Strengthening the food systems governance evidence base: Supporting commensurability of research through a systematic review of methods

Governance of food systems is a poorly understood determinant of food security.
Much scholarship on food systems governance is non-empirical, while existing
research is often case study-based and theoretically and methodologically
incommensurable. This frustrates aggregation of evidence and generalisation. We
undertook a systematic review of methods used in food systems governance research
with a view to identifying a core set of indicators for future research. We gathered
literature through a structured consultation and sampling from recent reviews.
Indicators were identified and classified according to the levels and sectors they
investigate. We found a concentration of indicators in food production at local to
national levels and a sparseness in distribution and consumption. Unsurprisingly,
many indicators of institutional structure were found, while agency-related indicators
are moderately represented. We call for piloting and validation of these indicators and
for methodological development to fill gaps identified. These efforts are expected to
support a more consolidated future evidence base and eventual meta-analysis.