Using Social Networking Analysis to Measure Changes in Regional Food Systems Collaboration: A Methodological Framework

Authors

  • Libby O. Christensen University of California, Davis
  • Rita O'Sullivan University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2015.053.013

Keywords:

Collaboration, Evaluation, Local Food Systems, Regional Food Systems, Social Network Analysis

Abstract

This article presents a methodological approach to studying and evaluating increasingly complex regional food systems. Social network analysis has been used to measure collaborations in health and education and is potentially a tool for regional food systems. The authors demonstrate the methodological advantages of using social network analysis to track changes in collaboration over time, illustrated through a case study of a multitiered, three-year food systems project in North Carolina. There are multiple benefits of using social network analysis; for food systems two of the most useful are its ability to create illuminating visualizations of collaborators, and its ability to use inferential statistics to evaluate significance of changes in food system projects.

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Author Biographies

Libby O. Christensen, University of California, Davis

Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis; 1 Shield Avenue; Davis, California 95616 USA.

Rita O'Sullivan, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Evaluation, Assessment & Policy Connections, School of Education, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Peabody Hall; Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516 USA.

Published

2015-06-18

How to Cite

Christensen, L. O., & O’Sullivan, R. (2015). Using Social Networking Analysis to Measure Changes in Regional Food Systems Collaboration: A Methodological Framework. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 5(3), 113–129. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2015.053.013

Issue

Section

Open Call Paper