Building food system resilience: insights from Finland using causal loop diagrams

Abstract

The resilience of European food systems is being put to the test by complex and unexpected shocks, disruptions, and discontinuities, recent examples of which include COVID‑19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Owing to the complexity of the food system and the high degree of interdependence within it, the impacts of disruptions reverberate throughout the system, exposing vulnerabilities that were poorly recognized before the crisis. These cascading effects highlight the need to understand system‑wide interconnections and to develop adaptive capacities that strengthen resilience under conditions of uncertainty. This study identifies the key variables that affect the ability of the Finnish food system to secure desired outcomes, as well as the key measures that can enhance its resilience. To achieve this, we interviewed nine experts on the Finnish food system and conducted a qualitative analysis to construct causal loop diagrams that visualize the system’s dynamic interactions. These diagrams were further refined and validated during a researcher workshop. Building on this process, we identified four interlinked sub‑systems, i.e., systems thinking and cooperation, flourishing rural areas, profitable and sustainable primary production, and diversified input and food markets, which shape resilience through distinct feedback mechanisms. Six key measures emerged as central to strengthening resilience: improved supply pool coordination, resilience‑inspired policymaking, revitalization of rural areas, improved profitability, increased crop diversity, and reduced reliance on imported inputs. Together, these findings underscore the importance of systemic, cross‑sectoral approaches that go beyond static indicators and address the dynamic nature of food system resilience.