Multiple interlinked crises - collectively known as the 4Cs (Climate, (Post-)Covid, Conflict, and Costs) continue to impede advancements in globally agreed upon sustainable development goals and threaten the well-being of humans and nature. Despite widespread discourse and consensus that a transformation of our agri-food systems is necessary to meet these challenges adequately, the precise conceptualization of the term frequently lacks clarity.

The Climate Impacts of Food (CLIF) project, co-implemented by TMG, WWF Germany and corsus corporate sustainability, aims to develop a systematic understanding of the transformation of food systems. This includes the state of the debate, key actors and drivers, and strategies for concrete political and structural pathways to transformation. After a first set of three reports under the overarching title FORESEE (4C): The Transformation of Agri-Food Systems in Times of Multiple Crises, a fourth report is being launched: The Agri-Food Systems Transformation Protocol - Mapping the Agents and Drivers of Transformation.

The report acknowledges the consensus on the imperative transformation of agri-food systems to address global challenges but notes the lack of agreement on driving factors and the necessary agents supporting their implementation globally. The report advocates for a multi-level governance framework, incorporating global agreements (primarily the three Rio Conventions - CBD, UNCCD, UNFCCC), national pathways, and implementation. It introduces the Agri-food Systems Transformation Protocol as a decision-support tool at the strategic and operational level to guide diverse actors in the development of systemic solutions for sustainable agri-food systems. 

To ascertain the agents ("who") and drivers ("what") pivotal for the successful transformation of agri-food systems, examples of food systems transformation were analysed spanning five continents. The findings reveal that optimal agri-food systems transformation is realized through governmental support, community leadership, and adherence to agroecological principles. Furthermore, a successful transformation pathway is distinguished by the presence of an enabling environment, typified by strong political commitment and active participation. 

The full series, including the latest report, can be downloaded <u>here</u>.