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Trade-offs and synergies in food system transition: case of the Ethiopian dairy sector

Author

Listed:
  • Augustine Abioye Ayantunde

    (Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research (WUR))

  • Jan Lee

    (Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research (WUR))

  • Abule Ebro

    (Ethiopian Society of Animal Production)

  • Asaah Ndambi

    (Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research (WUR))

  • Catharien Terwisscha Scheltinga

    (Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research (WUR))

  • Marijke Dijkshoorn-Dekker

    (Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University & Research (WUR))

  • Siemen Berkum

    (Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University & Research (WUR))

Abstract

The transformation of food systems in low-and middle-income countries is indispensable for attaining food and nutrition security. To analyse and better understand food system transition, transition pathway approach is commonly used as a tool to engage key stakeholders in looking for a solution to a major structural food system issue that requires a transition. Inherent in these food system transition pathways are trade-offs and synergies within or between different dimensions of sustainability, scales, and types of actors. The objective of this study was to identify and assess with the stakeholders the trade-offs and synergies in transition pathways of doubling dairy consumption in Ethiopia. Of the four transition pathways developed of doubling dairy consumption within 15 years, we focused on two pathways in this study. The “peri-urban pathway” focused on the vision that all low-income peri-urban consumers have access to safe and affordable pasteurized milk by 2037 while the “ rural pathway” aimed at access to pasteurized milk by all rural pregnant and lactating women, and children under 7 years. Fifteen trade-offs were identified by the participants for the two pathways. Scores of the importance of each trade-off ranged from 1 to 3 on a Likert scale from 1 (low) to 4 (very high) with average of 2.47 ± 0.42 and 2.6 ± 0.371 for peri-urban and rural pathways, respectively. Applying transition pathway approach to this case study shows that stakeholder participation is essential to assessment of trade-offs and synergies in food system transition, and that it is context-specific and pathway-dependent.

Suggested Citation

  • Augustine Abioye Ayantunde & Jan Lee & Abule Ebro & Asaah Ndambi & Catharien Terwisscha Scheltinga & Marijke Dijkshoorn-Dekker & Siemen Berkum, 2025. "Trade-offs and synergies in food system transition: case of the Ethiopian dairy sector," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 17(3), pages 767-780, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:17:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s12571-025-01546-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-025-01546-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marijke Dijkshoorn-Dekker & Vincent Linderhof & Thomas J.M. Mattijssen & Nico Polman, 2020. "Food Secure Metropolitan Areas: The Transition Support System Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Cees Leeuwis & Birgit K. Boogaard & Kwesi Atta-Krah, 2021. "How food systems change (or not): governance implications for system transformation processes," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 13(4), pages 761-780, August.
    3. Tibebu Moges & Frédéric Baudron & Hanqi Luo & Inge D. Brouwer & Roseline Remans & Jeroen C. J. Groot, 2024. "Inadequacy of nutrients in children’s diets across seasons along an agricultural intensification gradient in Ethiopia," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 16(4), pages 899-919, August.
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