forms of malnutrition and climate need to be addressed. Climate change mitigation must be prioritized within national and global agendas. This chapter explores the opportunities, pathways, and challenges towards sustainable food systems using a systems-based analytical perspective.