Grasping practices of self-reliance within alternative foodscapes in Flanders

Stephanie Nuria Spijker (), Erik Mathijs and Constanza Parra ()
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Stephanie Nuria Spijker: KU Leuven
Constanza Parra: KU Leuven

Agriculture and Human Values, 2020, vol. 37, issue 3, No 81, 819-832

Abstract: Abstract Foodscapes, the ways and places in which human beings interact with food, are dominated by the global agri-food system. In many ways, it has never been easier to access such varieties or quantities of food. Be it in restaurants, supermarkets or local markets, food is often only a quick purchase away from the plate. In spite of that, there are persons who choose to follow alternative paths, moving away from reliance on the conventional system by engaging in practices of food self-reliance. In this paper, using the analytical lenses of behavioural, social innovation and social practice theories, we explore why and how people strive for self-reliance and self-governing their foodscapes. We apply these lenses to data gathered from site visits and in-depth interviews with those engaged in self-reliant practices in Flanders. The practices we encountered range from permaculture to transition towns and illustrate the diverse alternative foodscapes found in Flanders. Our research reveals that while practices—and the people who engage in them—may at first appear distinct, they have commonalities as well, including similar values, needs, goals and more. These diverse elements combine to create, reshape and sustain practices within foodscapes. By further understanding the motivational, biogeophysical and social underpinnings that enable them we reveal a diverse, yet connected, continuum of practices.

Keywords: Foodscapes; Alternative foodscapes; Self-reliance; Values; Flanders; Practices; Prepping; Hobby farming; Transition towns; Permaculture; Community supported agriculture; Social practice theory; Social innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10460-020-10021-z

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