An indicator framework for nature positive food systems

This report describes an indicator framework for nature positive food systems (NPFS). Our framework can be used to track progress towards NPFS, by comparing quantifiable indicator values with chosen target values, and to facilitate stakeholder interaction in developing pathways towards NPFS in different contexts. We defined a total of 35 indicators for our framework to evaluate different aspects of food systems, in an attempt to cover the whole food system. We have categorised the indicators of our framework into three domains: (a) ‘Biodiversity/nature’, (b) ‘Food production and environment’, and (c) ‘Sustainable livelihoods’. Positive for nature in our framework for NPFS is indicated by an increase in biodiversity compared to current levels. The other two domains contain indicators for (sufficient) food production, low input use and emissions, and socio-economic values of food systems. We checked the similarity of our framework with a number of other well-known frameworks. Additionally, a brief (non-exhaustive) analysis was performed on cause – effect relations among groups of indicators and on connectivity between individual indicators of our framework. Result of this analysis showed synergies and trade-offs between indicators and illustrates the complexity of the whole food system. Finally, this report contains an overall discussion of our indicator framework, its potential uses and options for follow-up, partly based on reflections from stakeholders obtained in case studies in Kenya and India.