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New Index reveals gaps in global food system resilience
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Tuesday, 24 March, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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London, UK
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As global food systems face the challenge of feeding ten billion people by 2050, new data from Economist Impact’s inaugural Resilient Food Systems Index (RFSI), offers a clear roadmap to build stronger, more shock-resistant systems.
The Index ranks 60 countries across four pillars, finding a striking 42-point gap between Portugal and the Congo (Dem. Rep.), the most and least resilient food systems. While no country is fully resilient, nearly half of countries fall into the “middle zone” with average scores of 56 to 71 on a 100-point scale, signalling significant potential to strengthen system-wide resilience.?
The strongest performing pillar overall is affordability of food, but alone it does not guarantee resilience. In 62% of countries, the cheapest healthy diet absorbs nearly two-thirds of the poorest households’ income, underscoring the need to pair affordability with equitable access to nutritious food.?
This access depends on reliable supply and trade. The Index highlights that the fifteen largest exporters have an average resilience score of 71, reinforcing the need to monitor risks and opportunities. These countries play an outsized role in global food-system resilience: when they function well, they stabilise markets globally; when they falter, the impact is felt around the world.
Jonathan Birdwell, global head of policy and insights at Economist Impact, said, “The data show food systems are deeply interconnected: when countries implement targeted, coordinated action across key resilience levers, the benefits ripple across entire systems. But if these interventions fall short or happen in isolation, overall system resilience will deteriorate.”
Brian Sikes, board chair and CEO of Cargill, said, “Everyone needs dependable access to nutritious, affordable?food. This research offers valuable insights that can help strengthen the world’s food systems. Cargill?is proud to do our part to advance this important work, innovating with farmers, customers, and partners across our global supply chains to help ensure food moves where it’s needed, when it’s needed.”
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