Work

Optimizing agroecological transitions: A hybrid MCDM approach to conceptualizing sustainable food and nutrition systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Food and Nutrition Systems (FNSs) face urgent challenges in achieving sustainability under the 2030 Agenda, particularly due to climate change and agroecosystem fragility. This study develops a comprehensive conceptual model of FNS grounded in agroecological principles and optimized through a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach combining Fuzzy Delphi and DEMATEL techniques. The model integrates three interlinked subsystems— producer, consumer, and nutrition— within five sustainability dimensions (economic, environmental, social, cultural, and political). From an initial 110 sustainability indicators, 77 were refined and analyzed for influence and dependence, identifying key causal and effect indicators across three Agroecological Operational Principles (AOPs). Under AOP I (Resource Efficiency), C 6 (increased use of renewable resources) emerged as the most influential indicator (Net influence ( R j -C i ) = 2.74; Total interaction ( R j + C i ) = 4.13). In AOP II (Resilience), C 10 (species diversity) exhibited the highest influence ( R j -C i = 12.93; R j + C i = 38.45), while C 7 (organic matter and biological activity management) and C 25 (dietary shifts and reduction of food loss and waste) showed notable leverage, with R j + C i exceeding 44 and R j -C i scores of 11.04 and 8.30, respectively. For AOP III (Social Equity), C 57 (agroecological production practices) and C 60 (localized food trade) demonstrated strong causal influence ( R j -C i = 21.35 and 20.46, respectively). By revealing systemic interdependencies and leverage points among agroecological indicators, the model contributes both theoretically and practically, bridging disciplinary knowledge and policy domains. The optimized framework provides a strategic tool for integrated planning, governance, and decision support, enabling policymakers and practitioners to foster sustainable, resilient, and socially inclusive FNSs.

Source: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.indic.2025.101007

Authors: Saeed Mahmoudi, Abdolmajid Mahdavi Damghani, Hossein Mahmoudi, Jafar Kambouzia

Institution: Shahid Beheshti University

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Agricultural Systems Analysis

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,350