Measuring food systems sustainability in heterogenous countries: The Brazilian multidimensional index updated version applicability

Abstract

Countries with large territories marked by heterogeneity lack tools to monitor their distinct food systems sustainability. The multidimensional index for sustainable food systems (MISFS) was designed to measure food system sustainability locally, using the Brazilian territory. The aim was two-fold: to present the MISFS updating process (MISFS-R), and to show the applicability of MISFS-R to uncover local geopolitical priorities. Methods: Based on a systematized review and sensitivity analysis, 46 indicators were selected to compose the MISFS-R social, nutritional, environmental, and economic dimensions. Official Brazilian datasets allowed the MISFS-R scoring for 26 Brazilian states and capitals. Correlations between MISFS-R dimensions were analyzed by Spearman's coefficient. A cluster analysis was used to check for Brazilian states similarities and priorities. Findings: Economic and environmental performance were inversely related, while economic performance was directly related to social and nutritional scores. Four clusters were formed with marked differences in their food systems sustainability profile.