Resumen: 

Food systems are central to addressing humanitys most pressing challenges sustainably. As recognized in scientific and sociopolitical agendas, the complexity of food systems and their interconnectedness with global sustainability issues call for transformative changes that challenge the current way of doing things.

Understanding the food systems structure, behavior, and dynamics is critical to inform and catalyze the needed transformations. In this regard, within the evaluation field, there is a growing call for engaging with Systems Thinking and Complexity Science to enhance the understanding of intricate issues among agents involved in addressing complex challenges, empowering them to provide valuable insights supporting transformations.

Despite the diverse and innovative efforts to inform and support food system transformations from increasingly systemic perspectives, these have not yet been translated meaningfully into practice.

Given the above, this thesis aims to contribute to ongoing efforts by promoting deeper engagement with Systems Thinking and Complexity Science among agents within food systems evaluation to inform and support transformation processes. Contributions in three dimensions are highlighted:

Theoretical contribution: This thesis conducts a comprehensive, literature-based exploration of the systems and complexity fields, synthesizing the broad range of ideas and practices into a principles-based framework that aims to guide and inspire agents engaged in assessing complex issues to support transformations.

Methodological contribution: Actionable ways to strengthen existing food systems frameworks to inform and support transformations are proposed, guided by the Systems Thinking and Complexity Science principles. Food systems frameworks are analyzed to identify exemplary practices to leverage among them and areas to strengthen to address barriers preventing food systems transformations.

Practical contribution: A Participatory Food Systems Modeling framework is designed based on the findings of the analysis of food systems frameworks. It focuses on engaging diverse stakeholders and perspectives in making sense of current food systems challenges, envisioning a collective desired future, and identifying desirable and feasible transformation pathways. Real-world applications of this methodology in poultry systems in Ghana and Southern Senegal demonstrate its value in informing and supporting food systems transformations by enabling the collective identification of desirable and culturally feasible transformation pathways, which elevates the thesiss contribution to a practical realm. Moreover, this thesis has the potential to resonate in national and regional agendas in West Africa concerning food security and poverty alleviation, particularly in rural communities.

In conclusion, this thesis contributes to bringing Systems Thinking and Complexity Science meaningfully and substantially into practice to understand and address food systems' complex challenges. This is done by providing solid theoretical foundations, fostering methodological improvements, and testing their value through practical implementations to move towards more productive and prosperous, equitable and inclusive, empowering and respectful, resilient and regenerative, and healthy food systems.