Exploring Current Trends, Gaps & Challenges in Sustainable Food Systems Studies: The Need of Developing Urban Food Systems Frameworks for Sustainable Cities

Tong Zou, Ayotunde Dawodu (), Eugenio Mangi and Ali Cheshmehzangi
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Tong Zou: Department of Architecture and Bult Environment, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315100, China
Ayotunde Dawodu: School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Old Royal Naval College, University of Greenwich, Park Row, London SE10 9LS, UK
Eugenio Mangi: Department of Architecture and Bult Environment, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315100, China
Ali Cheshmehzangi: School of Architecture, Qingdao City University, Qingdao 266106, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-32

Abstract: The current global food system is under threat due to significant global changes such as rapid urbanization, climate change, COVID-19 outbreak, etc. The importance of food system sustainability as a key element of sustainable cities has been gradually recognized in recent years; however, the tools for estimating food system sustainability in cities (i.e., urban food system sustainability) holistically are still scarce. Thus, this study represents a comprehensive investigation into food system studies and their impacts on achieving a sustainable community or city. This study is a subset of larger studies that aim to develop an urban food system framework, which utilizes modern approaches in framework development such as sustainability food indicators and a participatory approach. However, to achieve this, trends, gaps, and challenges of the current approach to food system studies need to be reviewed and discussed. A systematic analysis utilizing the protocol of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach was conducted, and network analysis of publications was performed via VOS viewer. The results suggest applying circular principles and merging smartness and resilience thinking in developing strategies for food system sustainability. This study finds that key drivers to mitigate food crisis among countries vary. Furthermore, a context-specific framework with a more comprehensive definition of urban food systems covering the institutional processes, and food governance are also needed to achieve urban food system sustainability.

Keywords: food system framework; sustainability transitions; food security; food system sustainability; urban sustainability transitions; smart resilience; circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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