This article outlines the main conclusions from Chapter 2 of the FOSTER deliverable, which addresses R&I policy support options for furthering food systems science at national, regional and local level in the EU. You can access the complete deliverable on the FOSTER website here.
The chapter entitled “Bottom-up Identification of Improved K&I Governance Mechanisms to Support Food System Change” explores essential pathways for transformation. It emphasizes the integration of diverse knowledge systems, the mitigation of power asymmetries, and the promotion of inclusive, collaborative decision-making processes.
To achieve more fair and sustainable food systems, a change needs to take place in the way decisions and rules are made in the food system. 12 recommendations are formulated on how these decision-making processes can better support food system transformations. These recommendations show that for true change to happen, governance structures need to be dynamic and reflexive. In governance, different forms of knowledge need to be integrated to address challenges in a fair way and collaborations are crucial. Furthermore, justice and food democracy must be central in the transition.
To realise more equitable and sustainable food systems, a change needs to happen in the way decisions are made in the food systems and in how policies are designed. Food system governance describes the way decisions are made about the food system. A structured review of literature on food system governance is performed to formulate recommendations for how governance frameworks can better support transformations in food systems. This led to 12 recommendations divided over four themes.
I. Integration and alignment of policy and governance
Current challenges like sustainability challenges are complex. To tackle these challenges, it is needed to look at relations between different parts of the food system, and relations between the food system and other systems (like the mobility system, or energy system). The engagement of citizens and other stakeholders is crucial to take on a full perspective. This, however, brings along challenges as there are many inequalities in food systems. Good governance therefore needs to address power imbalances and prioritise equity. Advises are given for a form of governance in which different people and stakeholders are heard, regional diversities are recognised, and a diversity of practices is present.
Concrete recommendations given, are:
- Strategic and future oriented vision on knowledge and innovation
- Coordination of policies across different sectors (horizontal) and between various levels (vertical)
- Reflexive learning in knowledge and innovation
II. Broadening of the knowledge scope
Three ways are given to broaden the knowledge scope in food systems. This can be done by establishing 1) connections between science, policy, and practice, 2) collaborations between science and non-scientific stakeholders (transdisciplinary approaches) and 3) collaborations across various scientific sectors (interdisciplinary approaches). Transdisciplinary approaches are seen as crucial to achieve a shared understanding of food systems and to identify where change can happen. For this, the contribution of citizens is important. Right now, transdisciplinarity is often not supported. This hinders the ability to respond to needs for food system transformation.
Concrete recommendations given, are:
- Transdisciplinary approaches for sharing knowledge amongst different groups
- Support and provide space for alternative practices and diverse forms of knowledge
- Understand different stakeholder perspectives
- Increased focus on the role of urban areas
III. Justice and food democracy
Food systems are full of injustices, inequalities, and ways in which people are excluded. It is important to address these inequalities in food system transitions, but aspects of justice are often overlooked. Prioritising justice, equity and the active participation of all stakeholders promotes transformative change that benefits both people and the planet. Food democracy emphasises active participation of stakeholders and in particular marginalised groups, transparent decision-making processes, and engagement of individuals and communities at local level. These principles can lead to a better reflection of shared values, ensures justice, and empowers communities to work on meaningful transformation.
Concrete recommendations given, are:
- Addressing unequal power distributions
- Fair and equitable representation of minority and underrepresented groups
IV. Collaboration and network building
Addressing the complexity of food systems requires building networks and collaborations. Effective transformation depends on the co-creation of solutions by diverse stakeholders. This helps to integrate diverse perspectives and leads to innovative and context-sensitive solutions. Creating trust is essential. Intermediaries play an important role in transitions by supporting capacity building, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and speeding up transformations through stakeholders engagement. Reflexivity – ongoing reflection and learning – helps to maintain the equity, relevance, and adaptability of transition efforts, allowing stakeholders to refine their strategies and respond to emerging challenges.
Concrete recommendations given, are:
- Increased deliberation on decision making
- Strengthen the involvement of intermediaries in collaborations
- Building capacities of stakeholders to make them better change agents
FOSTER wants to integrate the voices of various stakeholders in the governance of food systems. This requires a shift in what knowledge is considered and how innovation is addressed. The recommendations mentioned above are ingredients to guide this shift in governance and therewith help stakeholders to work towards their desired future food system.