The Work We Do Ep.8 - A Systems Approach for Agrifood Transformation | Corinna Hawkes

In this episode, we speak with Corinna Hawkes, Director of Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division. Corinna explains what it means to transform agrifood systems through a systems approach and why change requires looking beyond individual problems and solutions to the relationships, incentives, and power dynamics that shape our agrifood systems. She draws on examples from Brazil, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and New York City to show how evidence, governance, collaboration, and long-term thinking can help turn tradeoffs into wider benefits.

Hosted by Katrin Park Produced by Eduardo De La Chica

00:43 What does transforming agrifood systems mean?

03:07 What is a "systems" approach?

03:59 Systems approach v. coordination

07:14 Marketing unhealthy foods to children

10:00 Compromises and aligning incentives

12:13 Navigating powerful interests

15:12 Short election cycles and long-term commitments

21:23 Monitoring transformation

24:32 Systems approach in Sierra Leone

27:05 Co-creating solutions in Tanzania

28:14 Public procurement in New York City

29:33 Corinna's journey

Transcript: https://www.fao.org/media/docs/aboutfaolibraries/transcripts/transcript_corinna-hawkes_260831.pdf