The  following recommendations will help build a more affordable and resilient food system in Pakistan, addressing key issues such as food diversity, gender disparities, wastage reduction, strategic planning, and improved distribution networks:

o   The government should actively engage with various stakeholders to promote diversification in Pakistan’s food system. This includes diversifying crop production, the geographical areas where food is grown, and involving a broader range of people in food production. Enhancing food diversity will not only vary the population’s consumption patterns but also increase inclusivity in the food systems.

o   Recognise and reduce gender disparities in the agricultural sector. Women, despite their significant role in agricultural production, are often excluded from decision-making processes. Implementing a food-based social protection system that includes women in decision-making can help address this imbalance.

o   With Pakistan wasting approximately 19.6 million tonnes of food annually, the government should collaborate with relevant stakeholders to decrease food wastage, especially during post-harvesting. This involves improving food storage, transportation, and distribution systems.

o   The Federal Government should set specific goals for food systems and integrate these pathways into their planning. This requires strengthening decision support systems, such as enhancing data collection and analysis, and fostering collaboration between national and global actors. Establishing a robust coordination mechanism is essential for this approach.

o   Enhance the impact of Pakistan’s Food Distribution Networks (FDNs) on women’s and children’s nutrition. This can be achieved by introducing social and behavioural change communication strategies and linking local production with local markets, ensuring that nutritional benefits are maximised, especially for vulnerable groups.