Studying Food Supply and Distribution Systems to Cities in Developing Countries and Countries in Transition

Escalating urban poverty levels in many developing countries and countries in transition have exacerbated the alarming status of food availability and accessibility. Poor urban consumers often reside in the most remote, deprived areas which tend to be eglected by local authorities. Their food security requires specific attention. The challenge is to improve food supply and distribution systems efficiency and dynamism. This should be achieved through effective, concerted and sustainable interventions. This guide is aimed at administrators, technicians and researchers concerned with the urban food security. It proposes an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of complex food supply and distribution systems for the identification of their present and expected constraints to select sustainable solutions. It reviews the preparation of a case study and ends with a framework for formulating urban food supply and distribution policies, strategies and programmes. This guide discusses some methodological approaches to be followed in the case study, contains general terms of reference to be adapted to local conditions and helps identify the necessary human, logistic and financial resources as well as prepare an activity programme.