Nurturing Local Food Systems: Elevating Food and Nutrition Security in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Local food systems (LFSs) forms dynamic network, encompassing activities from production to consumption, championing sustainability, community engagement and reduced reliance on distant food sources. Within the global food system, LFSs play a critical role in building resilience, especially in vulnerable regions. They counterbalance the risks of extensive supply chains by ensuring proximity between producers and consumers, ensuring access to fresh and diverse foods during global disruptions. LFSs, vital for food and nutrition security, offer numerous benefits. Prioritising fresh, nutrient-rich produce addresses malnutrition, enhances resource efficiency, reduces food loss and supports local economies. By promoting dietary diversity through indigenous varieties, they have high potential to combat dietary deficiencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite their potential, LFSs face challenges like inadequate infrastructure, lack of institutional support, limited market access and insufficient policies. Overcoming these barriers requires strategic initiatives such as targeted investments in decentralised storage and transportation, developing supportive policy frameworks and fostering innovations for market connections. Progress towards a more secure food and nutrition landscape in LMICs demands collaborative efforts, with governments, non-governmental organisations, local communities and the private sector working together to integrate LFS into the development discourse. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, enhancing LFSs charts a course towards greater resilience and nourishment. This chapter presents a policy-focused synthesis of existing literature to examine how strengthening LFSs can enhance food security and nutrition in LMICs.