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An Analytical Framework for Measuring Food System Resilience in Fragile Situations

Author

Listed:
  • Francisca Castro
  • Tilman Brück
  • Wolfgang Stojetz
  • Elena Serfilippi
  • Alessandra Garbero
  • Timur Cipa

Abstract

This paper introduces a comprehensive analytical framework for measuring food system resilience in fragile situations, integrating the concepts of resilience and fragility. Our proposed framework defines resilience as structural, institutional, and individual capacities at macro, meso, and micro levels. Fragility is characterized by weak institutional performance and heightened vulnerabilities at the macro level, and operationalized by individual and community perceptions and experiences of fragility at the meso and micro levels. The framework emphasizes a multi-level approach to food systems, clearly distinguishing systemic fragility from individual resilience capacities. It proposes a measurement framework with indicators across economic, environmental and climate, security and social, and political and institutional dimensions. This framework can be implemented empirically with an agile measurement system employing a combination of secondary data (including satellite imagery, event data, and administrative records) and frequent, short-duration primary surveys capturing both objective conditions and subjective experiences in challenging environments. Ultimately, the proposed framework serves as a robust tool to analyze how food systems respond to stressors in fragile situations, providing actionable insights for enhancing resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisca Castro & Tilman Brück & Wolfgang Stojetz & Elena Serfilippi & Alessandra Garbero & Timur Cipa, 2026. "An Analytical Framework for Measuring Food System Resilience in Fragile Situations," HiCN Working Papers 455, Households in Conflict Network.
    • Handle: RePEc:hic:wpaper:455
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Isaac Gershon Kodwo Ansah & Cornelis Gardebroek & Rico Ihle, 2019. "Resilience and household food security: a review of concepts, methodological approaches and empirical evidence," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 11(6), pages 1187-1203, December.
    2. Stojetz, Wolfgang & Azzarri, Carlo & Mane, Erdgin & Brück, Tilman, 2025. "Polycrisis in Agrifood Systems: Climate-Conflict Interactions and Labor Dynamics for Women and Youth in 21 African Countries," IZA Discussion Papers 17968, IZA Network @ LISER.
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    5. Brück, Tilman & d'Errico, Marco, 2019. "Food security and violent conflict: Introduction to the special issue," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 167-171.
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