In this unit, the focus is on how to produce this food supply in a sustainable way (without undermining social, economic and environmental impacts) and to better respond to the needs for healthy diets. How can we feed and nourish a growing global population, amidst globalization and increasing urbanization, while radically transforming food systems toward more sustainable and equitable forms of food production, all along the value chains?

In previous units we have looked at food systems in general, their components and possible interventions. Data and information are crucial for evidence-based decision-making for planning, monitoring and evaluating interventions. The potential use of data and information (metrics) should inform the selection of indicators and appropriate methods for data collection and analysis. A combination of data and information can help guide, prioritize and course-correct policies and actions for food system transformation. They can also aid to explore their effects on dietary and nutrition outcomes as well as potential social, economic and environmental impacts.

In this unit, we look at data collection and the way that metrics can be used for planning and implementing policies or interventions (including costing) to transform food systems. We will explore some tools that can be used to generate evidence for decision-making, such as the Theory of Change and the Impact Pathways. We will also explore other tools to estimate the cost of diets and explore relevant information sources.