Strengthening local voices in the governance of food systems, land use and the environment

About this project
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About this project

Aims

The aim of this action research is to identify and support processes that can help democratise the governance of food systems, land use and the environment. It seeks to find more equitable ways of including citizens in policy making and in the design of technologies and institutions that shape food systems and the environment.

The following themes and case studies have been identified through discussion with partners and an analysis of emerging global challenges. In each case, different participatory methodologies and institutional innovations are combined to create safe spaces for citizen deliberation and inclusion in policy making, institutional choices, risk assessments, and the design of technologies.

Follow the link for more information and publications relating to each theme.

Food and farming futures for small producers and indigenous peoples

Transforming agri-food research for citizen participation and the public good

Citizens reframing conservation policies and practice for food and livelihood security, environmental sustainability and justice

Strengthening local voices in policy debates on climate change, agro-fuels and the food-energy nexus

Impacts

Marginalised and excluded social groups stand to gain most from the development and spread of more inclusive forms of governance based on the principles of deliberative and direct democracy.

It is anticipated that increased food security and other livelihood assets will accrue to these social groups as their rights, knowledge, realities and priorities are made to count more in policy processes, research priorities, technological designs, regulatory frameworks, resource allocation and institutions.