Food Systems Dashboard

Diagnose

Assessing Food Systems Performance
Food Supply Chains
Production systems and input supply
Average crop species richness
Storage and distribution
Cereal losses
Fruit losses
Vegetable losses
Pulse losses
Food Environments
Food availability
Dietary energy in the food supply
Share of dietary energy from cereals, roots, and tubers
Supply of fruit
Supply of vegetables
Supply of pulses
Food affordability
Cost of an energy sufficient diet
Cost of a healthy diet relative to the cost of sufficient energy from starchy staples
Affordability of a healthy diet: ratio of cost to food expenditures
Percent of the population unable to afford a healthy diet
Cost of legumes, nuts, and seeds relative to the starchy staples in a least-cost healthy diet
Cost of fruits and vegetables relative to starchy staples in a least cost healthy diet
Product properties
Retail value (total sales) of ultra-processed foods per person
Outcomes
Environmental impacts
Total ecological footprint of food production per person
Total ecological footprint of food consumption per person
Greenhouse gas emissions of food consumption per person
Biodiversity impact of food consumption per person
Water use linked to food consumption per person
Eutrophication of food consumption per person
Agricultural land change during the last 10 years
Average proportion of natural vegetation embedded in agricultural lands
Soil biodiversity threats index
Food security
Prevalence of undernourishment
Percent of the population experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity
Infant and young child feeding practices
Children (6-23 months): Minimum dietary diversity
Children (6-23 months): Zero meat, fish, or egg consumption
Nutritional status
Adult obesity
Wasting in children under 5 years
Stunting in children under 5 years
Overweight and obesity in children under 5 years
Underweight in Women
Anemia in women
Noncommunicable diseases
Adult diabetes prevalence
Adult raised blood pressure
Unlikely Challenge Area
Potential Challenge Area
Likely Challenge Area
Missing Data

Indicators

Drivers

Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding land-use change and forestry (mtCO₂eq)

DriversEnvironment and climate change
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
To the extent possible, this indicator includes emissions from all greenhouse gases and major emission sources for each country. Data sources cover CO2 emissions from energy, cement manufacture, and land-use changes as well as from non-CO2 gases. For a given country, as many as five greenhouse gas data sources may be used (including sector-level data).
Relevance
Greenhouse gas emissions are the main contributor of climate change, and are thus an important indicator of a food system's contribution to climate change. In addition, greenhouse gases from transforming land (clearing, burning, or otherwise removing existing vegetation) for agricultural use are a large source of food system greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is associated with increased land surface temperature, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other changes to the environment. These changes may impact the quality, quantity, and safety of our food supply.

Gini index

DriversIncome growth and distribution
34.8
2012
Source
 World Bank
Definition
The Gini index measures the extent to which the distribution of income (or, in some cases, consumption expenditure) among individuals or households within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution. A Lorenz curve plots the cumulative percentages of total income received against the cumulative number of recipients, starting with the poorest individual or household. The Gini index measures the area between the Lorenz curve and a hypothetical line of absolute equality, expressed as a percentage of the maximum area under the line. Thus a Gini index of 0 represents total equality, while an index of 100 implies total inequality.
Relevance
Income inequality can be both a driver and a consequence of the food system. As a driver, inequality can play into food production systems, the food environment, and individual factors that influence access to food. However, a food system can also contribute to income inequality through skewed distribution of the value of food across the supply chain (producers assume more risk and less of the revenue than distributors or retailers).

Urban population as percent of total population (%)

DriversUrbanization
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Source
 World Bank
Definition
Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. The data are collected and smoothed by the United Nations Population Division.
Relevance
Urbanization can be a challenge to the food system, as with increased proportion of people living in urban areas, food production is at risk of declining, especially on low- and middle-sized farms. Urban areas demand high penetration of food distribution and retail.

Annual population growth (%)

DriversPopulation growth and migration
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Source
 World Bank
Definition
The annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage . Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of citizenship or legal status.
Relevance
Population growth is relevant as it speaks to how fast a population is changing, what the age profile of the population is, and gives clues to the age-dependency ratio. A fast growing population also means pressure on the food system to continue increasing supply to meet the demands of a larger population.

Food Supply Chains

Vegetable yield (tonnes/ha)

Food Supply ChainsProduction systems and input supply
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Yield means the harvested production per hectare for the area under cultivation, expressed in tonnes per hectare or kilograms per animal.
Relevance
Yields measure the efficiency with which inputs are used to produce agricultural output. Improving production efficiency is considered a critical path to meet food and nutrition security needs of current and future generations. The yields data, subtracted from consumptive need can serve as an indicator of coherence between sustainable production and healthy consumption targets.

Cereal losses

Food Supply ChainsStorage and distribution
0
%
2021
Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Quantities of cereal crops that are lost along the food supply chain from post-harvest up to, but not including, retail as a percent of domestic supply. This amount does not include quantities lost before or during harvest, nor food waste, which commonly refers to food that is lost during retail or at the household level. Cereals include maize, millet, rice, sorghum, wheat, barley, oats, and rye, among other grains. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Food losses affect the quantity and quality of food that is available for consumption, and may compromise gains in production that would otherwise improve food security and nutrition outcomes, as well as the incomes of farmers and other value chain actors.

Fruit losses (%)

Food Supply ChainsStorage and distribution
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Quantities of fruit crops that are lost along the food supply chain from post-harvest up to, but not including, retail (as a percent of domestic supply). This amount does not include quantities lost before or during harvest, nor food waste, which commonly refers to food that is lost during retail or at the household level. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Food losses affect the quantity and quality of food that is available for consumption, and may compromise gains in production that would otherwise improve food security and nutrition outcomes, as well as the incomes of farmers and other value chain actors. Food losses are especially high for perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables in countries with tropical climates, where means of storage and transport (refrigeration) are inadequate or supply chains are fragmented.

Vegetable losses

Food Supply ChainsStorage and distribution
0
%
2021
Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Quantities of vegetable crops that are lost along the food supply chain from post-harvest up to, but not including, retail as a percent of domestic supply. This amount does not include quantities lost before or during harvest, nor food waste, which commonly refers to food that is lost during retail or at the household level. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Food losses affect the quantity and quality of food that is available for consumption, and may compromise gains in production that would otherwise improve food security and nutrition outcomes, as well as the incomes of farmers and other value chain actors. Food losses are especially high for perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables in countries with tropical climates, where means of storage and transport (refrigeration) are inadequate or supply chains are fragmented.

Food Environments

Dietary energy in the food supply (kcal/capita/day)

Food EnvironmentsFood availability
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Dietary energy in the food supply (or dietary energy supply) is the amount of kilocalories per person per day that is available in a country's food supply. This indicator is based on national-level data from FAO's Food Balance Sheets.
Relevance
This indicator gives a sense of if a country has sufficient food to meet population-level energy (caloric) needs. However, it does not take into consideration the distribution and access to this dietary energy among different population subgroups, nor the varying levels of energy needs that exist among these groups.

Supply of fruit (g/capita/day)

Food EnvironmentsFood availability
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Grams per person per day of fruit available in a country's food supply. Includes production plus imports minus exports and changes in fruit stocks. This indicator takes into consideration fruit as well as processed foods derived from fruits. Data is drawn from the FAO Food Balance Sheets. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Availability of fruit in the national food supply is a precursor to consumption of fruit, a component of WHO's recommended healthy diet. Note that this indicator does not consider differences in access and affordability of fruit among population subgroups.

Supply of vegetables (g/capita/day)

Food EnvironmentsFood availability
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Grams per person per day of vegetables available in a country's food supply. Includes production plus imports minus exports and changes in vegetable stocks. This indicator takes into consideration vegetables as well as processed foods derived from vegetables. Data is drawn from the FAO Food Balance Sheets. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Availability of vegetables in the national food supply is a precursor to consumption of vegetables, a component of WHO's recommended healthy diet. Note that this indicator does not consider differences in access and affordability of vegetables among population subgroups.

Supply of pulses (g/capita/day)

Food EnvironmentsFood availability
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Grams per person per day of pulses available in a country's food supply. Includes production plus imports minus exports and changes in pulse stocks. This indicator takes into consideration pulses as well as processed foods derived from pulses. Pulses are leguminous plants that are harvested for their dry seeds including dried beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, and lentils, among others. Data is drawn from the FAO Food Balance Sheets. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Availability of pulses in the national food supply is a precursor to consumption of pulses, a component of WHO's recommended healthy diet. Note that this indicator does not consider differences in access and affordability of pulses among population subgroups.

Supply of eggs (g/capita/day)

Food EnvironmentsFood availability
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Grams per person per day of eggs available in a country's food supply. Includes production plus imports minus exports and changes in egg stocks. This indicator takes into consideration eggs as well as processed foods derived from eggs. Data is drawn from the FAO Food Balance Sheets. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Availability of eggs in the national food supply is a precursor to consumption of eggs. Eggs are rich in essential fatty acids and micronutrients, including vitamins A and B12, iron, zinc, and iodine, and egg consumption has been associated with improved growth among young children (Ionatti et al. 2017). Note that this indicator does not consider differences in access and affordability of eggs among population subgroups.

Supply of meat (g/capita/day)

Food EnvironmentsFood availability
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Grams per person per day of meat available in a country's food supply. Includes production plus imports minus exports and changes in meat stocks. This indicator takes into consideration meat as well as processed foods derived from meats. Data is drawn from the FAO Food Balance Sheets. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Availability of meat in the national food supply is a precursor to consumption of meat. Many high-income countries consume meat in excess, while food insecure populations in low- and middle-income countries consume very small amounts. Meat may be an important source of micronutrients for nutritionally vulnerable groups. Note that this indicator does not consider differences in access and affordability of meat among population subgroups.

Supply of fish (g/capita/day)

Food EnvironmentsFood availability
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Grams per person per day of fish available in a country's food supply. Includes production plus imports minus exports and changes in fish stocks. This indicator takes into consideration fish as well as processed foods derived from fish. Data is drawn from the FAO Food Balance Sheets. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.
Relevance
Availability of fish in the national food supply is a precursor to consumption of fish. Fish may provide an important source of nutrients in low- and middle-income countries, as well as high-income countries. Note that this indicator does not consider differences in access and affordability of fish among population subgroups. Fish are less harmful to the environment as compared to ruminant meat. Increased importance is now placed on sustainable aquaculture and avoidance of overfishing of captured fish.

Retail value (total sales) of packaged food sales per person (USD/capita)

Food EnvironmentsProduct properties
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Source
 Euromonitor International 2022, population from World Bank
Definition
Total sales of packaged food and soft drinks in the calendar year per person (USD/person). Packaged food is considered any food that is sold in a protective barrier such as plastic, cans, or paper.
Relevance
Packaged food sales may provide an idea of the availability and demand for processed foods in a country. Packaged foods often have a longer shelf-life, fewer issues with food safety, and added convenience for people. For example, canned vegetables may enhance yearlong access in areas where local production is low or highly seasonal. On the other hand, many packaged and processed foods are energy dense and high in added sugar, salt, and fats (see ultra-processed food sales).
Calculation
Sales of packaged food/country population. Population was determined using estimates from the World Bank.

Retail value (total sales) of ultra-processed foods per person (current (nominal) US$/ capita/year)

Food EnvironmentsProduct properties
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Source
 Euromonitor International 2022, population from World Bank
Definition
Total sales of ultra-processed foods in the calendar year per person (USD/person).
Relevance
This indicator proxies the availability of UPFs, defined as foods made of mostly industrial ingredients and additives with minimal amounts of unprocessed foods. These additives are not naturally occurring in the food but are added in the processing phase in order to increase palatability and shelf life. Examples of UPFs include sweet and savory snacks, instant noodles, confectionery, meat substitutes, and soft drinks, among others.
Calculation
Sales of ultra-processed food/country population. Population was determined using estimates from the World Bank.

Number of supermarkets per 100,000 population

Food EnvironmentsVendor properties
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Source
 Euromonitor International 2022, population from World Bank
Definition
The number of supermarkets per 100,000 people. Euromonitor defines supermarkets as "Retail outlets selling groceries with a selling space of between 400 and 2,500 square meters. Excludes discounters, convenience stores, and independent grocery stores."
Relevance
Supermarkets increase people's physical and economic access to a wide variety of foods, including both fresh and processed foods. Supermarket chains typically begin with market advantages in dry and packaged foods, though eventually expand to fresh foods. Supermarkets require high standards in food quality and safety and often put in place dedicated supply chains. They bring opportunities as well as competition for local farmers and traditional retailers.
Calculation
Number of supermarkets/country population/100,000. Population was determined using estimates from the World Bank.

Number of modern grocery retailers per 100,000 population

Food EnvironmentsVendor properties
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Source
 Euromonitor International 2022, population from World Bank
Definition
The number of modern grocery store retailers per 100,000 people. These stores sell predominantly food and beverages and are typically part of large companies or brands that have multiple locations. Euromonitor retailer types included in the "modern grocery retailer" category are: hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters, forecourt retailers (grocery outlets attached to gas/petrol stations), and convenience stores.
Relevance
Modern grocery store retailers increase people's physical and economic access to a wide variety of foods, including both fresh and processed foods. They also create opportunity and competition for local farmers and traditional food retailers.
Calculation
Number of modern grocery retailers/country population/100,000. Population was determined using estimates from the World Bank.

Individual Factors

Cross-Cutting Issues

Outcomes

Agricultural land change during the last 10 years (1000 ha/year)

OutcomesEnvironmental impacts
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Source
 FAOSTAT
Definition
Agricultural land expansion or contraction rate during the last ten years.
Relevance
This indicates agricultural land dynamics, which can affect food supply and environmental quality.
Calculation
The slope of the agricultural land area between 2008 and 2018.

Average proportion of natural vegetation embedded in agricultural lands

OutcomesEnvironmental impacts
5
%
2015
Source
 Jones et al. (in review)
Definition
Natural and seminatural land embedded in agricultural lands.
Relevance
Embedding at least 10% of natural and seminatural vegetation is being proposed as a planetary boundary to guarantee that agricultural lands have integrity and a minimum amount of natural capital to provide ecosystem services. Attaining 10% natural vegetation is a low target that all cropland systems must fulfill.
Calculation
The natural vegetation around and embedded in croplands is calculated using a 1x1 km moving window. Values estimate the proportion of seminatural land around a cropland pixel which is then averaged at the national level for all cropland.

Adolescents: Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption

OutcomesDietary intake
44
%
2011
Source
 Beal et al. 2019
Definition
Proportion of adolescents (12-17 years) who reported consuming vegetables less than 1 time per day over the last 30 days. Data were collected from Global School-based Student Health Surveys.
Relevance
Adolescence is a formative time period of increasing independence where personal dietary habits and preferences are formed that may persist into adulthood. The WHO recommends daily consumption of 400 grams fruits and vegetables (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet).

Adult obesity (%)

OutcomesNutritional status
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Source
 NCD-RisC
Definition
Proportion of adults aged 20 and older with BMI > 30 kg/m².
Relevance
Adults who are obese are at increased risk of diet related noncommunicable diseases and premature mortality (The Global BMI Mortality Collaboration 2016).

Wasting in children under 5 years

OutcomesNutritional status
1
%
2007
Source
 UNICEF / WHO / World Bank
Definition
Proportion of children 0–59 months who are more than two standard deviations below the median weight for height of the WHO Child Growth Standards. Children more than three standard deviations below the median are classified as severely wasted, while those between 2 and 3 standard deviations below the median are moderately wasted. Regional data, where disaggregated, is based on the population weighted means of all constituent countries with available data.
Relevance
Wasting, or acute malnutrition, is the loss of body weight relative to height that results from inadequate nutrition and infection. Wasting increases the risk of death and disease, and is a relatively short-term condition as compared to stunting. Countries with pronounced lean seasons, in which households experience heightened food insecurity and infections, often experience seasonal fluctuations in prevalence of wasting.

Stunting in children under 5 years

OutcomesNutritional status
24
%
2007
Source
 UNICEF / WHO / World Bank
Definition
Percentage of children 0–59 months who are more than 2 standard deviations below the median height for age of the WHO Child Growth Standards. Regional data, where disaggregated, is based on the population weighted means of all constituent countries with available data.
Relevance
Stunting, or chronic malnutrition, is the outcome of growth faltering that takes place in utero and early childhood as a result of inadequate nutrient intake and repeated bouts of infection. Stunting is largely irreversible, and in addition to suboptimal growth outcomes, it is associated with poor cognitive development, reduced productive capacity, and poor health. Stunting may also increase risk of overweight, obesity, and noncommunicable diseases later in life.

Overweight and obesity in children under 5 years

OutcomesNutritional status
3
%
2007
Source
 UNICEF
Definition
Proportion of children under 5 years with BMI-for-age > 2 standard deviations from the median of the WHO growth reference for children.
Relevance
Overweight and obese children are at higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, noncommunicable diseases, disability, and death later in life. Childhood overweight stems from an energy imbalance related to excess caloric intake and inadequate physical activity. Excess weight during adolescence may cause early puberty and longer term health consequences.

Underweight in Women (%)

OutcomesNutritional status
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Source
 NCD-RisC
Definition
Proportion of women aged 20 and older with BMI <18.5 kg/m². Estimates are age-standardized.
Relevance
Women who are underweight may not be receiving the adequate amount of energy and macronutrients, placing them at greater risk for micronutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, infection, and mortality. Women of reproductive age who are underweight may be at greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes if they become pregnant.

Anemia in women (%)

OutcomesNutritional status
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Source
 WHO
Definition
Proportion of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) with anemia. This estimate is for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Anemia in defined as having a hemoglobin concentration of less than 12 grams per deciliter for non-pregnant and lactating women and of less than 11 grams per deciliter for pregnant women.
Relevance
Animal-source foods, particularly liver; bivalves including oysters, clams, and mussels; small oily fish; and meat, leafy greens, other vegetables, and pulses are good sources of dietary iron, which prevents iron-deficiency anemia. Other causes of anemia include intestinal parasitic infections, malaria, and other nutritional deficiencies. Women's iron intake needs are greater than men's. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can result in complications for mother and fetus, including low birth weight.

Adult diabetes prevalence (%)

OutcomesNoncommunicable diseases
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Source
 NCD-RisC
Definition
Proportion of adults aged 18 and older with diabetes. Diabetes is defined as having a fasting glucose of 7.0 mmol/L or higher, being on medication for raised blood glucose, or having a past diagnosis of diabetes. Estimates are age-standardized.
Relevance
High consumption of sugary foods and beverages and processed flours and starches above the recommended amounts and proportions contributes to the development of Type II diabetes.

Adult raised blood pressure (%)

OutcomesNoncommunicable diseases
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Source
 NCD-RisC
Definition
Proportion of adults aged 18 and older with raised blood pressure. Raised blood pressure is defined as blood pressure, systolic, and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg. Estimates are age-standardized.
Relevance
High blood pressure or hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High sodium intake, through consumption of salt in prepared and processed foods, and low potassium intake, which can be improved by consuming fruits and vegetables, contribute to high blood pressure (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet).

All Suggested Policies and Actions

We’ve identified the following policies and actions that might address issues with the food system of Nauru.

Action
Implement taxes to decrease affordability and incentivise reformulation of sugary drinks and foods high in fats, sugars and salt food.
Impact
Decrease affordability of sugary drinks and foods high in fats, sugars and salt to all populations.
Action
Restrict all forms of marketing, advertising and in-store promotions of HFSS foods, particularly to children.
Impact
Reduce appeal foods high in fat, sugar and salt to children.
Action
Reformulate processed food to reduce fats, sugars and salt.
Impact
Reduce availability of fats, sugars and salt in foods already available to all populations.
Action
Set mandatory limits on trans fats, sugar, salt/sodium and/or saturated fat in packaged foods.
Impact
Reduce availability of foods high in fats, sugars and salt to all populations.
Action
Require nutrition labelling on packages/menus to indicate if foods are high in calories, fats, sugars and/or salt and/or in positive nutrients.
Impact
Reduce appeal and availability of foods high in fat, sugar and salt and increases appeal of nutritious foods to all populations.
Action
Focus cash transfer, voucher and food delivery programmes on increasing the availability, affordability and appeal of nutritious foods and limiting the appeal of foods high in fats, sugars and salt.
Impact
Increase availability, affordability and appeal of nutritious foods and reduce the affordability and appeal of foods high in fats, sugars and salt to low-income populations with access to the programmes.
Action
Implement comprehensive school food programmes, incorporating food and meals, nutrition standards, nutrition education, school gardens, food personnel training, food skills and literacy.
Impact
Increase availability, affordability and access of nutritious foods and reduce access to foods high in fats, sugars and salt to school-aged children.