Creating transformative spaces in the food system
Theme(s): Social-Ecological ResilienceProject Leader(s): Prof Scott Drimie, Dr. Laura Pereira, Prof. Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs, Dr. Luke Metelerkamp, Glenn Ashton
The persistence of hunger and malnutrition in South Africa are complex and interrelated, spanning environmental, health, economic, sociopolitical and agro-food issues. Feeding a growing population a healthy, affordable and environmentally sustainable diet will undoubtedly remain one of the greatest challenges facing the country and has been highlighted in Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3 to end hunger and improve health, respectively.
Research conducted focuses on transformations in the food system to better meet the food needs of people sustainably and more equitably. Using novel methodologies and facilitated processes like T-labs, learning journeys, dialogues and visioning processes, we continually look at the transformative potential of niche, alternative food initiatives to shift the Western Cape food system onto a more sustainable trajectory. More broadly this work is positioned to inform broader initiatives across South Africa in policy and governance arrangements. This collaborative learning and experimental action has informed research on appropriate food system governance arrangements that enable actors in the system to come together to address linked issues related to food. An important partnership is with the Southern Africa Food Lab (http://www.southernafricafoodlab.org).
Collaborating Institutes
Associated student led projects
- Examining the South African agricultural governance system through the lens of complexity theory to enquire how agriculture can contribute to food and nutritional security while meeting the challenges of sustainability, resilience and job creation (Glenn Ashton)
- Governance arrangements for food and nutrition security in South Africa (Dr. Sandra Boatemaa)
- The Food Policy Environment: Addressing the Need for Policy Certainty and Alignment with National Vision (Casey Delport)
- Learning for change: Exploring competency networks in emerging sustainability niches ()
- Exploring the potential for food system transformation in the greater Cape Town region ()
- Exploring resilience capacities: The art of storymaking with food innovators in the Western Cape ()