Policy entry points and associated interventions for sustainably transforming urban food systems

Abstract

Food system transformations are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and combating the climate crisis. This paper presents the ACTIONABLE Framework. Based on an extensive literature review, we build on the strengths of existing conceptual frameworks and address their identified shortcomings, carefully distinguishing between food system activities, outcomes, and drivers. We then propose an actionable tool for setting policy goals and identifying policy entry points, along with their associated policy interventions. A policy entry point is defined as a system element or node that, if changed, leads to system-wide changes. We discuss the available policy toolbox, distinguishing between regulatory, market-based, behavioral and information-based interventions. Because food systems and their context are so broad, we exemplify the use of our methodology in an urban context, specifically the city of Amsterdam. In this setting, we emphasize the need for top-down interventions to support existing voluntary initiatives that contribute to more sustainable food systems. Nonetheless, our framework has broad applications and can be adapted to other contexts, potentially contributing to food systems transformation worldwide.