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Sustainability spaces for complex agri-food systems

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen Whitfield
  • Tim Benton
  • Martin Dallimer
  • Les Firbank
  • Guy Poppy
  • Susannah Sallu
  • Lindsay Stringer

Abstract

As a result of the complexity of agri-food systems, popularly-supported ‘win-win’ solutions rarely result in wholly satisfactory outcomes. We draw on documented cases of the introduction of agricultural input subsidies; the intensification of livestock production; and the development of genetically modified crop varieties as examples of agri-food systems in which there are multiple interconnected sustainability priorities and inevitable conflicts. Generic or narrowly conceived goals may not fully reflect the multiple and conflicting dimensions of sustainability that are relevant to such cases. There is a need to advance established multiple-win agendas, such as sustainable intensification and climate smart agriculture, to more fully reflect this complexity. We propose the use of the sustainability space concept for defining and monitoring sustainability priorities that might become the basis for effective management of complex systems. We further outline the challenge of defining and monitoring these priorities, which will require carefully designed, interdisciplinary and participatory research agendas. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Whitfield & Tim Benton & Martin Dallimer & Les Firbank & Guy Poppy & Susannah Sallu & Lindsay Stringer, 2015. "Sustainability spaces for complex agri-food systems," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 7(6), pages 1291-1297, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:7:y:2015:i:6:p:1291-1297
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-015-0512-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jayne, T. S. & Govereh, J. & Mwanaumo, A. & Nyoro, J. K. & Chapoto, A., 2002. "False Promise or False Premise? The Experience of Food and Input Market Reform in Eastern and Southern Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 30(11), pages 1967-1985, November.
    2. Whitfield, Stephen & Dixon, Jami L. & Mulenga, Brian P. & Ngoma, Hambulo, 2015. "Conceptualising farming systems for agricultural development research: Cases from Eastern and Southern Africa," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 54-62.
    3. Blessings Chinsinga, 2011. "Seeds and Subsidies: The Political Economy of Input Programmes in Malawi," IDS Bulletin, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 42(4), pages 59-68, July.
    4. Lauriane Mouysset & Luc Doyen & Frédéric Jiguet, 2014. "From Population Viability Analysis to Coviability of Farmland Biodiversity and Agriculture," Post-Print hal-01565883, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mahon, N. & Crute, I. & Di Bonito, M. & Simmons, E.A. & Islam, M.M., 2018. "Towards a broad-based and holistic framework of Sustainable Intensification indicators," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 576-597.
    2. Jew, Eleanor K.K. & Whitfield, Stephen & Dougill, Andrew J. & Mkwambisi, David D. & Steward, Peter, 2020. "Farming systems and Conservation Agriculture: Technology, structures and agency in Malawi," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).

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