Food sovereignty education across the Americas: multiple origins, converging movements

David Meek (), Katharine Bradley, Bruce Ferguson, Lesli Hoey, Helda Morales, Peter Rosset and Rebecca Tarlau
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David Meek: University of Alabama
Katharine Bradley: University of California-Davis
Bruce Ferguson: ECOSUR
Lesli Hoey: University of Michigan
Helda Morales: ECOSUR
Peter Rosset: La Via Campesina/ECOSUR
Rebecca Tarlau: Stanford University

Agriculture and Human Values, 2019, vol. 36, issue 3, No 16, 626 pages

Abstract: Abstract Social movements are using education to generate critical consciousness regarding the social and environmental unsustainability of the current food system, and advocate for agroecological production. In this article, we explore results from a cross-case analysis of six social movements that are using education as a strategy to advance food sovereignty. We conducted participatory research with diverse rural and urban social movements in the United States, Brazil, Cuba, Bolivia, and Mexico, which are each educating for food sovereignty. We synthesize insights from critical food systems education and the political ecology of education in analyzing these cases. We compare the thematic similarities and difference between these movements’ education initiatives in terms of their emergence, initial goals, expansion and institutionalization, relationship to the state, theoretical inspirations, pedagogical approach, educational topics, approach to student research, and outcomes. Among these thematic areas, we find that student-centered research on competing forms of production is an integral way to advance critical consciousness about the food system and the political potential of agroecological alternatives. However, what counts, as success in these programs, is highly case-dependent. For engaged scholars committed to advancing education for food sovereignty, it is essential to reflect upon the lessons learned and challenges faced by these movements.

Keywords: Food sovereignty; Critical pedagogy; Education; Critical food systems education; Political ecology of education; Social movements (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10460-017-9780-1

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