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Paper short abstract:

Development planning is key to food security, yet policies often fail due to inadequate data and uncertainty. AI can enhance resilience by improving crisis response. This paper examines AI’s role in adaptive food systems, balancing its potential with limitations for equitable, sustainable outcomes.

Paper long abstract:

Development planning is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable food systems, particularly in developing countries where governments lead policy formulation. However, food system policies often face challenges in achieving their intended outcomes due to factors such as inadequate data and a lack of consideration for uncertainty in planning. Global disruptions—including climate change, economic shocks, and conflicts—further strain food production and distribution, highlighting the limitations of rigid policy frameworks. This paper explores the potential of adaptive frameworks in food system policymaking, emphasising the importance of integrating uncertainty into planning. Emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and citizen-generated data, provide new opportunities to enhance food system resilience. AI-driven analytics can improve agricultural forecasting, optimise supply chains, and support data-driven decision-making, helping policymakers anticipate risks and respond effectively to food security challenges. By incorporating adaptive systems that leverage real-time data and predictive modelling, food policies can become more responsive and better equipped to mitigate crises. This paper examines the extent to which AI can support food security, supply chain efficiency, and early warning systems for shortages, while also considering its limitations. It argues that embedding adaptive frameworks into food system policies can contribute to resilience, equity, and sustainability. As food systems face increasing uncertainty, integrating AI and data-driven approaches into policy planning offers a pathway to more agile governance structures that can help safeguard food security for vulnerable populations.