Innovating in food systems: challenges and opportunities in urban governance for sustainable transition

Food transition to more sustainable models has been increasingly the focus of public policies and scientific studies, given the threat that current food practices pose to the well-being of humanity and the Planet. However, at the moment, few systematic studies have been carried out in this field to assess and understand how food governance, especially at the urban level, has considered new strategies, practices or innovative actions for the food systems sustainability. This article fills this gap by presenting a systematic review of the scientific literature produced in last ten years on existing urban food policies, strategies and plans, challenges and constraints to governance and possible directions for innovation. The review process selected thirty three documents for analysis based on their content and objectives. The synthesis of results highlights persistent gaps in urban food governance, particularly in institutionalizing practices for long-term impact, clarifying the roles of and empower diverse governance actors, enhancing knowledge and resources sharing, and taking the most out of exiting global networks to promote more integrated urban food policies aligned with global sustainable food systems.