Research

Our vision is a global food system that feeds everyone, protects people and the environment, and can withstand and adapt to geopolitical, climate, and technological change.

We study the people, businesses, and institutions that shape global food systems — from farmers and workers to traders and restaurants — and how resources and knowledge move between them. Our research identifies ways to make food systems more resilient and circular, protect human rights, and ensure that digital technologies support a fair and sustainable transition.

We work with policymakers, NGOs, and businesses to turn research into menaingful change. By generating evidence on how technology, public and private standards, and collective action influence food systems, we help identify what works, for whom, and under which conditions.

We use both quantitative and qualitative methods, drawing on existing data and collecting our own through surveys, experiments, focus groups, expert interviews, and photovoice projects.

Food systems are inherently global. FSEP works across Africa, Europe, and Asia, with a current focus on Uganda, Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Switzerland, where we often engage non-academic partners.

Our research contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).

 Explore our current research projects to learn more about our work and its impact.