Food provisioning

The problems plaguing food systems are well researched, yet how can we support transformation towards sustainable and just food systems? One thing is clear: the objective of future food systems can no longer be to simply maximize productivity. The main challenges ahead are not technical, they are social, cultural and political. Sociological skills are critical to addressing these challenges in meaningful ways. Our research at RSO directly contributes to food system transformations. Through teaching, research, active participation, and outreach, we connect knowledge with practice. In this way, our work and knowledge are generated through the practice of thought and the action towards the goals of equitable, and just futures. Building on a ‘hopeful’ critique on the modernization of agriculture, and globalization and industrialization of food systems, we study diverse forms of food provisioning. For example, building on a relational turn in rural sociology, we are interested in urban food provisioning or more in general the question of food provisioning in metropolitan regions. This includes exploring issues of equity, governance, oppression, resistance and hope.