Experts emphasize inclusivity and diverse perspectives, and stress the importance of democratizing knowledge to transform global food systems.
In a recent study, an international team of experts highlighted the urgent need to democratize knowledge to “revolutionize” the global food system.
The study, titled “A Knowledge Democratization Approach to Food System Transformation,” was published in the journal Nature Food and was conducted by a variety of professors, including several from the University of Vermont.
In the paper, the scholars note that they believe traditional, indigenous and place-based knowledge needs to be incorporated into decision-making processes to address blind spots in current food system policies and actions. are doing.
The study was conducted by a variety of experts, including V. Ernesto Mendez and Colin R. Anderson, professors and co-directors of the UVM Institute for Agroecology (IfA) at the University of Vermont.
“Up until now we have privileged Western scientific knowledge, but this article urgently calls for us to embrace different kinds of knowledge and recognize the people who developed it,” Mendez said. Stated.
The article itself promotes the adoption of participatory and interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate diverse knowledge systems, including indigenous, scientific, and traditional perspectives. According to the researchers, embracing this diversity of practices allows us to “generate context-appropriate solutions and promote more inclusive and equitable food systems.”
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Samara Block of Yale University led the study, which brings together food system leaders to develop strategies to advance agroecological research and evidence, on the politics of knowledge for the future of food. It is the result of an international process convened by the World Alliance. By drawing on case studies from around the world, the authors highlight innovative approaches that involve local actors in knowledge production and exchange.
“It is important to note the diversity of sectors represented among our authors. We have scientists, practitioners, nonprofit staff, and philanthropists, all of whom work together to support a fair and just society. There is an urgent need to democratize the knowledge base as the basis for realizing a “sustainable food system transformation,'' Menendez concluded.