Challenges in Collecting Data from the Food System and Solutions: A Personal Perspective.

As a food science researcher working on digitalization of food system, I've experienced several hurdles when it comes to gathering data from the food system. The food system is a complicated network of activities, people, and organisations involved in food production, distribution, and consumption. It is vital to obtain accurate and thorough data in order to understand and develop this system.

One approach to depict the complexity of the food system is through the food system causal loop diagram (CLD). The steps of the food system are depicted in this graphic, which includes production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management. It also demonstrates how these stages are interconnected and interact with one another.

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to collecting data from the food system is the lack of standardization. Data collection methods vary widely across different regions, countries, and actors in the food system. This makes it difficult to compare and integrate data from different sources, and can lead to inconsistencies in data quality. To address this challenge, we need to establish common data standards and protocols that can be adopted by all actors in the food system.

Another difficulty is the concern regarding data quality. Because the food system is so complex, ensuring that the data obtained is accurate and dependable can be difficult. To solve this, we need to develop a standard technique for data collecting that is widely acknowledged by all parties. To assure the correctness of the data, we must establish validation protocols.

Furthermore, while gathering data from the food chain, data security and confidentiality are key concerns. This is especially true when dealing with sensitive material like personal information or trade secrets. In order to solve this, data gathering systems must emphasise security and confidentiality by employing encryption, authentication, and access control procedures.

In conclusion, the collection of data from the food system is crucial in achieving a better understanding of this complex system and making informed decisions on how to improve it. However, several challenges must be addressed, including standardization, data quality, and data security. To overcome these obstacles and establish a comprehensive and reliable data system, all stakeholders in the food system, such as food scientists, agricultural scientists, policymakers, food regulators and safety professionals, toxicologists, and data scientists and engineers, must collaborate and work together towards a common goal.

As Helen Keller once said, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." This quote emphasizes the importance of collaboration and highlights its relevance in the context of the food system and the challenges it faces. By bringing together experts from various fields and collaborating, we can overcome the obstacles to collecting and analyzing data from the food system, which will ultimately lead to significant progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Written by: Advait Deshpande ?

Reference - Zhang, W., Thorn, J.P.R., Gowdy, J., Bassi, A., Santamaria, M., DeClerck, F., Adegboyega, A., Andersson, G., Augustyn, A.M., Bawden, R. and Bell, A., 2018. Systems thinking: an approach for understanding'eco-agri-food systems'.