Global Food Systems Falling Short of 2030 Goals, Study Finds

The Food Systems Countdown Initiative (FSCI) has released a new study published in Nature Food, highlighting that the majority of countries are unlikely to meet the 2030 goals for transforming global food systems. The study covers 197 countries and evaluates 44 indicators across five themes: diets, nutrition and health; environment, natural resources and production; livelihoods, poverty and equity; governance; and resilience.

The research reveals that only one indicator, mobile phone subscriptions, has been met by most countries. In contrast, 22 indicators are far from being achieved, with fewer than one-third of countries on track to meet their targets by 2030. Notably, the indicator for greenhouse gas emissions from food systems shows a significant gap, with the global average being 75% away from the target.

Regions worldwide face substantial challenges. Africa, for example, needs a 15% to 20% improvement across 23 indicators annually, while Asia must reduce food insecurity by over 63% each year. High-income regions like Europe also struggle, with 19 indicators unattainable by 2030. Some indicators, such as civil society participation and government accountability, are moving in the wrong direction.

Despite the grim outlook, the study notes some progress. For seven of 33 indicators, at least one-third of countries are on track to meet the 2030 target. The study emphasizes the importance of regional and income-group benchmarks to motivate countries and provide achievable milestones.

The study calls for urgent, accelerated action to address key indicators, particularly food affordability, food insecurity, and food systems emissions. Improving governance, accountability, and civil society participation are crucial for unlocking progress across the system. The global community is urged to recommit to achieving these targets by 2050.