In the heart of Alabama, a team of researchers led by Nicholas R Magliocca from the University of Alabama’s Department of Geography and the Environment is reimagining how we approach the transformation of agri-food systems. Their work, published in the journal Environmental Research: Food Systems (which translates to Environmental Research: Food Systems in English), offers a novel perspective on how to tackle the grand challenge of climate change adaptation in agriculture while supporting sustainable and equitable rural livelihoods.
The research argues that to achieve large-scale, transformative changes, we need to move beyond targeting single leverage points (LPs) in isolation. Instead, coordinated interventions at multiple LPs and their interactions are necessary to create a broader system transformation. “We’re talking about a shift in how we think about and approach agri-food system transformation,” Magliocca explains. “It’s not just about one big change, but a series of interconnected changes that build momentum toward a more adaptive and sustainable future.”
The study uses the southeastern United States as a case study to conceptualize a new way of doing transformation research. This approach integrates multiple theoretical and practical perspectives to construct ‘chains’ of interacting LPs. The researchers outline several principles for transformative research, emphasizing participatory, transdisciplinary, and convergence research methods. These principles are designed to articulate a shared vision among diverse stakeholders, including researchers, community partners, and industry players.
One of the key aspects of this research is its action-oriented approach. The act of assembling diverse networks itself can activate community- and regional-level LPs to scale up changes. This means that the process of collaboration and research can have immediate, tangible impacts on the ground. “We’re not just talking about future changes; we’re creating the conditions for those changes to happen now,” Magliocca states.
The research also presents tangible examples of specific LPs and their interactions targeted by agri-food system interventions currently underway or planned. These examples provide a roadmap for how similar transformations can be achieved in other regions and contexts.
For the energy sector, this research opens up new avenues for collaboration and innovation. As agri-food systems become more adaptive and sustainable, there will be increased demand for renewable energy solutions, energy-efficient technologies, and innovative financing mechanisms. The energy sector can play a pivotal role in supporting these transformations by providing the necessary infrastructure and expertise.
Moreover, the focus on participatory and transdisciplinary research methods offers a model for how the energy sector can engage with communities and stakeholders to co-create solutions that are both technically feasible and socially acceptable. This approach can help build trust and foster long-term partnerships that drive sustainable development.
In conclusion, this research offers an ‘anticipatory’ vision for agri-food system transformation that recognizes the need to create an enabling environment for shared visions of secure, equitable, and sustainable regional agri-food systems. By embracing this vision, the energy sector can not only support the transformation of agri-food systems but also drive its own growth and innovation in the process. As Magliocca puts it, “This is about creating a future that works for everyone, and the energy sector has a crucial role to play in making that future a reality.”