The ideologies of Whiteness, settler colonialism, and neocolonization produce power relations in dominant forms of food systems governance that generally marginalize and oppress the voices, perspectives, and self-determination of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. This is despite their active resistance to these processes, as well as the creation of more participatory models for food systems governance by academics, activists, and community organizations. However, these diverse perspectives, values, and principles are too often omitted from mainstream conversations about food systems governance.
A new reflective essay in JAFSCD, “Challenging power relations in food systems governance: A conversation about moving from inclusion to decolonization,” presents a session that formed part of the 2021 Global Food Governance Conference (a collaboration between The University of Sydney Charles Perkins Centre, The George Institute for Global Health, and the Global Center for Legal Innovation on Food Environments). The session explored the power relations flowing through dominant forms of food systems governance. BIPOC scholars, activists, and practitioners were invited to join white/settler researchers in exploring issues of Whiteness, racialization, decolonization, Indigenous food sovereignty and inclusion in food systems governance, and to generate proposals for more participatory models that center the voices and perspectives of people and communities that are traditionally excluded. This essay reports participants’ presentations on these topics, reflects on key themes across the presentations, and suggests new directions for practice, research, and policy.
Corresponding author Belinda Reeve can be contacted at belinda.reeve@sydney.edu.au
KEY POINTS
At one level, the creation of more participatory forms of food systems governance entails the inclusion of marginalized groups in governance initiatives. However, a more fundamental reconfiguration of existing governance models is needed, involving the adoption of organizational structures, values, objectives, and leadership that are developed by BIPOC communities. Also important is the creation of new governance models that reflect diverse perspectives, values, objectives, and ways of governing. At an even deeper level, there is a need to address the unequal power structures and marginalizing influences that inform the dominant food system itself (which can only be partly addressed by governance reforms) and to facilitate BIPOC communities and Global South residents in achieving food justice and reclaiming sovereignty in the food system.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH
The development of new research agendas should center marginalized voices, with BIPOC research collaborators involved in developing the ‘what’ of research agendas from the outset. Collaborations should be based on shared leadership, decision-making power, and relationships of trust with BIPOC collaborators. Further, any collaborative research agenda should be action-oriented and attend to the inextricable links of food systems governance to other fundamental issues, such as planetary health.
SHARE ON YOUR SOCIALS
How can we create inclusive forms of food systems governance?
Colonial, patriarchal, and racist power structures continue to inform dominant models of food systems governance, displacing the participation and decision-making processes of BIPOC communities, despite their active resistance. This essay presents BIPOC researcher and activist perspectives on issues of Indigenous food sovereignty, decolonization, Whiteness, and ‘inclusivity’ in food systems governance, and presents recommendations for creating more participatory governance models. Read the JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.132.009
