Social-Ecological Resilience of Local Food Supply Chains: Collaborative Governance and the Potential Role of Food Policy Councils
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Global food systems face growing challenges from climate change, environmental degradation and socio-economic inequalities, raising interest in more sustainable, resilient alternatives. Local food supply chains (LFSCs), when managed collaboratively, offer promising pathways - but empirical insights, particularly regarding food policy councils (FPCs), remain limited. This thesis investigates how collaborative governance can support the social-ecological resilience (SER) of LFSCs, focusing on the potential role of FPCs. As part of the international Co-SFSC project, the study compares two municipalities - Södertälje (Sweden) and Karlsruhe (Germany). Guided by the Multi-Perspective Collaborative Governance Framework (MCGF), a qualitative, abductive research design is applied. Data were collected through seven semi-structured interviews (two in Sweden, five in Germany) with actors engaged in the local food systems. The analysis focuses on five dimensions: motivations, collaborative processes, institutional frameworks, outcomes, and adaptation. Findings indicate that engagement is driven by a holistic, value-based vision of sustainability, food justice and regional autonomy. Fragmented structures and limited coordination hinder cooperation, while institutional challenges include weak political support. While Södertälje has strategies and plans for food and sustainability, implementation and political anchoring remain limited. In contrast, Karlsruhe lacks clear long-term strategic direction in this area. Interviewees emphasised that cross-actor learning supports adaptive capacity, yet financial and logistical constraints persist. Inclusive, integrated strategies and regional networking show the potential for building SER. FPCs could play a valuable role by building on existing support in Södertälje and providing a neutral platform in Karlsruhe. Overall, collaborative governance structures have the potential to strengthen SER in LFSCs, but it requires sustained political commitment, inclusive coordination platforms, and long-term funding arrangements.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 51
Keywords [en]
sustainability, local food systems, governance, collaborative governance, food policy councils, social-ecological resilience
National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-47898OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-47898DiVA, id: diva2:1980554
External cooperation
KIT Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Subject / course
Sustainability science
Educational program
Master in Sustainability Science – Environment and Decision Making
Supervisors
Examiners
Projects
Co-SFSC (Co-Creation of sustainable food supply chains)2025-07-102025-07-022025-10-02Bibliographically approved