Food Landscape Matrix: A Structured Approach to Mapping Food Chains for Crisis Preparedness

Abstract

Recent crises have revealed vulnerabilities in Germany’s food supply system, emphasizing the need for effective crisis management which in turn depends on system overview. Emergency crisis managers face challenges in understanding and assessing the complex, interconnected food supply system. Existing value chain mapping methods analyze individual commodities but cannot provide a comprehensive overview of multiple commodities. The Food Landscape Matrix was developed as an innovative mapping framework that identifies key actors, services, inputs, outputs, and products from primary production to final consumption. Twelve Landscapes have been created using secondary data with validation by key stakeholders. The matrix’s flexible structure allows varying levels of detail while maintaining a sectoral overview, enhancing transparency and navigation. This aggregated approach enables emergency managers and stakeholders to better assess interdependencies, vulnerabilities, and cascading effects, ultimately supporting crisis preparedness in the food sector.