The sustainability transition of the agri-food system (AFS) is deemed necessary due to various environmental and social challenges; Scholars often use the multilevel perspective (MLP) to analyze these transitions. Given the rapid increase in articles on AFS transitions, ongoing research on the dynamics between MLP levels, and persistent uncertainty in MLP conceptualizations, a systematic update of the literature applying MLP in AFS studies of sustainability transitions is needed. This systematic literature review complies with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was conducted using the Scopus database covering the period 2018 to 2022. A total of 58 articles were selected for review. Data extraction used a combination of concept-driven and data-driven coding schemes, focusing predominantly on qualitative research approaches and interrelated activities within AFS's agricultural sectors. The review highlights ongoing transitions and treats sustainability as a specific concept, often examined through specific case studies, without going into further detail. Niche is the primary focus of the study, offering a variety of perspectives on radicalism and breakthrough strategies, emphasizing socially innovative activities rather than technological innovations. Some studies present a conceptual gap between niche and regime, each of which has somewhat nuanced interpretations. It is observed that cooperation between actors at both levels creates a transformative effect. Although evolving views about regime dynamics emerge, the regime is portrayed as relatively static. The landscape dimension receives less attention and the focus is primarily on intangible aspects. Combining MLP with other frameworks has been particularly beneficial in elucidating landscape-level agency. However, there remains a lack of theoretical clarity regarding regime and landscape structures, requiring further theoretical elaboration. Future research applying MLP should delve more deeply into its theoretical underpinnings, particularly in refining regime and landscape conceptualizations. Additionally, the inclusion of more quantitative or mixed methods approaches can complement existing qualitative methodologies by empirically testing and validating qualitative theories and phenomena.
Multi-Level Perspective, Food System, Agriculture, Sustainability, Transition, Transformation