Power, Governance and Agroecology Transformations

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on issues of power, control and governance in agroecology transformations. Synthesizing the findings across the six domains of transformation introduced in Part II, we explore how the different ‘governance interventions’ of different actors have multiple effects on a transformative agroecology. Interventions that undermine agroecology have two effects: (i) suppressing agroecology by actively repressing and criminalizing it and (ii) co-opting agroecology by supporting it only to become equivalent to the dominant regime. Interventions that maintain the status quo enable co-existence by (iii) containing agroecology as elements of the dominant regime are strengthened and alternatives ignored and (iv) shielding agroecology from regime dynamics so it is less threatened. In contrast, agroecological transformation of agri-food systems are enabled by (v) processes that support and nurture agroecology to develop on its own terms and (vi) release agroecology from its disabling context by dismantling elements of the dominant regime and anchoring the values, norms and practices of agroecology within and between territories, and at different scales.

Assembling agroecological socio-natures: a political ecology analysis of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Rosario, Argentina

“…Utilizing assemblages as a lens aligns with other frames that recognize the complex, multi-dimensional nature of agroecology through multilevel domains of transition (Anderson et al 2019 , 2020 ) and territories in dispute (Giraldo and Rosset 2018 ). However, we find assemblage thinking is a particularly helpful frame for attending to the inter-relations of territory, material, bodies, and discourses that become together, producing more than their sum as aggregated elements.…”

Land resource management system in the sustainable development context: scientific and practical approaches

“…Anderson et al [15] develops a framework for advancing agroecology in transformations towards more just and sustainable food systems focusing on power, politics and governance. It explores the potential of agroecology as a sustainable and socially just alternative to today's dominant food regime.…”

Linking farmers’ perceptions and management decision toward sustainable agroecological transition: evidence from rural Tunisia

“…Current food systems are vulnerable to multiple shocks, such as climate change, economic crises, and pandemics, which can have cascading effects on smallholder food security. The rising prices of fertilizers and food imports resulting from these shocks have rekindled interest in the call for a policy shift toward agroecology ( 1 ). Food production and consumption are major contributors to global environmental change, including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and land-system change ( 2 ).…”