1. FAOCGIARWMO

2. How will Global Environmental Change affect the vulnerability of food systems in different regions? How might food systems be adapted to cope with GEC so as to enhance food security? What would be the consequences of adaptation options for environmental and socioeconomic conditions? Fundamental Questions

3. To determine strategies to cope with the impacts of global environmental change on food systems and to assess the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of adaptive responses aimed at improving food security. GECAFS Vision and Goal A food-secure future for those most vulnerable to environmental stress.

4. Global Environmental Change changes in the biogeophysical environment occurring naturally, or caused or strongly influenced by human activities. Food Systems an interconnected set of researchable processes encompassing food access & availability. Food Security a state or condition underpinned by food systems achieved when societies have year-round access to the necessary amount and variety of safe foods. Key Terms

5. Global Environmental Change Changes in the biophysical environment caused or strongly influenced by human activities Land cover & soils Atmospheric composition Climate variability & means Water availability & quality For example changes in: Nitrogen availability & cycling Biodiversity Sea currents & salinity Sea level

6. FOOD AVAILABILITY Production Post-Harvest Handling Exchange & Trade FOOD ACCESS Affordability Preference Nutritional Value Components of Food Systems researchable elements

7. FOOD AVAILABILITY Production, Post-Harvest Handling, Exchange Financial & social assets Land tenure Technology Labour availability & productivity Market policies (prices, credit & subsidies) Market infrastructure (storage, transport) Trade policy (border controls, international agreements) Exclusive economic zones Natural assets Climate & weather Condition of soil Germplasm Water availability & distribution Plant pests & diseases Animal diseases Post-harvest pests & contaminants Financial & social assets Employment, wages & incomes’ Prices & household budgets Customs, tastes & trends Dietary patterns Food standard regulations Natural assets Seasonality Appearance Nutrient content Contamination FOOD ACCESS Affordability, Preference & Nutritional Value EXAMPLE DETERMINANTS OF FOOD SYSTEMS

8. Achieving the Goal 1.Improve understanding of the interactions between food systems and key socioeconomic and biogeophysical components of the Earth System. 2.Deliver the new science necessary to assist policy formulation for improving food security in the face of GEC.

9. GECAFS Conceptual Framework Conditions & Scenarios Current Food Systems Adapted Food Systems Vulnerability & Impacts Feedbacks Adaptation & Decision Support

10. 1. Conceptual & Methodological Research i.Food Systems Concepts ii.Vulnerability Concepts iii.Scenario Construction iv.Decision Support Systems 2. Food Systems Research in i.Indo-Gangetic Plain ii.Caribbean iii.Southern Africa Research Approaches

11. Develops a GEC science agenda that: targets generic science issues improves understanding of the interactions between the Earth System and Food Systems integrates natural and social sciences adds value to basic science by underpinning applied science underpins regionally-based food systems research Conceptual & Methodological Research  International networking approach  Led by small, specialist committees  Coordinated by dedicated Science Officers  Specific funding applications, mainly to science agencies Conditions & Scenarios Current Food Systems Adapted Food Systems Vulnerability & Impacts Feedbacks Adaptation & Decision Support

12. Food Systems Concepts research questions 1.What parameters describe food systems so as to facilitate GECAFS research? 2.Within given food systems, which parameters are most sensitive to GEC? 3.Who are the agents within each major food system, what are their roles, and how do they interact?

13. Food Systems Vulnerability research questions 1.What are the dimensions of risk in vulnerable food systems? 2.What are the levels of present risks and how sensitive are they to present trends and future scenarios of vulnerability? 3.How do risks compare among vulnerable populations, between regions and from the local to regional scales?

14. 1.What are the plausible future changes in environmental and socioeconomic conditions that will affect food systems? 2.What elements of global scenarios are most important for regional-level food system analyses? 3.What what are the best approaches for linking global scenarios to regional scale so as to capture regional- level factors relevant to food systems? Scenario Development research questions

15. Decision Support Systems research questions 1.What is the best way to determine the information needs of advisors to policymakers, resource managers and other stakeholders regarding GEC and food issues? 2.How can DSS best be developed to help analyse the socioeconomic and environmental tradeoffs of adaptation options? 3.What is the best methodological approach to DSS development to optimise communication with stakeholders?

16. Develops a GEC science agenda that: targets regional scientific issues relates to regional development needs interacts effectively with the regional policy making process encourages more support for the regional science communities provides contexts for conceptual research Regional Food Systems Research  Regional studies approach  Led by regional scientists assisted by GECAFS IPO  Specific funding applications, mainly to development agencies Conditions & Scenarios Current Food Systems Adapted Food Systems Vulnerability & Impacts Feedbacks Adaptation & Decision Support

17. Conditions & Scenarios Current Food Systems Adapted Food Systems Vulnerability & Impacts Feedbacks Adaptation & Decision Support Conditions & Scenarios Current Food Systems Adapted Food Systems Vulnerability & Impacts Feedbacks Adaptation & Decision Support Use science and policy issues identified in regional projects to help define conceptual and methodological research. Integrate conceptual and methodological research issues across diverse conditions to improve generic understanding. Conceptual Research Regional Research

18. Research Relevance and Partnerships Science Natural Socio- economic

19. Science Agendas Development Agendas Research Relevance and Partnerships Science Natural Socio- economic

20. Science Agendas Development Agendas Policy Makers Resource Managers Research Relevance and Partnerships Science Natural Socio- economic