Economist Impact’s Resilient Food Systems Index reveals major global disparities, highlighting urgent infrastructure, climate and nutrition challenges facing food systems.

Global food system resilience gaps exposed in new Economist Impact indexGlobal food system resilience gaps exposed in new Economist Impact index


Major gaps in global food system resilience could threaten efforts to feed ten billion people by 2050, according to a new index from Economist Impact.

The inaugural Resilient Food Systems Index (RFSI), supported by Cargill, ranks 60 countries across four pillars of food system resilience, revealing a 42-point gap between the most resilient system, Portugal, and the least resilient, the Democratic Republic of Congo. The findings suggest that while no country has yet achieved full resilience, nearly half sit in a “middle zone” with scores between 56 and 71 out of 100, highlighting substantial room for improvement.

The research also shows that affordability alone is not enough to guarantee resilient food systems. Although food affordability was the strongest-performing pillar globally, inequalities in access to nutritious diets remain widespread. In 62 percent of countries studied, the cheapest healthy diet consumes almost two-thirds of the poorest households’ income.

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.”

The Index evaluates 60 countries using 71 qualitative and quantitative indicators across four pillars: affordability, availability, quality and safety, and sustainability and adaptation.

Despite rising living costs globally, food affordability recorded the strongest performance with an average score of 71.8. However, stark disparities persist between income groups. High-income countries scored 81.1 compared with just 34.9 in low-income economies. Food prices have also risen fastest in lower-income markets, increasing by 23.1 percent over the past five years.

Infrastructure and climate resilience remain key vulnerabilities

Resilient Food Systems Index map. Credit: Economist Impact

Infrastructure emerged as a major bottleneck for food system resilience and supply chain efficiency. Transportation and logistics systems scored an average of just 56.8, limiting supply chain performance and contributing to food loss. The report estimates that 13.2 percent of food is lost before reaching retail, while a further 19 percent is wasted at household level.

While many governments are supporting agricultural technology innovation, the report notes that basic infrastructure remains insufficient to scale these solutions. Access to reliable electricity and internet connectivity in many countries remains far below the levels required to deliver system-wide impact.

Climate resilience also emerged as a major vulnerability. Climate risk responsiveness – measuring how effectively countries anticipate, manage and recover from climate shocks – was the weakest performing pillar, with an average score of 56.4.

Although research into low-emission agriculture and sustainable practices scored relatively highly, agriculture-specific mitigation and adaptation efforts averaged just 34 points. The Index suggests that promising research is not yet translating into widespread practical action.

Global agricultural trade was also highlighted as a stabilising force in food system resilience. The fifteen largest exporting countries recorded an average resilience score of 71, indicating their outsized role in maintaining global market stability.

According to the report, expanding trade partnerships and diversifying supply chains for nutrient-rich foods could improve both affordability and dietary diversity. Investment in digital connectivity, transport networks and cold chain infrastructure could further reduce food loss, expand market access for farmers and accelerate innovation adoption across supply chains.

Brian Sikes, Board Chair and CEO of Cargill, added:

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.”

The Resilient Food Systems Index forms part of The Food Imperative, Economist Impact’s multi-year programme exploring the future of global food systems.