February 13, 2025
Overview:
Across the world, food systems are changing in different ways. In some places, governments are leading the way, introducing policies and programs to improve sustainability. In others, local communities are finding their own solutions to food-related challenges. This raises an important question: Which approach leads to real, lasting change – government-led action (top-down) or community-driven (bottom-up) processes?
This One Health Trust co-authored article looked at 40 case studies from 24 countries to understand how food system transformation happens and whether these two approaches can work together to create more effective and sustainable solutions.
The Question:
Which approach is more effective in transforming food systems – top-down government-led efforts or bottom-up community-driven initiatives?
The Findings:
The findings show that change does not follow a single path. Instead of viewing top-down and bottom-up approaches as separate, the study highlights how they interact in different ways. Some communities take the lead without government involvement, while others collaborate with public agencies to scale up their impact. In some cases, government-led efforts face challenges, and local actors step in with creative solutions. There are also instances where governments and communities work together from the start, sharing responsibility for change.
Instead of debating which approach is better, the researchers suggest focusing on what is actually needed to drive transformation. They highlight the importance of better coordination between governments, local communities, and other key players. When these groups work together, they can create stronger, more sustainable food systems for the future.
Read the article in Global Food Security here.
