A Rapid Review of Territorialized Food Systems and Their Impacts on Human Health, Food Security, and the Environment

Abstract

The global food system is facing multiple problems, including rising food insecurity, degrading environments, and an increased incidence of diet-related chronic diseases. International organizations are thus calling for a transition toward territorialized food systems to alleviate some of these challenges. Yet, limited evidence supporting the benefits of territorialized food systems is available. Our objective was to summarize the current body of literature on territorialized food systems and their impacts on human health, food security, and the environment using a rapid review methodology. Articles were retrieved from three databases and analyzed using keywords and inclusion criteria corresponding to territorialized food systems, environment, human health, and food security. Six relevant publications were identified. While this limited evidence suggests that territorialized food systems may have positive effects on all three dimensions, data are not consistent across publications. For example, territorialized food systems may contribute to improved diet quality, provide agroecosystem services, and contribute to food security. However, food produced within these food systems may have a higher carbon footprint and be less available than industrially produced food. This rapid review also highlights the siloed nature of the current research on territorialized food systems and emphasizes the need for more holistic and interdisciplinary research.

Reorienting research investments toward under‐researched crops for sustainable food systems

“…Gasselin et al (2020) studied food systems' spatial dimensionality (urban, peri-urban, and rural typologies) to understand the interaction between territorial agriculture and food models. Rochefort et al (2021) reviewed the impact of territorialized food systems on health, food security, and the environment. The multifunctionality and territoriality of peri-urban areas have been analyzed to identify the factors needed to re-territorialize food systems and improve their socioecological resilience (López-Estébanez et al, 2022).…”

“…Rochefort et al. (2021) reviewed the impact of territorialized food systems on health, food security, and the environment. The multifunctionality and territoriality of peri‐urban areas have been analyzed to identify the factors needed to re‐territorialize food systems and improve their socio‐ecological resilience (López‐Estébanez et al., 2022).…”

Kombucha: Challenges for Health and Mental Health

“…Nowadays people are increasingly concerned about their own health. People want to become healthier, and the adoption of healthier lifestyles is necessary to improve quality of life and to reduce the numerous pathologies and comorbidities associated with nutrient inadequacy or poor diet choices [ 1 ]. People are concerned about their body, their mind and their health, and so their search for healthy foods or specific foods that improve health, such as functional foods, has been increasing [ 2 , 3 , 4 ].…”

Kombucha: Perceptions and Future Prospects

“…Another significant aspect of this reconfiguration process is to adopt a healthier diet based on more beneficial products, which is fundamental to reduce mortality and morbidity and improve quality of life. On the other hand, an unhealthy diet is responsible for micronutrient deficiencies or dietary excesses, and it contributes to creating and increasing the incidence of diet-related diseases or conditions, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and other pathologies [5].…”