Tools and methods to support the design and implementation of policies for agrifood systems transformation

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations new handbook

As governments increasingly seek integrated solutions to food security, climate resilience, nutrition, and sustainable economic development, the challenge is no longer understanding the value of a systems approach, but putting it into practice.

To support this transition, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released a new handbook designed to help policymakers operationalize agrifood systems approaches. Building on FAO’s flagship publication Transforming Food and Agriculture through a Systems Approach, the handbook provides practical tools, methods, and training modules to strengthen policy design and implementation.

The resource aims to enhance policymakers’ capacity to improve policy coherence across sectors, foster innovation and investment, and accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems. By translating systems thinking into actionable guidance, the handbook offers valuable support for decision-makers working to address today’s interconnected food system challenges.

The publication represents a useful reference for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems.

FAO. 2026. Tools and methods to support the design and implementation of policies for agrifood systems transformation –  A handbook for policymakers. Rome.