Participatory future visions of collaborative agroecological farmer-pastoralist systems in Tanzania

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Date

2023-01-09

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems

Abstract

Agroecology is increasingly promoted as a way to create just and sustainable farm- and food systems. Although there are multiple initiatives to scale up agroecology, current socio- political structures often hinder its potential to transform food systems. This study uses participatory approaches to create paintings that envision agroecological futures in the context of increased farmer-pastoralist collaborations in Tanzania, how they would function, and what political action is needed to support such futures. The visions are based on focus group discussions with agroecological farmers and pastoralists, and a multi-stakeholder workshop with farmer and pastoralist repre­ sentatives, innovative food system actors, and researchers. We find that the envisioned transformation of the food system would lead to positive effects on farmers’ and pastoralists’ income, autonomy, long-term planning, and producers’ and consumers’ health. We conclude that new policies and financial support systems are needed to enable the expansion of agroe­ cological farming and food systems, by increasing the availabil­ ity of organic markets, supporting domestic botanicals production, and by creating more inclusive and just food value chains.

Description

Journal article

Keywords

Sustainable food systems, future visions, sustainable pastoralism, conflict mitigation, agroecological transformation, participatory art

Citation

Emma Johansson, Respikius Martin & Kenneth M. Mapunda (2023) Participatory future visions of collaborative agroecological farmer-pastoralist systems in Tanzania, Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 47:4, 548-578, DOI: 10.1080/21683565.2023.2165592