Food Systems are varied and diverse systems that produce food. The 2015 Global Nutrition Report used quantitative methods to identify the types of food systems around the world. The typology of food systems includes five main categories: traditional, informal, expanding, and industrial and consolidated. In addition to these types, the typology also considers upstream and downstream influences.
Food systems are interdependent networks of people, resources, and activities. This interdependence influences the production, distribution, marketing, consumption, and disposal of foods. As a result, food systems reflect social and environmental conditions and are responsive to health challenges. In addition, food systems are complex, with many dimensions and multiple scales.
In addition to the food systems that are affected by climate change, there are other aspects of the food system that must be considered. One important aspect is energy. Energy is necessary to produce food. Some farmers are seeking ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels, including using renewable sources of energy to grow food. Some have started businesses that use renewable energy for farming and sell their food closer to consumers.
To classify food systems, it is helpful to consider how they differ across countries. For example, Guinea-Bissau has a rural food system, while Burkina Faso is more traditional. These two countries are located in the West Africa region, with tropical climates. Both have significant losses of vegetables.