Nature-based solutions for climate-resilient and circular food systems : A first step towards an economic evaluation

Summary

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are promising in contributing to societal goals such as food security and combatting and adapting to climate change. However, existing assessment approaches of nature and biodiversity lack a clear connection to food systems and food system outcomes such as food security and food system resilience. We propose a new methodology to assess benefits and costs of NbS in food systems from a social and an economic perspective that can be used by researchers, NGOs and governments. The approach includes 3 steps: -1. Theory of Change, - 2. Food system framework and - 3. Extended stakeholders analysis including distribution of benefits and costs. The approach is tested in two case studies from Ghana using information on workshops, focus group discussions and interviews with stakeholders.-The case study results indicate that rainwater harvesting for irrigation (RWHI) and the Modified Taungya System (MTS) positively affect food security because of increased production, but both examples have negative impacts as well.