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- Info
Food Systems and Environment: Building Positive Rural-Urban Linkages
| Author: |
Francis, Charles; Lieblein, Geir; Steinsholt, Havard; Breland, Tor Arvid; Helenius, Juha; Sriskandarajah, Nadarajah; Salomonsson, Lennart |
| Date: |
2005 |
| Periodical: |
Human Ecology Review |
| Abstract: |
Urbanization increases the physical and mental distances
between urban and rural residents and separates city
people from knowledge about where and how their food is
grown. We recognize an increasing interest in diet and health,
as well as the environment, yet at the same time most urban
consumers focus only on product quality and price in the supermarket. Broader issues of environmental health and the
economies of families where their food originates are external
to most food buying decisions. In most industrialized countries,
less than 5% of the population produces food, and there
is a relatively secure food supply. When consumers are distant
from where food is produced, many lose any appreciation of
food systems, become indifferent about agricultural landscapes,
and are unaware of the multiple ecosystem services
provided by rural areas. This is part of a general de-contextualization of the modern market and monetary focused societies. Contextualization and positive linkages between urban
and rural people can be built, however, by promoting local
food systems and establishing connections to the rural landscape.
Viable examples of positive linkages include on-farm
direct sales, community supported agriculture and farmers’
markets, locally grown food in supermarkets, and ecobelts
that help to link rural and urban areas with activities of common
interest. Urban people who are closer to their food supply
can become more engaged and informed consumers who
will support an ecologically-sound food production system, as
well as appreciate a healthy multifunctional rural landscape. |
| View: |
Food_Systems_and_Environment.pdf
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