ACCELERATION OF INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY ECOSYSTEMS IN PERU’S FOOD SYSTEM

The global food and agricultural system holds the potential to nourish the planet’s growing population, sustain livelihoods and employment, and support climate and nature-related goals. However, hunger has become a critical issue. According to the WFP1, 345.2 million people worldwide face food insecurity (FAO2, 2022)—more than double the number reported in 2020. Despite ongoing efforts, the results remain catastrophic. In this context, Peru’s agricultural production has experienced sustained growth over the past 20 years, with exports rising from USD 0.8 billion in 1998 to a record-breaking USD 10.1 billion in 20233. The country is also recognized for having one of the world’s finest cuisines, and according to Ipsos4, 90% of Peruvians feel proud of their food. Nevertheless, 16.6 million out of Peru’s 33 million inhabitants suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity. Additionally, 40% of children aged 6 to 35 months are affected by anemia (MINSA, 2020)5. In 2022, FAO issued an alert noting that “Peru had become the country with the highest level of food insecurity in South America.” This paradox is alarming. This research contributes to understanding and addressing it through the study of a developing case that provides practical insights into how ecosystem-building efforts in specific territories—based on multi-stakeholder collaboration and platform models—can generate shared value.