Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development

Municipal food systems planning in Sweden

Malin Andersson, Madeleine Granvik, Rebecka Milestad — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Municipal food systems planning, which involves integrating different food policy areas and collaborating both within municipalities and with external food system actors, is increasingly recognized as essential for building resilient food systems. While local governments globally are giving greater attention to food systems planning, practical gaps persist and barriers to transformation remain underexplored. In Sweden, municipalities hold extensive food-related responsibilities, ranging from public meal provision and public food procurement to spatial planning, contingency planning, and the promotion of sustainable development. This provides a relevant and interesting context for examining local-scale food systems planning. Drawing on an institutionalist view, recognizing the interrelationship between structural factors and agency in planning processes taking a particular focus on context, interviews and document analysis were conducted to investigate food systems planning in three Swedish municipalities. We focus on identifying key barriers and enablers, and we examine their collaborations with regional food system actors. The municipalities employed three distinct approaches to food systems planning: emphasizing local food procurement, working through food-related projects, and implementing a local food strategy. Across all cases, committed officials—whom we refer to as “food champions”—were found to be central to advancing transformative efforts. Barriers included constraints linked to regulations and limited time and resources, particularly regarding the procurement of local food. In contrast, having a local food strategy provided mandate and direction, supporting both internal and external collaboration. Project-based work enabled innovation but suffered from unstable funding and limited long-term continuity. Regional actors played a crucial role in facilitating collaborative platforms and knowledge exchange. Together, these findings emphasize the contextual interplay between structural and agential factors in advancing municipal food systems planning, and how they act as barriers or enablers. The findings highlight that in addition to developing local food strategies, local food systems identity and norms, collaborative routines, strong political support, resources for implementation, and officials responsible for coordinating food systems planning in the municipality, are key enabling factors.

Opportunity costs and agricultural transformation in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes the socioeconomic dynamics and land-use practices of small-scale Shuar farmers in Taisha, Tuutinentsa, and Macuma, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Based on surveys of 43 cacao producing households, we analyzed perceptions of well-being, land allocation, and livelihood diversification. Households typically include five to six members and rely on diversified portfolios combining cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), plantain (Musa × paradisiaca L.), livestock, forest, and off-farm activities. Gendered labor divisions are present: men are more involved in marketed production and commercialization, while women play central roles in chakra-based agroforestry management, food provisioning, and household economies that reduce cash expenditures and strengthen food sovereignty. Average farm sizes range from 31 to 40 hectares, with forest and pasture, with smaller areas allocated to perennial and short-cycle crops. These patterns reflect multifunctional strategies balancing income generation, risk management, cultural continuity, and environmental stewardship rather than single-crop optimization. Agriculture and livestock constitute the main income sources in Taisha and Tuutinentsa, whereas Macuma ex-hibits greater economic diversification due to proximity to urban markets. High transportation costs and limited infrastructure constrain profita-bility. Reported cacao yields are lower than pro-vincial and national averages; however, chakra-based systems prioritize multiple outputs beyond yield, including food security, ecosystem services, and cultural values. Opportunity cost analysis sug-gests higher short-term returns for peanuts, while cacao remains central due to its larger cultivated area. These findings highlight the complexity of Indigenous agriculture and the need for culturally grounded development policies aligned with soci-oecological realities.

Understanding college food insecurity through the lens of the theory of planned behavior and social stigma

Brianna E. Mallozzi, Manan Roy, Alisha Farris, Alisa T. Duong, Ayron E. Walker — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Intention to use food pantries is a persistent factor in food access among college students, yet how stigma, individual beliefs, and behaviors influence usage remain understudied. This study utilized the theory of planned behavior to examine the relationship between self-perceived stigma, attitudes, normative beliefs, and perceived behavioral control, and their influences on intention to use food pantries. A mixed-methods, 51-item branched survey was administered online to a convenience sample of students (N = 173) at an Appalachian North Carolina state university. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between pantry usage intent and perceived self-stigma, and key theory of planned behavior constructs: Attitudes, Normative Beliefs, and Perceived Behavioral Control. Results showed that higher Normative Belief and Perceived Behavioral Control scores were positively associated with intent to use food pantries. In contrast, higher Self-Stigma scores were inversely related to intent, indicating stigma to be a significant barrier. These findings suggest that increasing communication, accessibility, and normalization of pantry use could improve student food access. Overall, the study highlights how stigma and individual beliefs influence help-seeking behavior among college students, and the importance of methodical dissemination of resources and normalization of such help-seeking behaviors (through empowerment counseling support) to enhance the use of food pantries. Further research should explore similar dynamics in other university settings and evaluate the theory of planned behavior as a framework for understanding food access behaviors.

Challenges and barriers in food supply chains

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Food supply chains in the southern border counties of Texas and New Mexico face persistent disruptions driven by environmental, infrastructural, socioeconomic, and policy-related stressors. Understanding these challenges is crucial for informing coordinated efforts to enhance regional food systems. We conducted a scoping review to identify and synthesize evidence on challenges and barriers affecting food supply chains in the region. Peer-reviewed articles and grey literature published between 2014 and 2024 were searched and appraised using the AACODS framework. Nine sources met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed to characterize cross-sectoral challenges spanning production, aggregation, distribution, and retail systems. Findings reveal a set of interconnected barriers shaping regional food supply chains. Environmental stressors, including drought, aquifer depletion, extreme heat, and conflicts over water governance, limit agricultural productivity and increase reliance on external suppliers. Infrastructure gaps, particularly shortages of aggregation hubs, cold storage facilities, and transportation networks, further constrain efficient movement of goods. Cross-border dependencies, such as inspection delays, regulatory shifts, and policy uncertainties at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry, exacerbate systemwide vulnerabilities. Finally, retail-access inequities in rural colonias, where many communities rely on small outlets with limited refrigeration and constrained inventory capacity, interact with structural affordability barriers, limiting the availability and variety of fresh, perishable foods. Across sectors, food supply chains in the Texas–New Mexico border region are shaped by cascading challenges that span environmental stressors, infrastructure deficits, and cross-border policy volatility. Upstream disruptions in water governance, labor stability, and aggregation capacity amplify transportation costs and downstream retail constraints. These findings identify actionable priorities for regional decision-makers, including strategic investment in cold-chain and aggregation infrastructure, coordinated binational port and inspection processes to reduce spoilage risk, and workforce-stabilization policies that support small- and midscale producers.

Emancipatory scaling: Strengthening locally led AR4D innovation processes

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Agricultural research for development (AR4D) increasingly seeks to scale innovations that can transform food and agricultural systems. Yet scaling is still often framed as a technical exercise of replicating solutions, expanding reach, and delivering measurable outputs. This viewpoint argues that such approaches underestimate the political, relational, and context-dependent nature of systems change. They risk privileging funder and institutional priorities, overlooking local realities, and positioning communities primarily as adopters rather than as actors with authority to shape innovation pathways. In response, we introduce the concept of emancipatory scaling. Drawing on emancipatory research traditions, responsible innovation, and responsible scaling, the concept shifts attention from scaling solutions to transforming the conditions under which scaling takes place. Emancipatory scaling is characterized by meaningful participation as co-control, reciprocal accountability, community agency over research agendas and outcomes, recognition of diverse knowledge systems, and sensitivity to socio-ecological interdependencies. . . .

Estimates of food insecurity among Cooperative Extension employees at a southeastern land-grant university

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Food insecurity among public health professionals is an underexplored issue with implications for workforce well-being and program delivery. Although Cooperative Extension (CE), the applied outreach arm of land-grant universities, plays a critical role in advancing food systems and community health, little is yet known about the food security status of CE employees themselves. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity among CE employees at a southeastern land-grant university using data from a 2024 cross-sectional survey (N = 95; 12% response rate). Food security was assessed using the USDA Household Food Security Module. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between food insecurity and sociodemographic, work-related, and financial resilience (absorptive capacity) variables. Over one in five respondents (22.1%) reported experiencing food insecurity. Higher absorptive capacity (AOR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.0006-0.16) and educational attainment (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.17-0.92) were significantly associated with lower odds of food insecurity, while income and job classification were not. Food insecurity was significantly linked to self-reported poor physical and mental health (p < 0.05), and 23% of respondents reported using at least one nutrition assistance program. These findings revealed that economic vulnerability exists within a key public health workforce, and underscore the need for institutional policies that support employee financial resilience and food access. By addressing food insecurity among CE employees, both workforce wellness and the effectiveness of community-based programming may be enhanced.

Minding the implementation gap

Gaudy Solorzano-Morera, Elizabeth Durango-Cohen, Weslynne Ashton — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Values-based institutional food procurement (VBIFP) aligns institutional purchasing with shared social values, including sustainability, nutrition, and equitable supplier inclusion. Using a mixed-methods approach combining a survey of 189 producers with stakeholder interviews, this study examines producer readiness, participation, and systemic barriers to VBIFP adoption in the U.S. Midwest region, with particular attention on small-scale and ethnic-minority producers. Despite growing adoption of values-based procurement among public institutions, many producers whose operations most closely embody these principles—small-scale, sustainability-oriented, and ethnic-minority suppliers—remain largely excluded from institutional markets. Minimum volume thresholds and certification mandates emerged as the most significant barriers to participation. While small-scale and ethnic-minority producers were more likely to engage in values-based practices like cultivating culturally relevant crops and implementing sustainable practices, entrenched procurement norms centered on cost minimization continue to limit their market access. Technological limitations and the lack of supplier aggregation further restrict VBIFP adoption. Integrating resource-based and institutional theories, this study provides empirical evidence showing how producer resource constraints interact with coercive procurement rules and normative practices to exclude values-aligned suppliers. Actionable policy and procurement recommendations―including values-aligned scoring, flexible contracting models, and cooperative aggregation partnerships―can expand equitable participation in institutional food markets.

Social, cultural, political, and human capital perceptions by young food system professionals

Beatrice O. Nyarko, David Conner, Meghan Cope, Kate Mays — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Community Capitals (CCs) model has been applied to numerous food systems and community development efforts. This paper utilizes the CCs framework to understand how it informs the operations of food system organizations in Vermont. We focus on four capitals without clear units of measurement: social, human, cultural, and political. These capitals have been highlighted in previous research as being less commonly and easily identified by food systems stakeholders. We conducted interviews with 10 early-career professionals across the state. The purpose of the inquiry was to measure how our respondents understand these capitals and how they underpin the respondents’ work. Questions focused on how respondents and their organizations define and operationalize these four capitals and their roles in food resilience. Respondents emphasized the value of investing in collaborative relationships, recognizing experiential knowledge, supporting advocacy efforts, and actively addressing equity concerns. This study contributes to a broader understanding of how CCs support resilient food systems. Future research could further explore how to address diversity gaps in food system networks and promote collaboration.

“We use it … and we need it now”: An assessment of internet and technology use among farm owners and managers

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Many agricultural producers live and work in rural areas that have been left behind in broadband internet expansion. A lack of digital inclusion of agricultural communities can stymie agricultural producers’ participation in e-commerce and marketing, use of precision agriculture, and access to information. To better understand how farm owners and managers access the internet and their digital skills, we conducted a mixed-methods research project using focus groups (N = 4) with participants (n = 26) living in four North Carolina (NC) counties in 2023. We used thematic analysis to qualitatively analyze the focus group data. To quantitatively assess emerging themes, we then conducted a survey of farmers (n = 113) at a statewide farm show in NC in 2024. We calculated descriptive statistics for the survey data, including demographics (gender, race, crops or livestock produced, acreage farmed) and experience with devices, social media, and troubleshooting. We identified three overarching themes: (1) experiences with internet and digital technologies; (2) impacts of internet access and digital technology, including farmers’ reflections on the critical need for internet connectivity for farm operations and perceptions of negative consequences of not having adequate connectivity; and (3) sentiments toward internet, specifically farmers’ frustration with the current state of connectivity options and opinions on initiatives to improve connectivity. Findings reveal an imperative for better digital inclusion of farms and agricultural communities across NC.

Connecting local food system actors for climate-friendly public catering in Germany

Annika Fricke, Franziska Bürker, Pia Laborgne, Sarah Meyer-Soylu, Eva Wendeberg — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Climate-friendly nutrition is a pivotal subject for the future. The Climate-friendly Cafeterias (CliCa) project was initiated as a one-year transformative and transdisciplinary initiative to support the Karlsruhe (Germany) Climate Protection Concept 2030. Linked to this, the transformation goal of CliCa was to implement climate-friendly and sustainable measures (referred to as ‘levers’) in local cafeterias. These measures included increasing the share of organic, regional, seasonal, vegetarian, and vegan food, along with reducing food waste. The research goal (research question) was to identify the barriers for implementing levers. This was accompanied by the educational goal aimed to raise awareness among cafeteria staff and guests. The article presents the transdisciplinary design, addresses the research question, and evaluates the transformational goal by presenting outcomes (changes within the project duration) and impacts (changes after the project duration). Within the CliCa project, a heterogeneous network consisting of up to 40 actors was established, with a core group of 11 institutions engaging in regular participation. Two open questionnaires (N = 10 and N = 9) were conducted during the project’s duration, and eight follow-up interviews were conducted two years after the project’s conclusion. The data analysis revealed 10 key barriers to implementation and several measurable changes related to the identified levers. The most frequently cited barrier was ‘Guest acceptance,’ followed by ‘Missing/unclear framework conditions,’ ‘Lack of money,’ and ‘Higher price.’ The majority of barriers were mentioned in relation to the lever ‘Increasing the use of organically produced food.’ The findings of this study indicate that individual levers and barriers are interrelated and should be addressed in combination. With respect to the transformation goal, we con-clude that establishing a stakeholder network with a focus on peer-to-peer counseling is particularly effective when participants encounter similar chal-lenges and operate under comparable systemic conditions, such as infrastructure, acceptance by cafeteria guests, and economic frameworks.