Participatory analysis and action to promote agroecological food systems – methodological insights from a three-country initiative: Nicaragua, Senegal and England
Understanding and seeking to change complex systems requires approaches which can adequately respond to complexity and which undermine rather than reinforce dominant power structures. This paper presents and reflects on a participatory methodology developed and applied to transition food systems in...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Julius Kühn-Institut
2021-01-01
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| Series: | Landbauforschung |
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| Summary: | Understanding and seeking to change complex systems requires approaches which can adequately respond to complexity and which undermine rather than reinforce dominant power structures. This paper presents and reflects on a participatory methodology developed and applied to transition food systems in England, Nicaragua and Senegal to align better with agroecological principles. The methodology combines participatory research, complex systems mapping and deliberation to understand and respond to the complexities of food systems in an integrated and transdisciplinary way. Where this methodology distinguishes itself from other participatory research approaches is the explicit focus on the multiple dimensions of food systems in an integrative way, which was possible through a deliberative process and by involving various stakeholders, but continuing to privilege (yet also challenge) the voices of marginalised producers. Our experience indicates that the methodology could be used and adapted for various complex topics and contexts in which social change is sought. |
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| ISSN: | 2194-3605 2700-8711 |