Sustainable food systems in Chile and Sweden
Abstract
This working group builds on the work initiated at the previous ACCESS 2024 conference, which explored the integration of the Water–Soil–Food–Energy Nexus. The proposed theme focuses on analyzing food systems from multiple perspectives, including agronomic, sociological, water, geographic, ecological, and nutritional, among others.
Food systems are inherently interdisciplinary, encompassing the entire supply chain, from resource inputs to consumption and waste. They include production, processing, distribution, preparation, and consumption of food, as well as the management of associated waste. These complex systems are influenced by a wide range of factors, such as climate, technology, economics, politics, and culture. Understanding food systems requires an integrated approach that considers the linkages between these different components.
Addressing the complex challenges facing food systems—such as ensuring food security, promoting sustainability, and mitigating climate change—requires a multifaceted approach that draws on diverse areas of knowledge. Additionally, food systems are closely linked to water resources, as the feasibility of agricultural production is largely determined by water availability, quality, and management. Changes in water availability, driven by factors such as climate change, can have significant impacts on food production and security. Analyzing the interactions between food systems and water resources is therefore critical for developing sustainable and resilient solutions.
This proposal brings together a team of four Principal Investigators (two Chilean and two Swedish, equally balanced by gender), who participated in the previous theme and are eager to continue their collaboration. The goal is to expand the group’s research areas, leveraging expertise from different disciplines to achieve a comprehensive understanding of food systems.
Key word: Food
EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS
As an interdisciplinary research team spanning Chile and Sweden, we envision that participants in this working group will bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives to the study of sustainable food systems. Our goal is to assemble a broad group of researchers, representing different career stages—from graduate students to senior faculty—to foster knowledge sharing and mentorship. This mix of experience levels will ensure that the work benefits from both fresh ideas and seasoned insights.
Institutional diversity is also a key consideration. By including participants from at least three universities in each country, we will tap into a wider range of disciplinary expertise and regional perspectives on the challenges facing food systems. This diversity of institutional affiliations will enrich the discussions and enable more comprehensive problem solving, as researchers from different backgrounds share their unique knowledge, methodologies, and data, leading to the cross-fertilization of ideas and the development of novel interdisciplinary approaches.
In addition, we will encourage participants to actively engage in working group sessions, fostering a dynamic and participatory atmosphere. Planned activities such as presenting research, outlining collaborative proposals, and co-authoring research articles will provide ample opportunities for everyone to contribute their insights and help shape the direction of the project. By actively listening to diverse viewpoints and facilitating inclusive discussions, we aim to create an environment where all participants feel empowered to share their expertise and ideas.
Ultimately, we envision that participants will collaborate actively throughout the research process—from refining research questions and methods to analyzing data and co-authoring publications. By leveraging their collective knowledge and fostering an inclusive, respectful environment, we believe this interdisciplinary team can make meaningful advances in understanding and transitioning to more sustainable food systems in both Chile and Sweden.
Magdalena Jensen, Universidad de Concepción
Magdalena Jensen, PhD in Geography, is an academic and researcher specializing in sustainability, with a focus on food systems, climate change, and land use change. Inspired by nature and passionate about complex systems since her undergraduate studies, she has developed a deep, open-minded understanding of natural and industrial processes through the lens of problem-solving, algorithms, and optimization. Magdalena has a strong vocation for working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams, where she contributes with her systemic vision, collaborative approach, and active listening skills.
Fernando Jaramillo, Stockholm University
Fernando Jaramillo holds a Ph.D. in Physical Geography from Stockholm University, with a focus on hydrology and freshwater resources. His research examines the historical effects of climate change, as well as land and water use, on freshwater availability and changes across scales from local to global. His main areas of expertise include hydroclimatic change through the Budyko framework, human water consumption, and the use of space technologies to study changes and impacts on water resources. He is the leader of the Water, Biogeochemistry, and Climate group at the Bolin Centre for Climate Research.
CONTACT US:
Magdalena: mjensen@udec.cl
Fernando: fernando.jaramillo@natgeo.su.se