Food system change needs alliances, not just policies or grassroots change

Can governments fix an unsustainable food system from the top down, or do real solutions emerge from the ground up? A new study analyzing 40 case studies from Peru to Japan demonstrates neither approach works alone. Instead, lasting change happens when governments, researchers, local communities and other food system actors form alliances that combine the best of both worlds. Governments could help by providing funds, supportive policies, and essential infrastructure. Communities and local groups are crucial for their creativity, hands on problem-solving, and deep understanding of local needs.

Joining forces and efforts for transformation would help ensure policies tackle major sustainability problems while drawing from and empowering local initiatives. The study thus calls for “transformation alliances”, where different actors deploy different capabilities for accelerating context-relevant, equitable and inclusive food system change.