How Socio-Economic Factors Are Transforming Our Food Systems Towards Greater Sustainability

Transforming food systems to make them more sustainable is a major global challenge. Proposed solutions, such as precision agriculture, waste reduction, or the adoption of plant-based diets, often face economic, cultural, or political obstacles. An in-depth analysis of over 300 scientific studies reveals that the success of these transformations largely depends on various socio-economic factors, which differ by region and the actors involved.

In Europe and North America, where meat consumption is high and overweight issues are common, research focuses on dietary changes and the adoption of new foods. Consumers who are more educated and informed about the environmental and health benefits of plant-based diets are more likely to change their habits. Social media and influencers play a key role in normalizing these choices, especially among young people and women, who more readily adopt sustainable eating behaviors. However, the perceived cost of plant-based alternatives remains a barrier, although some studies show that these diets can be affordable if subsidies are redirected toward healthy and sustainable products.

In middle-income countries in Asia and North Africa, precision agriculture is gaining attention. Increased access to electricity enables the adoption of modern technologies to improve yields, but their spread remains uneven. Farmers are more likely to adopt these innovations when they perceive a direct economic benefit or when they receive training and financial support. Cooperatives and mutual aid networks also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the adoption of sustainable practices, such as crop rotation and soil conservation.

In Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, soil health and land resource management are priorities. Conflicts over land access and lack of infrastructure limit agricultural productivity. Small-scale producers, often less educated and older, require specific support to access credit, insurance, and markets. Public policies must be tailored to local realities to avoid marginalizing these essential actors.

Reducing food waste requires action at all levels of the supply chain. In low-income countries, improving storage and transportation infrastructure can limit post-harvest losses. In wealthier regions, campaigns encouraging more planned and less excessive consumption can reduce household waste. Supermarkets and local markets also have a role to play in promoting sustainable products and informing consumers about their choices.

Aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity suffer from unsustainable agricultural and fishing practices. Fishermen adopt eco-certifications when economic incentives exist, but consumers still struggle to recognize the value of sustainable products, which are often more expensive. Targeted campaigns, particularly aimed at men and the elderly, could accelerate this change.

Finally, combating climate change and preserving biodiversity require strengthened coordination among all stakeholders. Policies must avoid counterproductive effects, such as subsidies that encourage overproduction or overly strict health standards that reduce biodiversity. A flexible approach, based on scientific data and involving local communities, is essential to reconcile environmental goals with economic development.

Transformations toward sustainable food systems cannot succeed without collaboration among producers, processors, distributors, consumers, researchers, and governments. Each group has a specific role: farmers need training and financial support, industries must innovate in healthy and accessible products, distributors can promote short supply chains and sustainable products, and public authorities must create appropriate regulatory frameworks. Researchers, for their part, must rigorously assess the impact of proposed measures to avoid unrealistic recommendations.

Regional differences show that there is no universal solution. Wealthy countries focus on responsible consumption, while poorer countries first seek to ensure food security. Yet everywhere, education, information, and economic incentives remain powerful levers for accelerating the transition to fairer and more environmentally friendly food systems.

Source Mentions

Cited Publication

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-026-01317-0

Title: A systematic review of sustainable food systems identifies socio-economic pathways driving food systems transformations

Journal: Nature Food

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Daniel Chrisendo; Sara Heikonen; Johannes Piipponen; Thomas Banafa; Delphine Deryng; Mohammad El Wali; Matias Heino; Xavier Irz; Mika Jalava; Josias Láng-Ritter; Rachel Mazac; Venla Niva; Mia Pihlajamäki; Marja Roitto; Hanna L. Tuomisto; Matti Kummu