Transitioning towards a sustainable food city
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 31 July 2019
Issue publication date: 6 December 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a case study of a capacity building project and critical reflection in relation to transitioning to a sustainable food city.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study research approach was adopted involving two research initiatives: first, a survey to elicit stakeholders’ understanding of sustainable local food, with a view to creating a shared agenda and informing future strategic direction and second a combination of research approaches, including paired discussions, generation of pictorial outputs and a workshop, aimed to inform the future vision and mission of the Partnership.
Findings
Collaboration with stakeholders through a variety of research initiatives has facilitated the development of a sustainable food city partnership, with the overarching aim of achieving a transition towards a more sustainable food system. Moreover, collaboration has contributed to the transition of the Partnership to ensure sustainability and continuity after the initial funding stage.
Research limitations/implications
While universities have an important role to play in guiding direction and shaping new community initiatives for sustainability in their regions, the challenges, resources and time involved may be under-estimated; these projects take considerable time to yield fruit.
Practical implications
The findings of the study will be of interest to those working in the community to promote education for sustainable development and better food systems.
Originality/value
This paper addresses a gap in the literature in relation to universities and their collaboration with key stakeholders in building capacity and contributing to local sustainability transitions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Juliet Memory and Dawn Birch for their earlier interest in this project.
Citation
Quest, J., Shiel, C. and Watson, S. (2019), "Transitioning towards a sustainable food city", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 20 No. 7, pp. 1258-1277. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-09-2018-0159
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited