Enabling sustainable food systems

Download Enabling sustainable food systems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251329907
Total Pages : 260 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Enabling sustainable food systems by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book Enabling sustainable food systems written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2020-08-01 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable food systems are fundamental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, many food system activities must be reconstructed, and myriad actors around the world are starting to act locally. While some changes are easier than others, knowing how to navigate through them to promote sustainable consumption and production practices requires complex skill sets. This handbook is written for “sustainable food systems innovators” by a group of innovators from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe who are leading initiatives to grow, share, sell and consume more sustainable foods in their local contexts. It includes experiences that are changing the organizational structures of local food systems to make them more sustainable. The handbook is organized as a “choose your own adventure” story where each reader – individually or in a facilitated group – can develop their own personalized learning and action journeys according to their priorities. The topics included in this handbook are arranged into four categories of innovations: engaging consumers, producing sustainably, getting products to market and getting organized.

Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry

Download Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128119616
Total Pages : 442 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry by : Charis Michel Galanakis

Download or read book Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry written by Charis Michel Galanakis and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-01-02 with total page 442 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry: Improving Production and Processing addresses the principle that food supply needs of the present must be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Responding to sustainability goals requires maximum utilization of all raw materials produced and integration of activities throughout all production-to-consumption stages. This book covers production stage activities to reduce postharvest losses and increase use of by-products streams (waste), food manufacturing and beyond, presenting insights to ensure energy, water and other resources are used efficiently and environmental impacts are minimized. The book presents the latest research and advancements in efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly food production and ways they can be implemented within the food industry. Filling the knowledge gap between understanding and applying these advancements, this team of expert authors from around the globe offer both academic and industry perspectives and a real-world view of the challenges and potential solutions that exist for feeding the world in the future. The book will guide industry professionals and researchers in ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food systems. Addresses why food waste recovery improves sustainability of food systems, how these issues can be adapted by the food industry, and the role of policy making in ensuring sustainable food production Describes in detail the latest understanding of food processing, food production and waste reduction issues Includes emerging topics, such as sustainable organic food production and computer aided process engineering Analyzes the potential and sustainability of already commercialized processes and products

The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems

Download The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128175095
Total Pages : 302 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems by : Leonard Rusinamhodzi

Download or read book The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems written by Leonard Rusinamhodzi and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2019-11-12 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems reveals, in simple terms, the operational definition, concepts and applications of ecosystem services with a focus on sustainable food systems. The book presents case studies on both geographical and production system-wide considerations. Initial chapters discuss concepts, methodologies and the tools needed to understand ecosystem services in the broader food system. Middle and later chapters present different perspectives from case studies of ecosystem services derived from some of the key sustainable food production systems used by farmers, along with discussions on the challenges of deriving full benefits and how they can be overcome. Researchers, students, scientists, development practitioners and policymakers will welcome this reference as they continue their work related to sustainable food systems. Introduces the concept of ecosystem services in simple terms for a wide readership Provides an explanation of sustainable food systems Contains the tools to identify and quantify ecosystem services in sustainable food systems Identifies ecosystem services in specific systems utilized for sustainable food systems Categorizes the challenges of deriving maximum benefits of ecosystem services

Sustainable Food and Agriculture

Download Sustainable Food and Agriculture PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128121351
Total Pages : 611 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Sustainable Food and Agriculture by : Clayton Campanhola

Download or read book Sustainable Food and Agriculture written by Clayton Campanhola and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-11-30 with total page 611 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable Food and Agriculture: An Integrated Approach is the first book to look at the imminent threats to sustainable food security through a cross-sectoral lens. As the world faces food supply challenges posed by the declining growth rate of agricultural productivity, accelerated deterioration of quantity and quality of natural resources that underpin agricultural production, climate change, and hunger, poverty and malnutrition, a multi-faced understanding is key to identifying practical solutions. This book gives stakeholders a common vision, concept and methods that are based on proven and widely agreed strategies for continuous improvement in sustainability at different scales. While information on policies and technologies that would enhance productivity and sustainability of individual agricultural sectors is available to some extent, literature is practically devoid of information and experiences for countries and communities considering a comprehensive approach (cross-sectoral policies, strategies and technologies) to SFA. This book is the first effort to fill this gap, providing information on proven options for enhancing productivity, profitability, equity and environmental sustainability of individual sectors and, in addition, how to identify opportunities and actions for exploiting cross-sectoral synergies. Provides proven options of integrated technologies and policies, helping new programs identify appropriate existing programs Presents mechanisms/tools for balancing trade-offs and proposes indicators to facilitate decision-making and progress measurement Positions a comprehensive and informed review of issues in one place for effective education, comparison and evaluation

Agroecology Now!

Download Agroecology Now! PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030613151
Total Pages : 204 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (36 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Agroecology Now! by : Colin Ray Anderson

Download or read book Agroecology Now! written by Colin Ray Anderson and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-12-07 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book develops a framework for advancing agroecology transformations focusing on power, politics and governance. It explores the potential of agroecology as a sustainable and socially just alternative to today’s dominant food regime. Agroecology is an ecological approach to farming that addresses climate change and biodiversity loss while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. Agroecology transformations represent a challenge to the power of corporations in controlling food system and a rejection of the industrial food systems that are at the root of many social and ecological ills. In this book the authors analyse the conditions that enable and disable agroecology’s potential and present six ‘domains of transformation’ where it comes into conflict with the dominant food system. They argue that food sovereignty, community-self organization and a shift to bottom-up governance are critical for the transformation to a socially just and ecologically viable food system. This book will be a valuable resource to researchers, students, policy makers and professionals across multidisciplinary areas including in the fields of food politics, international development, sustainability and resilience.

Sustainable Food System Assessment

Download Sustainable Food System Assessment PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 0429801386
Total Pages : 193 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (298 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Sustainable Food System Assessment by : Alison Blay-Palmer

Download or read book Sustainable Food System Assessment written by Alison Blay-Palmer and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-11-22 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable Food System Assessment provides both practical and theoretical insights about the growing interest in and response to measuring food system sustainability. Bringing together research from the Global North and South, this book shares lessons learned, explores intended and actual project outcomes, and highlights points of conceptual and methodological convergence. Interest in assessing food system sustainability is growing, as evidenced by the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and the importance food systems initiatives have taken in serving as a lever for attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This book opens by looking at the conceptual considerations of food systems indicators, including the place-based dimensions of food systems indicators and how measurements are implicated in sense-making and visioning processes. Chapters in the second part cover operationalizing metrics, including the development of food systems indicator frameworks, degrees of indicator complexities, and practical constraints to assessment. The final part focuses on the outcomes of assessment projects, including impacts on food policy and communities involved, highlighting the importance of building connections between sustainable food systems initiatives. The global coverage and multi-scalar perspectives, including both conceptual and practical aspects, make this a key resource for academics and practitioners across planning, geography, urban studies, food studies, and research methods. It will also be of interest to government officials and those working within NGOs. The Open Access version of this book, available at https://www.routledge.com/Sustainable-Food-System-Assessment-Lessons-from-Global-Practice/Blay-Palmer-Conare-Meter-Battista-Johnston/p/book/9781032083933, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.

Sustainable Diets

Download Sustainable Diets PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : CABI
ISBN 13 : 1786392844
Total Pages : 304 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (863 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Sustainable Diets by : Barbara Burlingame

Download or read book Sustainable Diets written by Barbara Burlingame and published by CABI. This book was released on 2018-12-10 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book takes a transdisciplinary approach and considers multisectoral actions, integrating health, agriculture and environmental sector issues to comprehensively explore the topic of sustainable diets. The team of international authors informs readers with arguments, challenges, perspectives, policies, actions and solutions on global topics that must be properly understood in order to be effectively addressed. They position issues of sustainable diets as central to the Earth's future. Presenting the latest findings, they: - Explore the transition to sustainable diets within the context of sustainable food systems, addressing the right to food, and linking food security and nutrition to sustainability. - Convey the urgency of coordinated action, and consider how to engage multiple sectors in dialogue and joint research to tackle the pressing problems that have taken us to the edge, and beyond, of the planet's limits to growth. - Review tools, methods and indicators for assessing sustainable diets. - Describe lessons learned from case studies on both traditional food systems and current dietary challenges. As an affiliated project of the One Planet Sustainable Food Systems Programme, this book provides a way forward for achieving global and local targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition commitments. This resource is essential reading for scientists, practitioners, and students in the fields of nutrition science, food science, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, development studies, food studies, public health and food policy.

Costa Rica’s journey towards sustainable food systems

Download Costa Rica’s journey towards sustainable food systems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251347859
Total Pages : 49 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Costa Rica’s journey towards sustainable food systems by : Roosendaal, L., Brouwer, H., Garcia-Campos, P., Prado-Rivera, F.

Download or read book Costa Rica’s journey towards sustainable food systems written by Roosendaal, L., Brouwer, H., Garcia-Campos, P., Prado-Rivera, F. and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2021-08-19 with total page 49 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Governments and other food system actors from the private sector, civil society, research and education institutions are being called upon to work together to enhance the sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness of food systems. The analysis presented in this case study provides an insight into the process and direction of food system transformation, and the key capabilities required. It portrays the interplay of different internal and external dynamics combined with the capacity of food system actors to connect, forge alliances and commit to specific actions that has enabled Costa Rica to move towards a more sustainable food system. As a result, the sustainability debate has increasingly opened up, moving from a focus on environmental sustainability in food production towards a broader discussion encompassing nutrition and health.

Sustainable Food Systems

Download Sustainable Food Systems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : UCL Press
ISBN 13 : 191130707X
Total Pages : 154 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (113 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Sustainable Food Systems by : Robert Biel

Download or read book Sustainable Food Systems written by Robert Biel and published by UCL Press. This book was released on 2016-12-05 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Faced with a global threat to food security, it is perfectly possible that society will respond, not by a dystopian disintegration, but rather by reasserting co-operative traditions. This book, by a leading expert in urban agriculture, offers a genuine solution to today’s global food crisis. By contributing more to feeding themselves, cities can allow breathing space for the rural sector to convert to more organic sustainable approaches. Biel’s approach connects with current debates about agroecology and food sovereignty, asks key questions, and proposes lines of future research. He suggests that today’s food insecurity – manifested in a regime of wildly fluctuating prices – reflects not just temporary stresses in the existing mode of production, but more profoundly the troubled process of generating a new one. He argues that the solution cannot be implemented at a merely technical or political level: the force of change can only be driven by the kind of social movements which are now daring to challenge the existing unsustainable order.Drawing on both his academic research and teaching, and 15 years’ experience as a practicing urban farmer, Biel brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to this key global issue, creating a dialogue between the physical and social sciences

Public food procurement for sustainable food systems and healthy diets – Volume 1

Download Public food procurement for sustainable food systems and healthy diets – Volume 1 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251354758
Total Pages : 330 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Public food procurement for sustainable food systems and healthy diets – Volume 1 by : International Center for Tropical Agriculture

Download or read book Public food procurement for sustainable food systems and healthy diets – Volume 1 written by International Center for Tropical Agriculture and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2021-12-23 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable Public Food Procurement (PFP) represents a key game changer for food systems transformation. It can influence both food consumption and food production patterns. It can deliver multiple social, economic and environmental benefits towards sustainable food systems for healthy diets. This publication aims to contribute to the improved understanding, dissemination and use of PFP as a development tool in particular in the case of school meals programmes. In Volume 1, researchers, policymakers and development partners can find evidence on how PFP can be used as a development tool and deliver multiple benefits for multiple beneficiaries. It argues that PFP can provide a market for local and smallholder farmers, promote the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity, and improve the nutrition and health of children and communities. Volume 2 of this publication, available at https://doi.org/10.4060/cb7969en, presents further analysis of the instruments, enablers and barriers for PFP implementation. It also provides case studies with local, regional and national experiences from Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems

Download Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1351189018
Total Pages : 293 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (511 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems by : Mark Lawrence

Download or read book Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems written by Mark Lawrence and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-10-18 with total page 293 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comprehensive text provides the latest research on key concepts, principles and practices for promoting healthy and sustainable food systems. There are increasing concerns about the impact of food systems on environmental sustainability and, in turn, the impact of environmental sustainability on the capacity of food systems to protect food and nutrition security into the future. The contributors to this book are leading researchers in the causes of and solutions to these challenges. As international experts in their fields, they provide in-depth analyses of the issues and evidence-informed recommendations for future policies and practices. Starting with an overview of ideas about health, sustainability and equity in relation to food systems, Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems examines what constitutes a food system, with chapters on production, manufacturing, distribution and retail, among others. The text explores health and sustainable diets, looking at issues such as overconsumption and waste. The book ends with discussions about the politics, policy, personal behaviours and advocacy behind creating healthy and sustainable food systems. With a food systems approach to health and sustainability identified as a priority area for public health, this text introduces core knowledge for students, academics, practitioners and policy-makers from a range of disciplines including food and nutrition sciences, dietetics, public health, public policy, medicine, health science and environmental science.

Imagining Sustainable Food Systems

Download Imagining Sustainable Food Systems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
ISBN 13 : 1409488756
Total Pages : 268 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (94 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Imagining Sustainable Food Systems by : Dr Alison Blay-Palmer

Download or read book Imagining Sustainable Food Systems written by Dr Alison Blay-Palmer and published by Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.. This book was released on 2012-11-28 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What defines a sustainable food system? How can it be more inclusive? How do local and global scales interact and how does power flow within food systems? How to encourage an interdisciplinary approach to realizing sustainable food systems? And how to activate change? These questions are considered by EU and North American academics and practitioners in this book. Using a wide range of case studies, it provides a critical overview, showing how and where theory and practice can converge to produce more sustainable food systems.

National processes shaping food systems transformations

Download National processes shaping food systems transformations PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251348073
Total Pages : 54 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis National processes shaping food systems transformations by : Guijt, J., Wigboldus, S., Brouwer, H., Roosendaal, L., Kelly, S., Garcia-Campos, P.

Download or read book National processes shaping food systems transformations written by Guijt, J., Wigboldus, S., Brouwer, H., Roosendaal, L., Kelly, S., Garcia-Campos, P. and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2021-08-19 with total page 54 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Governments and other food system actors from the private sector, civil society, research and education institutions are being called upon to work together to enhance the sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness of food systems. The analysis presented in this study provides an insight into the process and direction of food system transformation, and the key capabilities required. It portrays the interplay of different internal and external dynamics combined with the capacity of food system actors to connect, forge alliances and commit to specific actions that has enabled countries to move towards a more sustainable food system.

Nano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture

Download Nano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0323998232
Total Pages : 581 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (239 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Nano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture by : Peng Zhang

Download or read book Nano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture written by Peng Zhang and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2023-08-06 with total page 581 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture is the first single-volume resource to cover this important field using a whole systems approach that considers both opportunities and challenges. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of nanotechnology in agriculture from broad aspects, but also includes a comprehensive view of the interaction of nanomaterials with soil-plant systems. It highlights aspects not described in previous books, including the application of nanoinformatics and artificial intelligence in nano-enabled sustainable agriculture, the application of nanotechnology in alternative forms of agriculture such as hydroponics, and regulatory frameworks for this research field. The book addresses all these aspects by including sections on enhanced sustainability, reduced pollution and enhanced ecosystems' health, and the role of nanoinformatics and machine learning. Provides foundational insights and resources for each area, including soil science, water chemistry, nanoscience, plant science, microbiology and nanoinformatics Focuses on mechanisms of action, transformations and the underpinning chemistry and biochemistry Includes linkages and cross-referencing between chapters to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive resource

Sustainable Diets

Download Sustainable Diets PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academy Press
ISBN 13 : 9780309296670
Total Pages : 156 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (966 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Sustainable Diets by : Leslie Pray

Download or read book Sustainable Diets written by Leslie Pray and published by National Academy Press. This book was released on 2014-02-04 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the many benefits of the U.S. food system is a safe, nutritious, and consistent food supply. However, the same system also places significant strain on land, water, air, and other natural resources. A better understanding of the food-environment synergies and trade-offs associated with the U.S. food system would help to reduce this strain. Many experts would like to use that knowledge to develop dietary recommendations on the basis of environmental as well as nutritional considerations. But identifying and quantifying those synergies and trade-offs, let alone acting on them, is a challenge in and of itself. The difficulty stems in part from the reality that experts in the fields of nutrition, agricultural science, and natural resource use often do not regularly collaborate with each other, with the exception of some international efforts. "Sustainable Diets" is the summary of a workshop convened by The Institute of Medicine's Food Forum and Roundtable on Environmental Health Sciences, Research, and Medicine in May 2013 to engender dialogue between experts in nutrition and experts in agriculture and natural resource sustainability and to explore current and emerging knowledge on the food and nutrition policy implications of the increasing environmental constraints on the food system. Experts explored the relationship between human health and the environment, including the identification and quantification of the synergies and trade-offs of their impact. This report explores the role of the food price environment and how environmental sustainability can be incorporated into dietary guidance and considers research priorities, policy implications, and drivers of consumer behaviors that will enable sustainable food choices.

Hidden Hunger and the Transformation of Food Systems

Download Hidden Hunger and the Transformation of Food Systems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers
ISBN 13 : 3318066982
Total Pages : 242 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (18 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Hidden Hunger and the Transformation of Food Systems by : H.K. Biesalski

Download or read book Hidden Hunger and the Transformation of Food Systems written by H.K. Biesalski and published by Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers. This book was released on 2020-10-06 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hidden hunger is not about providing enough calories, it is about a lack of micronutrients, which has life-long consequences for the children who are mostly affected. This begins with physical and cognitive developmental disorders and continues with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases and the occurrence of obesity. The book compiles the contributions of the Fourth Congress on Hidden Hunger 2019 as original articles. The focus of the congress was the problem of malnutrition and overweight, which can coexist and is termed a “double burden”. Part of the book deals with the causes of malnutrition and the challenge of achieving an agricultural system that is more focused on food quality. Another part discusses the causes and intervention approaches to tackling childhood obesity, especially in connection with malnutrition. All in all, this publication is a summary of important work by highly renowned authors on the topic of the congress: “Hidden Hunger and the Transformation of Food Systems: How to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition?” Like its two predecessors, the book fills an important gap by summarizing the essential aspects for science, applied research, and politics at a high level.

Developing Sustainable Food Value Chains

Download Developing Sustainable Food Value Chains PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
ISBN 13 : 9789251084816
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (848 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Developing Sustainable Food Value Chains by : David Neven

Download or read book Developing Sustainable Food Value Chains written by David Neven and published by Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). This book was released on 2014 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Using sustainable food value chain development (SFVCD) approaches to reduce poverty presents both great opportunities and daunting challenges. SFVCD requires a systems approach to identifying root problems, innovative thinking to find effective solutions and broad-based partnerships to implement programmes that have an impact at scale. In practice, however, a misunderstanding of its fundamental nature can easily result in value-chain projects having limited or non-sustainable impact. Furthermore, development practitioners around the world are learning valuable lessons from both failures and successes, but many of these are not well disseminated. This new set of handbooks aims to address these gaps by providing practical guidance on SFVCD to a target audience of policy-makers, project designers and field practitioners. This first handbook provides a solid conceptual foundation on which to build the subsequent handbooks. It (1) clearly defines the concept of a sustainable food value chain; (2) presents and discusses a development paradigm that integrates the multidimensional concepts of sustainability and value added; (3) presents, discusses and illustrates ten principles that underlie SFVCD; and (4) discusses the potential and limitations of using the value-chain concept in food-systems development. By doing so, the handbook makes a strong case for placing SFVCD at the heart of any strategy aimed at reducing poverty and hunger in the long run.