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Flipping the Tortilla : Social-Ecological Innovations and Traditional Ecological Knowledge for More Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Leonie Guerrero Lara

    (Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Laura M. Pereira

    (Centre for Food Policy, City University of London; Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK
    Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, Stellenbosch University, 19 Jonkershoek Rd, Mostertsdrift, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa)

  • Federica Ravera

    (Agroecology and Food Systems, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC); C. de la Laura, 13, 08500 Vic, Spain
    FRACTAL collective, San Remigio 2, 28022 Madrid, Spain)

  • Amanda Jiménez-Aceituno

    (Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden)

Abstract

The conventional dominant global agri-food system is a main driver in the Anthropocene: food production entails profound global environmental changes from greenhouse gas emissions to biodiversity loss, and shifting diets further impact planetary and human health. Innovative approaches are needed to shift towards more sustainable, equitable and healthy agri-food systems. Building on the increasing recognition of the relevance of traditional agroecological knowledge (TAeK) in sustainable food systems, this paper aims to describe innovative agri-food initiatives and explore how the use and valorization of TAeK may transform conventional agri-food systems. It employs a case-study approach in Spain, where we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 representatives of alternative agri-food initiatives. We found that, to promote sustainable agri-food systems, TAeK has to span from farm-to-fork. Innovative agroecological practices and knowledge help to safeguard biocultural diversity, while gastronomic knowledge among consumers on how to process and prepare local varieties and species is crucial for the implementation of shorter value chains. We discuss how TAeK enhances the success of conventional systems of innovation, challenging dominant epistemological frameworks. By scaling deep (changing values), scaling out (dissemination, reproduction) and scaling up (changing institutions), the agri-food initiatives may act on leverage points to enable broader transformation of the Spanish agri-food system.

Suggested Citation

  • Leonie Guerrero Lara & Laura M. Pereira & Federica Ravera & Amanda Jiménez-Aceituno, 2019. "Flipping the Tortilla : Social-Ecological Innovations and Traditional Ecological Knowledge for More Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:5:p:1222-:d:209031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Walter Vesperi & Anna Maria Melina & Marzia Ventura & Raffaella Coppolino & Rocco Reina, 2021. "Organizing knowledge transfer between university and agribusiness firms," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(3), pages 321-329, May.
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    4. Reddy, A. Amarender & Bhattacharya, Anindita & Reddy, S. Venku & Ricart, Sandra, 2021. "Farmers’ Distress Index: An Approach for an Action Plan to Reduce Vulnerability in the Drylands of India," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 10(11), pages 1-1.
    5. Marta Farré-Ribes & Carmen Lozano-Cabedo & Encarnación Aguilar-Criado, 2019. "The Role of Knowledge in Constructing the Quality of Olive Oil in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-19, July.
    6. García-Granero, Eva M. & Piedra-Muñoz, Laura & Galdeano-Gómez, Emilio, 2020. "Measuring eco-innovation dimensions: The role of environmental corporate culture and commercial orientation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(8).
    7. Vincenzo Rusciano & Gennaro Civero & Debora Scarpato, 2020. "Social and Ecological High Influential Factors in Community Gardens Innovation: An Empirical Survey in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-16, June.
    8. Michał Dudek & Wioletta Wrzaszcz, 2020. "On the Way to Eco-Innovations in Agriculture: Concepts, Implementation and Effects at National and Local Level. The Case of Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-22, June.
    9. Laura M. Pereira & Scott Drimie & Kristi Maciejewski & Patrick Bon Tonissen & Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs, 2020. "Food System Transformation: Integrating a Political–Economy and Social–Ecological Approach to Regime Shifts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-20, February.
    10. García-Granero, Eva M. & Piedra-Muñoz, Laura & Galdeano-Gómez, Emilio, 2020. "Measuring eco-innovation dimensions: The role of environmental corporate culture and commercial orientation," MPRA Paper 119909, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    11. Racheal Akinola & Laura Maureen Pereira & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Francia-Marié de Bruin & Loubie Rusch, 2020. "A Review of Indigenous Food Crops in Africa and the Implications for more Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-30, April.
    12. Leticia Canal Vieira & Silvia Serrao-Neumann & Michael Howes, 2019. "Local Action with a Global Vision: The Transformative Potential of Food Social Enterprises in Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-16, November.
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    14. Abiodun A. Ogundeji, 2022. "Adaptation to Climate Change and Impact on Smallholder Farmers’ Food Security in South Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-16, April.

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