Rapid transformation of food systems in developing regions: Highlighting the role of agricultural research & innovations. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reardon, Thomas; Echeverria, Ruben; Berdegué, Julio; Minten, Bart; Liverpool-Tasie, Saweda; Tschirley, David; Zilberman, David
• Is Part Of: Agricultural systems. Volume 172(2019)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Value chains -- Food markets -- Food waste -- Food systems -- Input supply chains -- Agricultural research; Agricultural systems -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 338.16
• DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2018.01.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-521X

Abstract

Abstract: Developing regions' food system has transformed rapidly in the past several decades. The food system is the dendritic cluster of R&D value chains, and the value chains linking input suppliers to farmers, and farmers upstream to wholesalers and processors midstream, to retailers then consumers downstream. We analyze the transformation in terms of these value chains' structure and conduct, and the effects of changes in those on its performance in terms of impacts on consumers and farmers, as well as the efficiency of and waste in the overall chain. We highlight the role of, and implications for agricultural research, viewed broadly as farm technology as well as research pertaining to all aspects of input and output value chains. Highlights: Food system is dendritic cluster of value chains: R&D; farm inputs; farm output to midstream/downstream; inputs to latter. African, Asian, and Latin American food systems transformed fast in past two decades with "modern" and "quiet" revolutions. Technology innovations and R&D systems are important to the transformation of food systems, for farms and off-farm segments. Transformation brings incomes to farmers and lower food prices to consumers, but also exclusion, climate, energy challenges. IARCs and NARS need the lens of the food system in their strategies, plans, and innovations in technologies and products.