The transformative potential of Seed Commons: Applying the social-ecological transformation framework to agri-food systems. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tschersich, Julia; Sievers-Glotzbach, Stefanie; Gmeiner, Nina; Kliem, Lea
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 97(2023)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 302
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Agri-food transformations -- Just transitions -- Framework -- Leverage points -- Paradigms -- Seed commons; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.12.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, we argue that small initiatives can contribute to larger transformations if they challenge and unmake incumbent unsustainable paradigms, and we demonstrate how the application of the social-ecological transformation framework helps to operationalize the analysis of paradigm shifts across different levels of transformation. Empirically, we assess the contribution of Seed Commons initiatives to agri-food systems transformations, taking the case of the organic breeding association Kultursaat e.V. At the macro level, the analysis reveals that the paradigms of 'materialistic culture and growth', 'control and autonomy of humans over nature' and 'expert knowledge and specialization' are deeply embedded in the dominant agri-food system. Kultursaat challenges them by promoting alternative narratives such as agroecology, food sovereignty, farmers' rights and resilience. At the micro and meso level, we apply a set of evaluation principles that reveal the transformative character and partial transformative impact of Seed Commons. Applying the framework to agri-food systems can bring an enhanced theoretical understanding of dynamics of change into the agri-food transformation discourse, link small-scale initiatives to wider processes of transformation, and provide a systematic research approach to enhance comparability across case studies. The framework is well suited to bring together even evolving transformation literatures. Highlights: The research highlights paradigms as central leverage points for transformations. We operationalize and apply the social-ecological transformation framework. We show that Seed Commons initiatives contribute to agri-food transformations. The framework links micro, meso & macro levels of social-ecological transformation. The framework can help to structure research projects around transformation.