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Paper short abstract:

This paper argue that in the face of widespread ecological crisis, addressing epistemic injustice is one of the most viable resource to sustainability and premised on the assumption that indigenous ways of knowing and practices are equally (if not more) viable and effective.

Paper long abstract:

Indigenous Peoples ways of knowing and transmission of knowledge have been branded as irrational and primitive. The privileging of one single perspective as epistemically authoritative and legitimate have caused the destruction of the many other equally (if not more) viable and legitimate ways of knowing or epistemic injustice. This necessitates the moving away or out of the dominant epistemic frameworks.

As a case in study, this paper will analyse some traditional/indigenous process of knowledge generation and transmission among the Mao Naga People, an Indigenous community in North East India. The Mao Naga People have designed systematic ways of reading the occurrence of and the potential amount of rain that the region is likely to receive in a given year early on. Accordingly the appropriate timing for sowing seeds, choosing the right crop based on the weather conditions predicting the weather/climatic condition is planned. The community live in close proximity with nature have its own way of determining the delicate man-animal balance and systems are in place to maintain this balance.

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate, with appropriate examples (practices) the effectiveness and significance of indigenous knowledge and practice and thereby challenge the dominant western Eurocentric perspective as the only authoritative and legitimate epistemic framework. The paper while highlighting indigenous knowledge and practices among the Mao Naga People will also be a project in decoloniality and throw light on the larger indigenous narrative in understanding and mitigating climate change and indigenous practices in sustainability.

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Paper short abstract:

The study looks at the socio-economic drivers of food security among smallholder rural household maize farmers in Ido Local Government of Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data was used to collect information from One hundred and twenty respondents. Data were analyzed using Logistic regression model.

Paper long abstract:

Socio economic drivers of food security among maize farmers. The results revealed that majority (71.67%) of the respondents were male which implies that farming in the study area was pre- dominantly concentrated by male. 65.83% of the respondents were married while 70.83% of the respondent were between the age brackets of 41 years and above with an average age of 54 years. This is an indication that most of the respondents were in their economic active age. Household size was negatively significant at (p

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Paper short abstract:

This paper analyzes historical data, identifies challenges, and proposes adaptive strategies for sustainable agriculture. Crucial insights for policymakers and practitioners to bolster food security in a changing climate.

Paper long abstract:

Climate change poses a significant threat to global food security, with developing countries like Ghana particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects. This paper examines the intricate relationship between climate change and food production in Ghana, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges and potential adaptation strategies. The study employs a comprehensive analysis of historical climate data, agricultural productivity trends, and socio-economic factors to assess the impact of climate change on Ghana's food production systems. It explores the manifestation of climate change through altered precipitation patterns, temperature extremes, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, affecting crop yields and livestock productivity. Furthermore, the paper investigates the implications of these changes on food availability, accessibility, and utilization within the Ghanaian context. The research emphasizes the importance of adaptive measures and policy interventions to enhance the resilience of Ghana's agricultural sector in the face of climate change. It proposes a holistic approach that integrates sustainable agricultural practices, technological innovations, and community-based initiatives. By synthesizing scientific data, socio-economic analysis, and local perspectives, the paper provides insights into tailored adaptation strategies that align with Ghana's unique agro-ecological conditions. Ultimately, this study contributes to the global discourse on climate change and food security, offering valuable lessons for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working towards building resilient food systems in the era of climate uncertainty.

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Paper short abstract:

An ethnography on intergenerational relations in an indigenous community in a changing local food system. Moving beyond the food security outcomes, this paper expands the understanding of food systems by focusing on social welfare outcomes and their implications for sustainable food systems.

Paper long abstract:

The sustainable food systems agenda has increased interest in various dimensions of food systems. Moving beyond the normative goal of food security, this paper is an empirically grounded argument for using intergenerational relations in understanding the social welfare outcomes of a local food system. Drawing on ethnographic research with the indigenous farming community in western India and its changing livelihood opportunities, this paper examines the shifting power structures within the local food system. Evidence suggests an increasing revival of traditional food systems and intergenerational solidarity, albeit growing tensions around cultural expressions and autonomy. The transitioning food system exposes new forms of vulnerabilities and highlights the implications for the sustainable food systems agenda.

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Paper short abstract:

I want to bring in a new perspective to research on food sovereignty and political ecology and focus on how justice and rights can be stretched to include multiple socio-economic factors. I would also discuss the long-term impact of the market and capitalist economy on vulnerable communities.

Paper long abstract:

This paper employs a political ecology framework to explore the apparent shift from swidden to capitalist agriculture among the Dongaria Kondhs in Rayagada District, Odisha, India. Political ecology proves instrumental in unveiling the intricate dynamics between humans and nature, inherently politicized by power imbalances in resource distribution. The study investigates the impact of capitalism and neoliberal markets on tribal food, ecosystems, and the emergence of the local food sovereignty movement. Despite the prevailing notion of capitalism leading to indigenous dispossession, the research reveals that the Dongaria Kondhs navigate capitalism, preserving agroecology, food diversity, and traditional practices. The study also delves into the evolving relationships between Kondhs, Dalits, OBCs, and non-tribal classes, shedding light on the complex interplay of class, caste, and tribe in capitalist transitions. Ultimately, the research unveils the resilience and adaptation of tribal communities within the changing socio-economic and ecological landscape. It concludes by arguing that certain inherent changes in the food sovereignty movement itself and necessary adaption to local realities are crucial in determining the actual impact of this movement on the tribal ecosystem.

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Paper short abstract:

This proposal explores evolving power dynamics in Sudanese food systems following the recent outbreak of conflict in April 2023. How do humanitarian and development actors engage with local food systems and food sovereignty at the height of conflict?

Paper long abstract:

What does empowerment and food sovereignty within a food system mean for a development intervention? Particularly within a protracted and complex crisis like Sudan.

The project “Strengthening Inclusive Partnerships for Smallholders in Rain-fed Areas” (SIPRA) was originally designed in 2022 to improve household food and nutrition security through sustainable, resilient, and fair economic development of smallholders and SMEs in the rain-fed agriculture areas in Darfur and South Kordofan. However, with the outbreak of conflict between the SAF and RSF in April 2023, the project had to adapt to an increasingly complex operating and access scenario, as well as perceptions, priorities and needs amongst project participants in areas of intervention.

Within this context, SIPRA continues to aim at building a solid foundation for sustainable change through investing in equitable local economic development focusing on the land and its people. SIPRA relies on a bottom-up and inclusive process that empowers people at all institutional levels to take responsibility for their own development.

However, given the rapid change in context after the outbreak of the conflict, the questions arise: 1. How has this affected power structures within the food systems in the areas of intervention? 2. How has this been accounted for through the adaptive program management and conflict sensitivity practices?

This proposal aims to set out policy recommendations based on how the project has experienced engaging with a participatory processes in pursuit of better outcomes from a food system within the context of a challenging and ever-changing context.