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Citizen Participation Practices in the Governance of Local Food Systems: A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Lys Affre

    (Programmes de Santé Publique et Communautaire, Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université Laval, Centre de Recherche INAF-NUTRISS, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Laurence Guillaumie

    (Programmes de Santé Publique et Communautaire, Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université Laval, Centre de Recherche INAF-NUTRISS, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Sophie Dupéré

    (Programmes de Santé Publique et Communautaire, Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université Laval, Centre de Recherche INAF-NUTRISS, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Geneviève Mercille

    (Département de Nutrition, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada)

  • Marilou Fortin-Guay

    (Programmes de Santé Publique et Communautaire, Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université Laval, Centre de Recherche INAF-NUTRISS, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

Abstract

Traditionally, food system governance has been executed at provincial, national, or supranational levels, but recently, there has been an increasing trend of local areas coordinating initiatives to influence their own food systems. They are distinguished by their focus on the principles of food democracy, especially in terms of citizen participation. Although initiatives to boost citizen collaboration in local food systems are on the rise, achieving active citizen involvement can prove challenging. This study aims to understand citizen engagement and participation in local food systems at the regional, municipal, or neighborhood levels. A narrative literature review was performed, covering academic and gray literature and using descriptive statistics and semi-inductive thematic analysis. The analysis identified five categories of local food system citizen participation programs, i.e., governance committees that include citizens, citizen working groups, participatory research, participatory workshops, and citizen forums and assemblies. The review highlighted factors that influence the operation and perceived success of citizen participation initiatives. Findings underscore the importance of creating citizen participation mechanisms that are inclusive, transparent, and adaptable. Proper organization and facilitation by a dedicated local organization ensure the success of citizen engagement initiatives. The identified categories and factors can guide policymakers in designing effective local food system initiatives that enhance meaningful citizen involvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Lys Affre & Laurence Guillaumie & Sophie Dupéré & Geneviève Mercille & Marilou Fortin-Guay, 2024. "Citizen Participation Practices in the Governance of Local Food Systems: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:5990-:d:1434416
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sebastian Prost, 2019. "Food Democracy for All? Developing a Food Hub in the Context of Socio-Economic Deprivation," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(4), pages 142-153.
    2. Karen Bassarab & Jill K. Clark & Raychel Santo & Anne Palmer, 2019. "Finding Our Way to Food Democracy: Lessons from US Food Policy Council Governance," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(4), pages 32-47.
    3. Wendy Mendes, 2008. "Implementing Social and Environmental Policies in Cities: The Case of Food Policy in Vancouver, Canada," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(4), pages 942-967, December.
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