Optimizing agroecological transitions: A hybrid MCDM approach to conceptualizing sustainable food and nutrition systems

Food and Nutrition Systems (FNSs) face urgent challenges in achieving sustainability under the 2030 Agenda, particularly due to climate change and agroecosystem fragility. This study develops a comprehensive conceptual model of FNS grounded in agroecological principles and optimized through a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach combining Fuzzy Delphi and DEMATEL techniques. The model integrates three interlinked subsystems— producer, consumer, and nutrition— within five sustainability dimensions (economic, environmental, social, cultural, and political). From an initial 110 sustainability indicators, 77 were refined and analyzed for influence and dependence, identifying key causal and effect indicators across three Agroecological Operational Principles (AOPs). Under AOP I (Resource Efficiency), C6 (increased use of renewable resources) emerged as the most influential indicator (Net influence (Rj-Ci) = 2.74; Total interaction (Rj + Ci) = 4.13). In AOP II (Resilience), C10 (species diversity) exhibited the highest influence (Rj-Ci = 12.93; Rj + Ci = 38.45), while C7 (organic matter and biological activity management) and C25 (dietary shifts and reduction of food loss and waste) showed notable leverage, with Rj + Ci exceeding 44 and Rj-Ci scores of 11.04 and 8.30, respectively. For AOP III (Social Equity), C57 (agroecological production practices) and C60 (localized food trade) demonstrated strong causal influence (Rj-Ci = 21.35 and 20.46, respectively). By revealing systemic interdependencies and leverage points among agroecological indicators, the model contributes both theoretically and practically, bridging disciplinary knowledge and policy domains. The optimized framework provides a strategic tool for integrated planning, governance, and decision support, enabling policymakers and practitioners to foster sustainable, resilient, and socially inclusive FNSs.