Transforming Food Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Increasing Sustainability, Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change

The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is highly vulnerable to extreme weather and climate events. LAC food systems are easily disrupted by such events, resulting in food insecurity, increased vulnerability, poverty aggravation, and migration. Additionally, unsustainable food systems in the LAC are one of the main drivers of environmental degradation, including water contamination and scarcity, and biodiversity loss, therefore compromising the delivery of ecosystem services (ES) that are critical to transforming these systems towards sustainability. Toward the end of the 20th century, climate pattern changes, such as the increased frequency of extended dry spells, have become common across the LAC region, negatively impacting agricultural production, economies, and jeopardizing food security. This has resulted in an increased number of people facing hunger across the region. To face and adapt to these environmental changes, it is necessary to promote food systems transformation. This transformation will ensure that food systems become more diversified, sustainable, inclusive (allowing access to nutritious and affordable food to everyone), healthier (promoting changes in consumption patterns), and more resilient and adaptive to climate change.

This Research Topic aims to gather diverse and interdisciplinary views on current food systems in LAC by using a systematic approach to analyze the biodiversity and ecosystem services, food production, as well as the economic, social, cultural, and political aspects that are key for the functioning of said systems. We are particularly interested in proposals for solutions aimed at transforming LAC food systems to become better adapted to the changing climate, more diversified, sustainably intensified, and profitable. Nature-based solutions to achieve the needed transformations are particularly welcome. In addition, this Research Topic looks to provide solid evidence to support decision-making at various levels across the LAC region, from small landholders and businesses to policymakers.

This Research Topic welcomes submissions on the following topics but not limited to:
• Climate change vulnerability and impacts on LAC food systems.
• Strategies and innovation pathways for climate adaptation and mitigation actions promoting synergies and addressing trade-offs to reach sustainability across the LAC region.
• Finance, investments, and agribusiness to promote adoption and scaling
• Women, youth, and local (indigenous) populations for equitable access and nutrition food for all.
• Sustainable food production and consumption patterns: a list of required behavioural changes.
• Research priorities to transform food systems.

We are interested in: Original Research, Systematic Review, Policy and Practice Reviews, Data Report, Policy Brief, Methods, and Opinion articles.