Can Local Agriculture Improve the Nutritional Quality of Diet While Reducing the Environmental Impact in Guadeloupe? A System Model Approach from Fork to Farm

In Guadeloupe, the agricultural sector is specialized in export crops, and the local supply of products for the domestic market does not meet demand. Moreover, various studies have highlighted public health issues related to food. The goal of this study is to develop a "fork to farm" approach to analyze the capacity of local agriculture to meet the objective of improving the nutritional quality of food in Guadeloupe, while minimizing environmental impacts. We evaluated two dietary scenarios through a diet optimization model. The first one aims at improving the diet quality of Guadeloupe population without impairing the food budget. The second add a constraint of increasing the share of local food in the diet. Results are integrated in a bioeconomic model of Guadeloupe agricultural sector to assess socio-economic impacts of this new dietary patterns. Finally, a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) evaluate environmental effects. Results show that local food share could rise from 30% in the baseline to 75% in the second scenario which involves increased quantities of locally grown roots, tubers, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and eggs. To make this feasible, the bioeconomic model suggests land and workforce reallocation, notably from sugarcane and bananas to cattle and vegetable farming. The LCA reveals that climate change impacts remain similar across scenarios, with meat and fish consumption being the primary contributors. Even if the "local" scenario is the least impactful, it remains high in water eutrophication and land use. While improving nutrition through local agriculture is feasible, it requires structural changes such as increased agricultural labor and expanded farmland. Policy recommendations include promoting plant-based diets, adopting sustainable farming practices, and encouraging the next generation to join the agricultural workforce. This study underscores the importance of addressing environmental, economic, and social factors to create a resilient and sustainable food system in Guadeloupe.