Food system changes for healthy and sustainable diets in China

How well do food systems in China promote healthy diets among rural and urban populations, and how sustainable are these diets in terms of their environmental footprints? How could food and agricultural policies in China and related technical and institutional innovations contribute to more sustainable agricultural production and healthier food choices? These questions are addressed here through empirical studies at various food system levels, using individual-, household-, farm-, and market-level data.

This research explores how evolving agricultural and trade policies, as well as changing food environments (e.g., the growth of supermarkets), influence farming structures, food access for consumers, affordability and cost-effectiveness of healthy diets, and nutritional outcomes for children and adults in rural and urban areas. Effects on gender roles and environmental sustainability are also analyzed. The research findings aims to inform policy-making about pathways for improved access to and affordability of nutritious and environmentally-friendly diets.