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Assessing Food Policies for Sustainability Transitions: A Scoping Review of Evaluation Methods

Author

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  • Loretta Moramarco

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Naomi di Santo

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Daniele Di Sparti

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Alessandro Petrontino

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Moro

    (Department of Political Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti, 70121 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesco Santoro

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Fucilli

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

Food policies play a crucial role in promoting sustainability transitions, but their evaluation needs an effort to be explored. This study carried out a scoping literature review to examine the evaluation methodologies used for food policies. Using the PRISMA approach, the paper analyses 88 scientific articles retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, identifying key research topics, methodologies, and indicators used in food policy assessment. Results highlight a predominance of qualitative methods, while quantitative approaches remain limited. Moreover, the study identifies a growing trend in integrating sustainability and governance into evaluation frameworks. The findings suggest the need for more robust and standardized quantitative evaluation tools to support evidence-based policymaking. This study contributes to the literature by providing a structured overview of evaluation methods and proposing future research directions to construct indices for food policy assessments.

Suggested Citation

  • Loretta Moramarco & Naomi di Santo & Daniele Di Sparti & Alessandro Petrontino & Giuseppe Moro & Francesco Santoro & Vincenzo Fucilli, 2025. "Assessing Food Policies for Sustainability Transitions: A Scoping Review of Evaluation Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-34, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8105-:d:1745489
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