Social Innovation and Sustainability Transition

Contents
1 Radical roots and twenty-first century realities: rediscovering the egalitarian aspirations of Land Grant University Extension
Abstract
Introduction
Historical roots and aspirations
Cornell University extension
Tuskegee University extension
Views from across the national extension system
LGU extension today
Extension for the future
References
2 Palatable disruption: the politics of plant milk
Abstract
The rise of plant milks
Dairy crisis
The politics of plant milk
Researching palatability
The discursive landscape of dairy milk
Milk as wholesome and healthy
Milk as tasty, affordable, and convenient
Milk as risky and environmentally damaging
Milk as inhumane
Framing plant mylks
Looks, acts, and tastes like dairy milk
Nutritious, powerful, pure
Green and compassionate
Palatable disruption
Consumption continuity
Cozy politics for flexitarians
The spectacle of care
Nature’s perfect neoliberal food
Acknowledgements
References
3 To the market and back? A study of the interplay between public policy and market-driven initiatives to improve farm animal welfare in the Danish pork sector
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Development of common European rules and standards
From public policy to private standards
Markets and market practices
Methods
Research setting
Data
Analysis and interpretation
Market practices related to farm animal welfare
Representational practices: understanding markets for farm animal welfare
Animal welfare in a domestic market context
Overflows between domestic and export markets
Normalising practices: efforts to change how the market for farm animal welfare works
Framing farm animal welfare through standards
Negotiating new and revised farm animal welfare standards
Exchange practices: enacting animal welfare in ongoing relationships
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
4 How farmers “repair” the industrial agricultural system
Abstract
Introduction
Conceptual background: a theory of repair
The ideological basis of discursive maintenance
Application context
Synthetic nitrogen use and loss in the Midwest
N pollution: a systematic issue
Methods
Results
Acknowledging a disruption to the industrial agricultural system
Performing discursive maintenance: what ideological positions maintain the system?
Agrarianism: responsibility denial via framing urban areas as the problem
Market fundamentalism: within-system solutions and responsibility denial via the invisible hand of the market
Techno-optimism: the basis of belief in within-system solutions
Cracks in the system: frustration and confusion in the face of recognizing system limits
Another way is (not) possible
Discussion/conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
5 Agencing an innovative territorial trade scheme between crop and livestock farming: the contributions of the sociology of market agencements to alternative agri-food network analysis
Abstract
Introduction
The sociology of market agencements: a theoretical framework for analyzing agri-food network creation
A concern for innovation processes
The connection with Actor–Network theory
Six marketization processes
Methodology
A sociological analysis of an “in vivo experiment”
A four-step participatory design
Two hapless attempts to implement the experiment
Analyzing the conditions and difficulties of “agencing” alternative agri-food networks
Introducing new concerns
A hybrid “qualculation” between alternative and conventional
Tricky nature pacification operations
The difficult recreation of market encounters and price setting
No new agencements without new attachments
Discussion and conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
6 Competing food sovereignties: GMO-free activism, democracy and state preemptive laws in Southern Oregon
Abstract
Introduction
Food sovereignty and the vague nature of the sovereign
Food sovereignty and food democracy
Food sovereignty in the United States
GMO-free activism
GMO-free activism in Southern Oregon
Methodology
Structure of the research
Research site
Sample
Sampling strategy
Secondary sources
Participant observation
Research findings
Theme 1: Farmers versus corporate agriculture
Theme 2: Farmers versus the state (food democracy and state preemptive laws)
Discussion and conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
7 Feeding the melting pot: inclusive strategies for the multi-ethnic city
Abstract
Introduction
Theoretical and conceptual framework
Methodology
Methods
Sampling and recruitment
Results and analysis
Zooming in: practice as performances
Acquisitioning food
Preparing food
Health and sustainability
Zooming out
Changing food practices, lifestyles and bundles of practices
Changing food practices in a changing food environment
Dynamics of inclusiveness in relation to health and sustainability
Discussion and conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
8 Acting like an algorithm: digital farming platforms and the trajectories they (need not) lock-in
Abstract
Introduction
Smart farming landscapes
“Chains” and “lock-in”: situating the argument conceptually
Methods
Findings: lock-ins along the assemblage
Governance: “going under” and “staying above” an algorithm’s hood
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
9 Sustainability transitions in agri-food systems: insights from South Korea’s universal free, eco-friendly school lunch program
Abstract
Introduction
Sustainability transitions in agri-food systems
Korea’s universal free, eco-friendly school lunch program
Methods
School lunch as a niche-in-the-making
Food sovereignty activism and landscape shifts: 1970s–1990s
Niche developments and constraints: wei-tak egupsik and austerity politics
Corporeal citizenship and the early stages of alignment
UFEF school lunch policy and precautionary infrastructure in Seoul
Discussion and Conclusion
Future Research
Acknowledgements
References
10 The real meal deal: assessing student preferences for “real food” at Fort Lewis College
Abstract
Introduction
The Real Food Challenge
Theoretical context
The study
Methods
Survey instrument and administration
Student food preferences data analysis
Willingness-to-pay data analysis
Results
Respondent characteristics
Student food preferences
Understanding willingness-to-pay for real food
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
11 From texts to enacting practices: defining fair and equitable research principles for plant genetic resources in West Africa
Abstract
Introduction
Creating a theater device to test the concepts of fairness and equity
Context and posture of collective auto-ethnography
Identify elements of tension and feelings of injustice
Representing collaborative research practices
Principles of interactional justice
The criteria for evaluating fairness in farmers’ actions
Criteria for evaluating the fairness of researchers’ actions vis-à-vis the farmers
Redressing feelings of injustice
Ensure mutual and informed engagement
Recognizing cognitive plurality
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
12 A carrot isn’t a carrot isn’t a carrot: tracing value in alternative practices of food exchange
Abstract
Introduction
Formation of value in practices of exchange
Methodology and the context of the study
Fieldwork and data sources
Participation, observation and shadowing
Interviews and informal conversations
Social media discussions and online data
Data analysis
Valuing modes and formation of value in food collectives
Valuing good food—from feeling bad to feeling good
Sensing quality
“Knowing” the origin
Valuing good price—from profits to what is reasonable
Making comparisons
Reflecting on profits
Valuing good community—from being a consumer to being a member of a collective
Encouraging participation
Sharing work
Towards a practice-based understanding of value
Value-ideals—understanding value through the notion of good
Valuing modes—formation of value through assessing and assigning
Acknowledgements
References
13 From left behind to leader: gender, agency, and food sovereignty in China
Abstract
Introduction
Literature review and theoretical frameworks
Critical agrarian studies and development studies
Gender studies and feminist political ecology
Methods and field sites
Female leadership in food sovereignty
The role of female scholars and educated young women
Female leaders in local government, cooperatives, and AFNs
Continuing challenges and obstacles
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
14 Effects of institutional pressures on the governance of food safety in emerging food supply chains: a case of Lebanese food processors
Abstract
Introduction
The conceptual framework: key concepts and hypotheses
Institutional pressures
Supply chain integration
Long-term relationship
Information integration
Logistics integration
Implementation of food safety practices
Method
Data collection and study sample
Measurement and structural model assessment
Results
Reliability and validity checks
Assessing the PLS-SEM output
Path model and PLS-SEM results
Discussion
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
15 Farmer field schools and the co-creation of knowledge and innovation: the mediating role of social capital
Abstract
Introduction
Conceptual framework
The present study
Methods
Participants and procedure
Measures
Social Capital Scale
Knowledge gained during FFS
Participatory development of innovations
Data analysis procedures
Results
Thematic analysis
Tying and group formation
Connectedness and embeddedness
Coherence and group importance
Quantitative analysis
Preliminary analyses
Social capital and participatory development of innovations
Social capital and knowledge gained
Discussion and conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
16 Virtualizing the ‘good life’: reworking narratives of agrarianism and the rural idyll in a computer game
Abstract
Introduction
Agrarianism and the rural idyll
Stardew Valley: a role playing game
Methodology
Findings
Rejection of urban life
Classical agrarianism
Critical practices
Protecting the rural idyll
Discussion
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
17 When farmers are pulled in too many directions: comparing institutional drivers of food safety and environmental sustainability in California agriculture
Abstract
Introduction
Dimensions of constrained choice
Rules and standards
Legal liability
Market and supply chain forces
Social networks and norms
Scientific knowledge and available technologies
Factors not included
Background: safety vs. sustainability in California
Analysis: comparing constrained choices
Agricultural sustainability
Rules and Standards
Legal liability
Market and supply chain forces
Social networks and norms
Scientific knowledge and available technologies
Food safety
Rules and Standards
Legal liability
Market and supply chain forces
Social networks and norms
Scientific knowledge and available technologies
Discussion
Choosing between two “right” ways
Coordinating across structural constraints
Uneven constraints and scale-dependency
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
18 Political economy challenges for climate smart agriculture in Africa
Abstract
Introduction
CSA activities in Africa and links to theory
Prevailing neoliberal market policies
Livelihood diversification among rural households
A growing competition for land and productive resources
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
19 Sustainability transitions in the context of pandemic: an introduction to the focused issue on social innovation and systemic impact
Abstract
Introduction
The Covid-19 pandemic and implications for sustainability transition
Effects on supply chains, production and retail
Effect on macroeconomic indicators
Implications for the sustainable transition of food and agriculture systems
The role of alternative food networks (AFNs)
Limitations of AFNs
Agriculture and human values and agri-food transformation
The special issue: social innovation and sustainability transition
Social innovation across rural–urban landscapes
Transitions across AFN’s: from local to regional
Transitions across values embedded in social innovations
Transitions across social finance mechanisms
Transitions across institutional structures
Social innovation and systemic impact: a call to transdisciplinary action
Acknowledgement
References
20 Social entrepreneurship and impact investment in rural–urban transformation: An orientation to systemic social innovation and symposium findings
Abstract
Introduction
Participatory development communication: Organization of the conference and participants
P1P2P3: Sample description
Social entrepreneurship in rural–urban transformation: From academic pluralism to pragmatic convergence
P4P5: Describing social entrepreneurship
P6: Do well or do good?
P7: Sources of innovation
P8-P9: Technologies and sectors for social change
Mechanisms of change: Rural–urban social transformation through entrepreneurship
P10: Disruptive or incremental change?
P11: Resource optimization or bricolage?
Measuring impact: The impact investing landscape
Assessing impact across sectors
SPM
ESG
IRIS
Assessing impact consistently along the value chain
P12: Is social value measurable?
P13: Impact assessment
P14: Legal and policy frameworks
Ecosystem views of social entrepreneurship
P15P16P17: Scaling social impact
P18: The role of intermediary organizations
Summary discussion
References
21 ‘Workable utopias’ for social change through inclusion and empowerment? Community supported agriculture (CSA) in Wales as social innovation
Abstract
Introduction
Social innovation, CSA and AFNs
Methodology
Results
How the CSA initiatives emerge
Bont Market Garden (Bont MG)
Tyddewi Community Organic Farm (TYCOF)
Clwyd enterprise
Offa Market Garden (Offa MG)
How the CSA initiatives satisfy unmet needs
How the CSA initiatives empower people
The potential of the CSA in Wales for social change
Discussion
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
22 Bridging the rural–urban divide in social innovation transfer: the role of values
Abstract
Introduction
Knowledge transfer: an institutional complexity and bricolage perspective
Methods
Research setting
Sampling procedure
Data collection
Data analysis
Step one: identifying key moments in the partnership
Step two: coding institutional logics and key interactions
Step three: tying together logics, interactions, and emerging constructs
Findings
Organizations’ commitment to multiple logics
Spiritual logic
Social welfare logic
Economic logic
Multiple logics and bricolage
Maintaining innovation fidelity
Logic mis-alignment and conflict
Logics alignment and muted cultural differences
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
23 Blended finance for agriculture: exploring the constraints and possibilities of combining financial instruments for sustainable transitions
Abstract
Background
Agricultural finance: investment approaches and institutions
Blended finance
Challenges and opportunities for using blended finance for sustainable agriculture
Opportunities for using blended finance for sustainable agriculture
Equity investments
Debt investments
Guarantees and insurance
Grants
Discussion
Conclusions
References
24 Priming the pump of impact entrepreneurship and social finance in China
Abstract
Introduction
Emerging social challenges in China and their implications for innovation and impact entrepreneurship
Objective, outline and contribution
Contribution
Conceptual framework: examining social innovation and social finance through multi-level perspectives
Legal framework and institutional settings
Characteristics of the social innovation niche in China: a descriptive analysis
Origins
Demographics
Organization profile
Sectoral focus
Funding sources
Performance management
Opportunities for financing mechanisms to facilitate social innovation in China
Piloting certification of social enterprises
Broader implications: blended finance and certification as facilitators of scaling social innovation
Conclusions
Acknowledgement
References
25 Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern: The new American farmer: immigration, race, and the struggle for sustainability
26 Carol Off: Bitter chocolate: anatomy of an industry
References
27 Harvey S. James, Jr. (ed.): Ethical tensions from new technology: the case of agricultural biotechnology
28 Gina Rae La Cerva: Feasting wild: in search of the last untamed food
References
29 Stan cox: the green new deal and beyond: ending the climate emergency while we still can
References
30 Books received