SDG indicator framework for quantitative food system analysis on multiple scales

The food system, a complex system, is researched in many different ways. To assess the system, both qualitative methods and quantitative model analysis is performed to identify important processes in this complex system and identify synergies and trade-offs. To guide such analysis, this document describes an indicator framework to facilitate a food systems assessment that covers all relevant domains in the food system and which can be used in multi-model assessments. It is based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has three objectives:
1. To provide a comprehensive framework to show trade-offs and synergies between different domains.
2. To make visible what is assessed and what is not.
3. To work towards a common narrative on presenting model results, which makes clear how indicators are defined and how they relate to SDGs.
The indicators related to SDG were selected per model. The five models that were selected for this framework were: MAGNET, MagnetGrid, BIOSPACS, LPJmL and SSID. The official model indicators were used as an entry point. The framework distinguishes between goal indicators and process indicators. Where goal indicators track progress towards achieving the SDGs, while process indicators provide more detailed insight in the system, progress or obstacles. To define which indicators are goal indicators and which are more related to the process, causal diagrams were designed per SDG. Indicators are selected for each relevant SDG, illustrating their use with causal diagrams, and linking them to models.