Managing Assets to Facilitate Circularity and Sustainability of Food Systems

Abstract

The United Nations Zero Hunger Challenge focuses on finding solutions to achieve the 2030 SDG 2 targets, albeit in a manner that is consistent with the precepts of circular economy. Sustainable solutions to food accessibility, security and continuous improvements in nutrition will invariably depend on effective management of the value networks that characterize the forward loops of systems of food production and distribution as well as the reverse loops of food waste management. Food systems encompass physical assets within value networks that are inextricably interwoven within societal structures, the natural environment and ecology. Given that societal structures are conventionally delineated in terms of governance, industrial and commercial sectors of endeavor, as well as within local, regional and global jurisdictions, it is paramount that natural assets (e.g., land, vegetation) and engineered assets (e.g., equipment, machinery, infrastructure) are effectively managed to facilitate circularity, security and sustainability of value networks that underpin systems of food production and distribution, nutrition improvements and food waste management. This paper highlights the need for proper management of land and engineered assets. The discourse emphasizes a ‘whole-of-life’ approach to physical asset management that takes into account both the forward and reverse logistics processes of food systems so as to concurrently conform to circular economy precepts and sustainable development imperatives.