Urban agriculture (UA) has turned into a diverse and complex
movement. Important challenges will be to set accurate expectations by civil
society in relation to UA development, and to find ways to discuss UA in
governance and collaboration networks from an aggregate point of view.
However, analytical tools that allow comprehensive study of UA initiatives
(UAIs) are absent. This article elaborates on a conceptual framework from
the COST Action Urban Agriculture Europe (Prové et al. 2015) and evaluates
findings that result from applying the framework to four UAIs. We found
that, analytically, the framework generates in-depth information on UAIs,
and argue that it can be a useful tool in networks that are responsible for
collaboration, support, or governance within the UA movement. We also
discuss its usability issues and discuss future research.
Abstract:As part of cities' increasing commitment to sustainable development, local food systems are becoming a policy priority. In this article we focus on the case of a local food system in Ghent, Belgium. We adopt the notion of Hajer et al. (2015) that top-down steering of environmental issues (so-called "cockpit-ism") is insufficient, incomplete and in need of revision. Using their four perspectives on sustainable development (Hajer et al., 2015), we explore, analyze and valorize the potential of the actors, motives and logics for change within the agriculture and food system in the Ghent region. Applying these four perspectives, we have mapped the current positive developments as well as identified the weaknesses, pitfalls and opportunities of a local food strategy. The discussion section contains two important strategies for good governance of sustainable urban development: first, a governance approach to stimulate participation and representation in a complex, unequal and rapidly changing context; and second, a reflection on how local food strategies can drive global sustainability. In conclusion, we argue for the integration of a global sustainability approach within sustainable urban development.
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