Challenging power relations in food systems governance

A conversation about moving from inclusion to decolonization

Abstract

This reflective essay explores power relations, with a particular focus on racialization, that flow through dominant forms of food systems govern­ance, with an aim to create more participatory gov­ernance models. Four of the authors asked a group of five scholars, activists, and practi­tioners (also authors) who identify as Black, Indige­nous or People of Color (BIPOC) to discuss dur­ing a conference session issues of Indigenous food sovereignty, decolonization, Whiteness, and inclu­sivity in food systems governance. This paper pre­sents and analyzes the content of the session, part of the 2021 Global Food Governance Conference. We reflect on common themes from the session and put forth recommendations: encouraging greater inclusion in existing forms of food systems governance, achieving decolonization through cre­ating diverse new governance models, and address­ing the deeper power structures that underpin the dominant food system itself. We also suggest a research agenda, with the “what” of the agenda unfolding from a process of agenda development that centers BIPOC scholarship. The frameworks offered by the panelists are a starting point, as more work is needed to move towards decolo­nizing food systems governance research. Finally, a collaborative agenda must attend to the inextricable links of food systems governance to other funda­mental issues, such as the emerging field of planetary health.