Conceptualising value chain research to integrate multiple food system elements

Value chains are key pathways within food systems and an important focus for analysis and policy intervention. A systematic scoping review was used to examine how different value chain approaches consider food security and nutrition, with particular attention to examples of how these approaches can simultaneously address additional social, economic or environmental outcomes. Value chain research on food security and nutrition addressed multiple outcomes within the social dimension, and across social and economic dimensions, although few studies incorporated the environmental dimension. While current value chain approaches are useful to parse out problems within a food system, they may miss opportunities for more integrated analyses, particularly in integrating sustainability dimensions. •Value chain approaches are useful to understand issues within food systems.•Environment objectives are poorly incorporated in value chain food security studies.•Surveys and mapping were the most frequently used tools.•Opportunity exists for more integrated value chain analyses.•Tools that easily undertake broader analysis can complement value chain research.