What’s needed for agrifood systems transition in the Pacific?

Globally, agrifood systems transitions are gaining attention for their potential to highlight the effects of food production and consumption on broader sustainability, equity, and resilience outcomes. A transitions lens reminds us that agrifood systems are dynamic, are governed by a multitude of institutions, and function across diverse geographies and political and economic environments. This Perspective identifies some unique features of Pacific agrifood systems and the opportunities emerging to catalyze momentum. Applying key concepts from the literature on transitions, we identify three potential avenues for ensuring interventions take account of some of the normative elements of transitions. These include: reorienting knowledge systems by preserving integrity in knowledge production; aligning transition goals with existing initiatives to leverage limited resources; and harnessing regional and international collaboration to support Pacific regional goals. We present these as potential opportunities to retain focus on the valued outcomes of sustainability, equity and resilience. We conclude the Perspective by highlighting existing challenges related to the enabling environment. We contend that unlocking these will be important for catalyzing change.