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Four Perspectives of Sustainability Applied to the Local Food Strategy of Ghent (Belgium): Need for a Cycle of Democratic Participation?

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  • Maarten Crivits

    (Social Sciences Unit, Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research, Burg. van Gansberghelaan 155, bus 2, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
    Centre for Sustainable Development, Ghent University, Poel 16, Gent 9000, Belgium
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Charlotte Prové

    (Social Sciences Unit, Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research, Burg. van Gansberghelaan 155, bus 2, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
    Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Thomas Block

    (Centre for Sustainable Development, Ghent University, Poel 16, Gent 9000, Belgium)

  • Joost Dessein

    (Social Sciences Unit, Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research, Burg. van Gansberghelaan 155, bus 2, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
    Centre for Sustainable Development, Ghent University, Poel 16, Gent 9000, Belgium
    Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Maarten Crivits & Charlotte Prové & Thomas Block & Joost Dessein, 2016. "Four Perspectives of Sustainability Applied to the Local Food Strategy of Ghent (Belgium): Need for a Cycle of Democratic Participation?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:1:p:55-:d:61903
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