Agroecological Transition: A Territorial Examination of the Simultaneity of Limited Farmer Livelihoods and Food Insecurity

Abstract

Nutritional disease, persistent food insecurity, ecological devastation, and limited sustainable livelihoods among small and beginning (SB) farmers coexist as unintended consequences of trying to address these challenges separately. Agroecology is useful for holistically understanding a community’s food system dynamics, identifying regime lock-ins, and developing pathways to transition to a sustainable food system. Focusing on two often divergent publics, SB farmers and food-insecure populations, this research answers the questions: What critical agroecological characteristics are lacking in a food system contributing to both limited livelihoods of SB farmers and food-insecure populations? In what ways might the relationships of these two publics be central to an agroecological transition to a regional sustainable food system? We present a case study for the city-region Duluth-Northland, Minnesota, USA, by combining methodological and theoretical insights from participatory action research, agroecology, and sustainability transitions literature. Results include a current state of regional food flows, illuminate the food system’s enabling and inhibitory factors, and highlight opportunities for exercising local agency to transition to a sustainable food system using agroecological principles. This research suggests developing relational spaces where two typically divergent publics can dialogue and build reciprocal relationships to construct new food pathways. Findings also highlight a need to develop a social infrastructure to support SB farmer livelihoods, recognize their contribution to the public good, and simultaneously address multiple dimensions of food insecurity. This study provides preliminary guidance for mobilizing action at the nexus of health and food access, environment, and regenerative agriculture livelihoods.

Approach to the Imaginaries of Agroecology in Paraguay

“…From the point of view of a transition towards socio-ecological systems seeking resilience, biodiversity, consumers, education, and governance are promising entry points through which to build such a structured process [32]. Agroecology is therefore a useful means with which to comprehensively understand the dynamics of a community's food system and develop ways to transition to a sustainable food system [33], coinciding with the imaginary of the actors consulted in this study.…”

Herbicides in modern sustainable agriculture: environmental fate, ecological implications, and human health concerns

“…In the future, it is crucial to focus on improving public awareness and education regarding herbicide safety. This involves addressing misconceptions and promoting informed decision-making regarding the impact of herbicides on food safety (Katre et al 2022). Engaging consumers in a constructive dialogue about herbicide safety should be a priority to achieve this, and educational campaigns and outreach programs should be developed, targeting consumers, farmers, and stakeholders (Douthwaite and Hoffecker 2017;Katre et al 2022).…”

“…This involves addressing misconceptions and promoting informed decision-making regarding the impact of herbicides on food safety (Katre et al 2022). Engaging consumers in a constructive dialogue about herbicide safety should be a priority to achieve this, and educational campaigns and outreach programs should be developed, targeting consumers, farmers, and stakeholders (Douthwaite and Hoffecker 2017;Katre et al 2022). To ensure accurate and accessible information on herbicide safety reaches the public, collaboration between regulatory bodies, agricultural organizations, and public health agencies is essential.…”

Sustainability of Smallholders in the Local Food System: A Study of Chicken Layer Farms in Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeast Thailand

“…Given the influence and power of the global food system and its threat to smallscale food production, our research sought to explore how small chicken layer farms, as smallholder productions, could sustain their farms and whether they could be sustainable long-term. Although there have been theoretical constructs for a sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) [14][15][16][17][18][19][20], the focus has been on capital assets, those controlled by the smallholder, rather than the services they provide. Our study extended the SLF to demonstrate the potential long-term viability of smallholders, and the viability was extended beyond both the SLF and efficiency based on an economy of scale.…”