• Two key systems approaches are missing: market systems and business models
• Definition on p.8: no reference to linkages, value-addition, aggregation, … also “environment” is not clear (enabling or natural or both?), not good to have “etc.” in a definition. Stating “outputs” including “outcomes” is hierarchically incorrect. Consider definition given in Reference 20
• Illustration of food systems: Consider inserting FAO’s food system’s wheel graphic (Figure 1 in Reference 20 “FAO 2018. Sustainable Food Systems: Concept and framework”), perhaps to replace figure 1 on p.10 (although they do not entirely cover the same) or alternatively at the end with the other figures (Annex 1, 2, 3).
• Page 11. Besides tradition and modern, we can distinguish alternate food systems (see FAO SFS course)
• Infrastructure covers more than trade and roads – ICT, energy, irrigation, ….
• P.16 replace sustainability along all food value chains with sustainable food value chains (similar formatting to sustainable diets)
• Sequence of concepts related to the value chain concept. The sequence in page 19 is incorrect. For example, sub-sector analysis, global value chains and market systems approaches are missing. For a more correct sequence, see Reference 54 (FAO 2014 Sustainable food value chains – guiding principles).
• P.21 reference is made to intermediary actors, but it is better to refer to these as input and support services providers (in line with the lit referenced)
• Sustainable intensification seems mostly concerned with agronomic performance – not triple bottom line sustainability.
• Territorial development: Could mention territorial approaches to agro-industry development (e.g. agri-food parks or Special Economic Zones (SEZ) as well as Rapid Urban Food Systems Appraisal Tools (RUFSAT)
• Table p.39: SFVC approach column is incorrect – it should be the same as SFS approach, except for at the end it should say “commodity” in terms of level of analysis
• PPPs – add reference to FAO literature on this
• Section 4: missing are definitions for: business model approaches, value-added, triple bottom line, consumer environment, market system approaches
• Not clearly indicated what a SFS approach is in practice. How does it link to the individual (sub-system) approaches?
David Neven