Identifying key challenges and the role of municipalities in transforming agri-food systems.
As urbanisation accelerates across the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, with projections indicating that over 80% of the population will reside in urban areas by 2050, the thinking on the transformation of urban food systems has never been more critical. Cities, once considered food hubs, now face complex challenges—inequities in food access, environmental degradation, and health crises due to poor dietary patterns. This Project, commissioned by FAO, aims to explore urban food systems, raise awareness about the pressing issues, discuss successful local initiatives, and lay the groundwork for a regional work program.
The characteristics of urban food systems in the ECA region reveal a duality: they are a source of great opportunity and significant risk at once. Cities contribute to approximately 70% of the region’s population and are increasingly becoming hotspots of food consumption. However, the prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has exacerbated health concerns, leading to diets characterised by overconsumption of animal-based products and a scarcity of fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, urban residents often grapple with limited access to nutritious food, and peri-urban agriculture—an opportunity for urban food production—is usually underutilised.
We will reach out to local stakeholders to co-identify key challenges relating to local governance and the role of municipalities in transforming agri-food systems. Exploring these elements will help stakeholders understand the paths toward creating more resilient and sustainable urban food systems.
Across the ECA region, innovative grassroots initiatives are emerging that tackle urban food system challenges head-on. Start-ups, youth groups, women’s collectives, and farmers’ associations are at the forefront of this transformation. By cataloguing these successful initiatives, we can gain insight into local-level innovations that promote sustainability. The challenge lies in scaling these solutions and disseminating best practices through city-to-city learning. What strategies can be employed to amplify their reach? How can municipalities support these local champions?
A critical dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, community organisations, and food systems experts, will be organised to discuss findings from urban food systems analyses, raise awareness of urban issues, and showcase successful initiatives. Central to our discussion will be the role of urban food environments in enhancing food security and nutrition, and identifying evidence-based interventions necessary for improving dietary patterns.
Improving the sustainability of urban food systems in the ECA region requires a multifaceted approach that emphasises collaboration, innovation, and awareness. By understanding local challenges and celebrating successful initiatives, we can foster an environment where every urban resident can access nutritious food, contributing to healthier cities and communities.
As we embark on this journey, let’s remember that future-proofing urban food systems is not merely an aspiration—they are imperative for the health and well-being of our communities. Join us as we delve deeper into these pressing issues, share insights, and work collectively toward building a sustainable future for urban food systems across the ECA region. Let’s collaborate to make a difference!