Paper short abstract:

Through reflexive monitoring we supported the diverse partnership Rotterdam de Boer Op! to enhance transformative impacts of and reflexivity in the program. We are sharing the challenges and successes of the program and of engaging with reflexivity.

Paper long abstract:

Food consumption is among the largest drivers of the ecological impact of cities including biodiversity loss. In response to this issue, "Rotterdam de Boer Op!" was launched in 2021. It is a 6-year collaboration of 25+ partners aiming to make Rotterdam's food system more nature-inclusive and local while reconnecting people with the rural areas that support their livelihoods. The partnership is unique in that it includes both nature conservation groups, sustainable food system pioneers and large incumbents.

As the need for sustainability transformations grows, there is a demand for practical insights into how such diverse partnerships can contribute effectively. Therefore, we (DRIFT) joint the partnership as action-researchers. Through reflexive monitoring, we aim to instill reflexivity with three goals in mind: enhance the transformative impact; identify and share learnings; and address systemic barriers to food systems transformation. In this session we aim to share the challenges and success of the program as well as our challenges in embedding reflexive monitoring. Examples of those challenges are:

How to trigger meaningful interactions between food system pioneers and established organization within this diverse partnership?

How to deal with plural imaginaries of the desired future and the path towards that future?

Who to involve and how to create ownership of reflexive learning questions?

Idea for the session: instead of a (paper) presentation I would love to engage in a dialogue on challenges in a mixed panel with both researchers and practitioners – I could bring someone from Rotterdam de Boer Op!