About this Research Topic

Background

The interaction between food systems and spatial planning has become a critical area of research, driven by the urgent need to address global challenges in the face of inevitable climate change. Key issues such as food security, uneven food distribution, the necessity of good nutrition for all, environmental sustainability, circularity, urbanization, and the loss of agricultural and natural lands are among the pressing concerns that contemporary food systems must tackle, both in the Global North and the Global South. This thematic Research Topic aims to explore these complex issues, inviting contributions that investigate the intersection of food systems, geospatial modeling and analysis, and land use and spatial planning.
We encourage submissions that employ innovative methodologies, including geoAI, case studies, cross-comparative analyses, and theoretical advancements. The objective is to develop comprehensive approaches to sustainable food systems that can inform policy at local, regional, and global levels.
Food systems are inherently multidimensional and complex, requiring the integration of geographic, economic, social, and environmental data. This integration is essential for diagnosing, monitoring, and assessing territories, as well as for developing strategies and policies that enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of food production, distribution, and consumption. Since agriculture and food production are at the core of food systems, analyzing the distribution of agricultural activities and their drivers is crucial for identifying optimal land-use strategies and improving resource allocation to boost productivity and sustainability.
Additionally, analyzing the impact of land-use changes on food production resilience is essential for understanding how such changes—whether due to various drivers—affect regions' ability to produce food. Another key topic in impact analysis is the modelling of climate variability on food production. This involves understanding how climate change affects food production, identifying areas at risk, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks.
Food chains are another vital aspect of food systems. We welcome studies that model the spatial organization and optimization of food supply chains to enhance efficiency. In terms of food consumption, the journal is interested in exploring spatial disparities in food access and issues of spatial justice by mapping the uneven distribution of food resources and addressing equity and justice concerns in food systems.
At the policy level, we seek studies on the integration of local food systems into city planning and multi-level governance. These studies should examine the roles of various governance levels and stakeholder engagement in shaping spatial planning processes, particularly the incorporation of agricultural activities and local food systems into urban planning to foster more sustainable and resilient urban environments. This includes exploring the role of local knowledge and community participation, and utilizing tools such as GIS in spatial planning.
This Research Topic aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, contributing to the development of sustainable food systems that can adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. By bridging the gap between spatial planning and food systems, we aspire to inform and inspire policies and practices that promote environmental sustainability, food security, and social equity.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: GIS, Spatial Modelling, Food Security, Land management, AI

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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