AoS Week 8 Food + Sustainability by Catherine Dolan https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs Please post your ideas, questions, comments on the issues brought up by the weekly readings here. en-us 2021-09-30 07:45:07 UTC 2022-01-07 15:22:41 UTC hello@padlet.com 655044 Nigel Jeffery 6550441 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1899549069 Using the example of agricultural development in Ghana, Rock makes the point that in a supposedly post-colonial world, in practice the old forms of imperial colonialism are often replaced by new forms of neoliberal colonialism. In this case global agri-business seeks to impose a GM biotech solution thereby denying Ghanaians food sovereignty. How do we address the often unequal power wielded by big agri-business? One way is to continually call them out to make their actions visible - through papers like this.]]> 2021-11-18 13:50:24 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1899549069 655044 Nigel Jeffery 6550441 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1899581456 Spann draws out the inherent contradictions in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of the most worrying is the idea we should solve the global food crisis by intensifying production from existing agricultural land; this intensification can only be achieved through more inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, irrigation etc.) at huge cost to non-human animals, the Climate, soils, bio-diversity, finite water-resources and small farmers in the Global South. As an alternative, we could solve the food crisis by transitioning the Global North from a meat-based diet to a plant-based diet, thereby mitigating many of the harms noted above.]]> 2021-11-18 14:02:12 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1899581456 695166 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1901830810 This paper does such important work at unpacking what we are really saying when the global north (a) lumps africa together as a starving continent, a sentiment omnipresent during the 2003 darfor crisis but not-so-shockingly continuing today, and (b) tries to do 'humanitarianism' and philanthropy but really is perpetuating neocolonialism in really harmful ways. I enjoy anything which properly exposes the Gates foundation and its problematic practices of philanthropy. 695166 Claire]]> 2021-11-19 10:57:44 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1901830810 695166- response to Nigel https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1901834503 I'm not convinced that the global norths' transition to plant-based diets will fully end the agrobusiness domination of the UNSDGs and the global norths' subjugation/ perpetuation of colonialism in the global south. I'm vegan myself so obviously I'm normally biased about how plant-based living can save the world, but in respect I think that opinion is much too optimistic. ]]> 2021-11-19 11:00:41 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1901834503 Response to 655044 and 695166 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1902365543 I'm also vegan and I agree with the fact that transitioning to a plant-based diet would have a positive impact on some of the environmental issues that the world is facing, but I also think that this - by itself - won't be enough to change the current colonial imprint of global relations. On the other hand, I'm interested in finding out more about the food sovreignity movement that Spann talks about in the last part of his article. I believe that letting local communities design their food systems and prioritizing local production could be the key to creating a sustainable future. Elena (695342)]]> 2021-11-19 15:40:39 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1902365543 686595 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1902424273 Really enjoyed reading this piece which exposed the clear flaws in the gates foundations assumptions and food development planning in Ghana. The description of development as a violent practice and the idea of colonizing stomachs through forcing a country to depend on another for food particularly stick in my mind.]]> 2021-11-19 16:06:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1902424273 694963 - response to 695166 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1902595336 I completely agree with your point in that this paper will eloquently exposed the issues we can see with philanthropy. I found the piece similar to what we've been seeing about the infrastructure of water in that the issue of scarcity isn't supply, its distribution. However, we're fed the narrative that the "answer to African hunger is GMOs". Once again, it perpetuates the wrong image of Africa as a continent as starving, and the answer to the issues is for it to be developed, or modernised to Western standards.]]> 2021-11-19 17:24:29 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1902595336 Deep ecology 694963 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1902602920 I found the part about deep ecology really interesting, as it's a buzzword I've been hearing a lot more recently - I found it shocking, but not surprising that value is given on nonhuman life, whereas the human life of the non-affluent neighbourhoods was ignored. I think we can all relate a bit to this, with experiences of seeing environmental programs which focus more on the environment than the community. Do we need to redefine deep ecology to consider both the human and the nonhuman?]]> 2021-11-19 17:28:22 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1902602920 Environmental Justice 695210 695210 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903441361 The first quote in the reading reminds me of the somewhat-recent Flint water crisis in the United States. That crisis brought about the argument that that crisis never would’ve occurred in a rich white neighborhood. This reading reiterates the fact that seeing environmental justice and food security as an issue that intersects not only with class but with race is necessary when viewing environmental justice. The reading argues that the “‘colorblind”’but ‘class-conscious’discourse on food justice” is not enough because it rejects “the legitimacy of race as a frame of understanding access and participation in alternative food networks in general” emphasizing the fact that this is not solely a class issue but a race issue as well. “‘Race evasive’ discourse” is not only unhelpful but it is harmful as it “reinforces inequalities in the food system.” I like how the reading delved into this idea that “structural violence and racism shape the food landscape” in the world today.

—695210
]]> 2021-11-20 11:02:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903441361 Reply to 694963 "Deep Ecology" 695210 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903442335 I also found this idea of “deep ecology” quite interesting. I think it’s become a somewhat common perspective among environmentalists to view and respect living things, our environment especially, as almost equal to humans due to the fact we as a human race have spent much of our recent history destroying the planet. This idea oftentimes comes with a color-blind, “innocent” approach mentioned in the reading where people are “just trying to protect the planet.” In theory, the idea of deep ecology is good, but ignoring how environmental justice ties into class and race is willfully ignorant. —695210]]> 2021-11-20 11:04:00 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903442335 695342 Elena https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903707401 The thing that shocked me the most was reading that Ghana isn't currently equipped to do GM tech in its own labs, meaning that they would require technical and knowledge partnerships with the global North. The North is therefore suggesting that they "donate" GM knowledge and "help" Ghana, by putting the country in a state of debt and dependence towards a foreign technology... I cannot believe that this could be deemed credible? Especially when we look at the ways that this project is taken forwards: through PPP (public-private partnerships), where companies like Monsanto will, without doubt, prioritize their profit interests when making decisions..]]> 2021-11-20 17:32:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903707401 George 677207 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903757320 Response to 695210
I think that the idea that structural violence and racism has shaped the food landscape is particularly relevant on a local level in this article and in the case of Flint, Michigan that you mentioned. Both relate to issues around urban planning and development, of industry and infrastructure as in the case of the highway that cut of the Fremont. Though the conceptual framing of environmentalism by white participants of City Gardens is problematic, it seems that within the context that is to be expected. I think a white community-based organisation is unlikely to voluntarily challenge the historical prejudices of the American South, and so its environmental ideology will not address race. Perhaps a Fremont community-owned project would be better placed to tackle local food security. The question of its constraints, funding and otherwise, takes us back to the structural factors that are the key here]]> 2021-11-20 18:54:03 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903757320 'Unlikely bedfellows' 685585 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903768770 What I find particularly fascinating about this case is how the constrasting views of pro and anti GM groups come together by cause of a stronger desire to fight foreign intervention and protect Ghana's sovereignty (from different viewpoints, of course). At least in Latin America, pro GM groups usually fully adopt the discourse of biotech companies and promoters from the North. MJ (685585)]]> 2021-11-20 19:14:33 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903768770 Response to Elena 685585 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903804270 I absolutely agree, Elena. I am a big follower of the work of La Via Campesina and other social movements that advocate for agroecology, as well as scholars linked to them (like Altieri and Holt-Giménez, who are quoted in the last part of the article). What I find really fascinating about LVC is that they have managed to prioritize the local production, economies and cultural practices but have also come together from very distant parts of the world and become one of the biggest transnational social movements in history. (I love their motto: 'globalise the struggle, globalise hope!)

We clearly see in this article who ends up benefitting from all-encompassing top-down approaches like SDGs. Therefore, I believe acknowledging these local diversities that you talked about is extremely important. - MJ 685585]]> 2021-11-20 20:20:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903804270 695806 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903834190 When reading the words of the City Gardeners of Summerville, I can’t help but feel that some of them have a white saviour complex and think it’s up to them to ‘educate’ residents of Fremont about gardening and food usage. I wonder if the interns would think differently if they knew about the history of heavy metal pollution in the area, or about the pre-I-4 economic situation.
 
One thing that struck me about the City Gardens model was that it presupposes home ownership – what about people who rent? This is especially common in urban areas. Overall, I think this paper demonstrates the futility of attempts to create a universal solution to sustainability and environmental justice issues.
]]> 2021-11-20 21:25:19 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1903834190 694981 694981 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904291633 The food sovereignty Spann talks about was the part of the article that was most interesting to me. It is important especially when I found out in my own time that countries doing the most to fight climate change are mostly developing countries, for example, the only one to present a proper plan (compatible with the Paris agreement) is The Gambia. Despite producing very little emissions, the country is doing an enormous job in fighting climate change by focusing on more collaborative and communitarian agriculture as well as an increase in renewable energy. I do think then that having local communities play an active role in planning food systems and emphasising local food production could be the right path towards sustainable agriculture.]]> 2021-11-21 11:18:12 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904291633 George 677207 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904296219 The developmental agenda around GM crops for me is emblematic of neo-colonialism. The idea that a seed can be intellectual property is deeply problematic. These seeds spread in the environment and can replace small-holders crops, leaving them reliant on the GM seeds owned by companies such as Monsanto. The plant breeders law extends these patents into Ghanaian law and is incompatible with Ghana's food sovereignty. The consequences of integration into 'global seed markets' has had devastating effects in India - Vandana Shiva speaks very powerfully on this issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdPBLQifcz8]]> 2021-11-21 11:24:54 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904296219 695002 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904299976 I really liked reading this piece - it showed us the tendency of organisations to preach "sustainability" or "participation" by the public when in reality that may not actually be the case. 

I also liked the part of the reading where global orders continue to deny Africa  "agency". Which also reflects over the fact how development could easily act as masked colonialism. ]]> 2021-11-21 11:29:47 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904299976 Response to 695166 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904304639 I completely agree! I think this argument also ties in with the criticisms of philanthropy - how much of it is actually "good" or just the exercise of "power"?

695002.]]> 2021-11-21 11:34:41 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904304639 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904348249 While I do agree that transitioning towards a plant-based or vegan diet would have many environmental benefits, I wonder whether it is inclusive of the multiplicity of contexts and cultures globally. I'm not convinced it alone would be an adequate solution to the problems of global food insecurity. 
(695001)]]> 2021-11-21 12:31:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904348249 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904353862 I found the concept of deep ecology fascinating. However, I was thinking about how it would relate to the ways that many indigenous cultures view nature. I believe that the global environmental movement can learn a lot from indigenous conceptions of nature, if it strives to be more inclusive and conscious of race, class, ethnicity etc. 
(695001) ]]> 2021-11-21 12:37:41 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904353862 reply to 694963 iolikaryka https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904387030 Personally I haven't come across the term of 'deep ecology' that Davenport and Mishtal mention in their article. I can also agree with your words 'shocking but not surprising' for how I felt about their paper, the socioeconomic inequality is shown clearly through the example Davenport and Mishtal studied. The fact that happily surprised me though is the paragraph about “Educating People So they’re Able to Take Care of Themselves”. I believe that this is a very important part of how our food system works and that through education there is a possibility of change, we also need to take in consideration though that education for some people is a privilege. - 695883]]> 2021-11-21 13:14:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904387030 iolikaryka https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904389860 https://soundcloud.com/upstreampodcast/eric-holt-gimenez 

I've heard this very interesting podcast recently that I believe is related to our week's readings. - 695883]]> 2021-11-21 13:17:22 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904389860 The world according to Monsanto documentary 2008 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904475233 This film explores controversies surrounding Monsanto, the biggest biotechnology company in the world, and the use and promotion of their GMOs. 695806]]> 2021-11-21 14:40:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904475233 695224 - response to 695806 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904585231 I also had this feeling that some City Gardeners had a white saviour complex. It made me cringe reading about how they believed that education was one of the main barriers to food insecurity. I was surprised by the fact that they had still not made an effort to try to understand the politics surrounding the matter in Fremont, even after experiencing the failure of their program. 
As you mention, there is no universal solution to sustainability, and the City Gardeners’ assumption that their initiatives will impact everyone equally without engaging with the socio-political context of the area, is quite gullible. (695224)]]> 2021-11-21 16:31:58 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904585231 695224 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904599570 As a student of Human Rights Law, an important topic that I constantly face is the impact of humanitarian interventions in the Global South, and the risk of human rights being used as a form of neo-colonialism. It was therefore really interesting to read about GM technology being used as a humanitarian tool, while there is actually no evidence of GMOs actually relieving poverty. It was interesting reading about how the discourse about African farmers not being already involved in global markets is similar to colonizing discourses, and how the danger of foreign companies being able to patent local seeds could be a new colonisation by the Global North. (695224)]]> 2021-11-21 16:48:06 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904599570 Reply to 695210 6951271 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904653041 Great comparison to Flint water crisis. I think the article did a great job to bring attention to the intersection of class and race when viewing environmental justice. I found it a little uncomfortable to read so many of the volunteers refusing to acknowledge the class/race issue.
(695127)]]> 2021-11-21 17:50:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904653041 Wisam Abughoush 675479 675479 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904755078 I believe that Rock's paper "we are not starving " is an important example of the postcolonial and the emerging forms of colonization .The issue of growth and development imposed by the colonial , from the colonial perspective is one form of colonial agendas .This form of development or imaginary development aims to be in the best interest of colonial and not Ghanaian .I like the ethnography study that refers to the opinions and needs of Ghanaian which is crucial in the sustainable development .The international course and image shows ghana an s starving place not revealing the resources of Ghana that are exploited by colonialism through some of the locals .The discourse about ignoring Ghanaian involvement in the development process because they are less educated or experts in the field ,or because of history of corruption is not an excuse of disregarding locals .The sustainable development is a process that should be community based and not be imposed by others for further exploitation . ]]> 2021-11-21 20:02:22 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904755078 6951271 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904774011 695127 - Enjoyed this succinct piece with the key reminder that race, power and history are essential to any discussion in sustainability, in this case, GMOs in Ghana. also relevant to the Davenport article as well - colonial and power knowledge structures are so entrenched - constant questioning of what we know is essential to move forward as a planet. 

Additionally, Gates' remark about "let their people have enough to eat" and the implication that food security is a personal choice reminds me of the food poverty debate in the UK + the free school meal debacle this year. Which is not simply having inadequate income but also incorporates class issues, welfare benefits, cuts and delays of benefits, problems with employment contracts, etc. ]]> 2021-11-21 20:29:31 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904774011 675479 Wisam 675479 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904775269 I am not sure that the transitioning towards a plant -based diet has really good benefits for the environment and creates the right balance in the environment or food security issue.Solutions revolve around power relations ,manipulation and control .While SDGs are supposed to enhance development on social ,economic and cultural level we are seeing more deterioration since 2015 .The SDG framework is vague and unclear when it comes to agriculture and the real sustainability definition .The question raised here what we are prioritizing and over what ,do we want to have more food and risk climate change ?or we want to produce less food ,sustaining climate change but risking food security .Maybe having balance and start advocating for balance is the solution for such dilemma .]]> 2021-11-21 20:31:20 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904775269 who need to be 'educated'? by 694824 6948241 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904807008 I love this article because of not only its well-word language, also its unique perspective. The investigation of the interns and employees of City Garden altered the mindset that those people knew the best way to protect the environment. ironically, they did, but only know about 'protecting the environment'. This case can also be applied to other sectors of development projects, since it has become a general problem. ]]> 2021-11-21 21:18:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904807008 Connection of Food Security and Racial Disparity (694529) https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904810275 I found it interesting about the connection of food security and racial disparity, a connection that somehow not really mainstream but in fact has a profound means to understand the bigger picture of the failure of the program.]]> 2021-11-21 21:24:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904810275 694529 Response to 695342 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904814030 I like your point, "by putting the country in a state of debt and dependence towards a foreign technology". Seems that they design it systematically to create the dependence chain which perpetuates the capital gain. I hope more stakeholders will realize their responsibility to sustain the nature and its livelihood beside their solely profit interests.]]> 2021-11-21 21:31:16 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904814030 694947 Mathew W. Banseh https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904821366 This article has pointed out a lot of issues I would like to discuss but most of them have already been discussed here. However, I would want to point out the hypocritical nature of the government officials and the scientists working for the companies which are pushing for these GMOs. The author made it clear that they did not believe Ghana needs GMOs yet in public they were campaigning for it. I don't think they are qualified to be called scientists.
Secondly, the author pointed out how the narrative is trying to portray those who are against GMOs in Ghana as people who lack education. But the author herself refers to anti-GMO as activists while she refers to the pro-GMO as scientists. Is she arguing that there were no scientists among the anti-GMO or she is buying the narrative? ]]> 2021-11-21 21:44:21 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904821366 687088 - Response to Nigel https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904827095 When we talk plant-based as a broad fix, we must consider indigenous diets. We must also consider whether we trust corporations to facilitate that shift and consider whether that shift is just a supply chain adjustment that just move the suffering from one place to another. I personally don't. Of course, There is clearly a significant moral issue in animal food production that deserves addressing. However,  In the United States many of the indigenous food and land movements are structured-and initiated on-the reclaiming of land and indigenous foodways. That includes the reclaiming of historical fishing and hunting grounds.  Often in modern vegan food movements in the US we see a top-down approach that assumes a certain amount of paternalism that may ignore individual cultural food histories.  For example, a huge corporate agricultural organization in California built a "company town" where they put a restaurant in that essentially encouraged workers to eat a plant-based diet and moved them away from culturally significant foods that might carry more than just nutritional benefits, but also comfort and a sense of home. As anthropologists we surely must understand that food carries more meaning than just its physical characteristics. And we must not assume that a single platform issue can be assigned to such a diversity of cultures and foodways across the world.]]> 2021-11-21 21:54:56 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904827095 685899 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904827914 This article illustrates the connection of food justice and social justice, how the structural violence of racism relates to food insecurity and shapes the effectiveness of alternative food systems. I found the colourblind approach of many of the City gardens workers troubling, particularly the offensive inferance that growing food 'just hasn't occurred to' Fremont residents which denies their autonomy and homogenises methods by which people are supposed to secure food. This article made me question whether there can be such thing as socially neutral sustainability endeavours?]]> 2021-11-21 21:56:22 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904827914 694669 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904828522 As I was reading this piece I thought about the recent tweet from Elon Musk about his pledge of 6 billion to end world hunger as long as the UN provided a plan. Not only is this intervention of billionaire actors from the Global north such as Bill Gates often directly harmful for communities, but Gates shows how it is harmful for knowledge production. With the example of Elon Musk, what seems like a simple comment of good- if not great- intentions to some is an effective distraction from the role these individuals play domestically and globally while furthering a Western savior complex.]]> 2021-11-21 21:57:35 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904828522 Response to 695001 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904833427 I had the same thought as you in regards to how suitable this plan would or would not be for various contexts. To further this thought I think it prompts us to consider what the general harm could be from these one solution fits all ideas proposed by the UN in various contexts.

694669]]> 2021-11-21 22:06:19 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904833427 685899 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904834843 response to 695166
I agree, this article is essentially a critical takedown of the 'violent practice' of development initiatives. What it does so well is moves beyond narratives of GMO resistance and 'donor constructed realities' of life in Ghana. The takeaway is that both Ghanaian officials and activists, despite having differing views on GMOs, demand to be heard, recognised and included in development conversations.

]]> 2021-11-21 22:09:01 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904834843 687127 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904886608 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/29/genetically-modified-food-a-step-closer-in-england-as-laws-relaxed]]> 2021-11-21 23:41:11 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904886608 Response to George 677207 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904901312 I’m also familiar with the Bt cotton controversy in India and Shiva’s opposition to GM crops, and I agree with your point about a seed becoming intellectual property. Perhaps the broader issue here is the production/commodification of nature, and we can definitely employ a Marxist lens to interrogate how and why value is extracted from crops, and the flaws of doing so. 695806]]> 2021-11-22 00:02:20 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904901312 response to 695342 (by 694824) 6948241 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904903711 I agreed with you that sovereignty in some way can be the key, but I have an interesting reflection on this solution: why UN and other organizations didn't think about that? 

it seems that sovereignty is an answer to everything in anthropological debates, because nobody knows better than themselves. but if it was such an obvious answer, why are there still inequalities, poverties, and racism around?  

Sovereignty can't be a practical solution if the social and political context are not considered. Thus, it may suggest a new role for international organizations such as UN, that to create an environment for sovereignty, instead of making decisions for others. ]]> 2021-11-22 00:05:30 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904903711 Sen 694624 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904907503 This article critiques the notions of sustainability and poverty reduction in the UN’s SDGs which encourage ‘’sustainable intensification’’ and global market participations. This means farmers' scaling up and by implicitly saying that farmers can reduce poverty and increase food supplies by engaging with the global markets by producing more. But there is a lack of discussions about mechanisms and methods involved with ensuring the quality of the produce and how farmers within the same global south country can benefit from this approach equally, at least as equally as possible. However, by saying ‘helping to reduce dependency and insecurity on a volatile global market system’’, I wonder if the author is pitting against globalization and calling for a more closed agribusiness climate in the global south? Can the crisis of capitalist inequalities in the global market system be fixed with the growth of food sovereignty?

]]> 2021-11-22 00:09:46 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904907503 687127- Response to Elena 687127 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904933552 Like Elena, I was surprised to read that Ghanaian activists aim to "harness new technologies" while no lab in the country is equipped to undertake GM modifications. In the meantime, in 2020, the contested Plant Breeders Bill has been made into law, prompting enthusiastic announcement from AGRA (https://agra.org/news/enabling-ghanas-private-seed-sector/). Through "genetic use restriction technologies"  Ghanaian farmers could become completely dependent from foreign GM suppliers for their seeds and the specific chemicals needed to grow those seeds. 
The Bill has now been appealed (https://www.fian.org/en/news/article/ghana-govt-told-junk-law-that-may-lead-to-criminalizing-farmers-28760)
 
  ]]> 2021-11-22 00:33:35 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904933552 Elena 687127 687127 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904959534 The programs described in this article (Parramore Food Market and City Gardens) seem "imposed" on the locals, who are resisting: "the market is small and rarely utilized" (p 61) and residents have not allowed CG to install gardens on their plots. The market has closed permanently since, which I read as an act of resistance against the City Gardeners paternalistic attempt to educate the Fremont residents. This reading made me think of the green gentrification processes we read about in week 5 and how environmental improvements take place in ways that do not meet the needs of the local community. "Good intents" end up being very detrimental!

]]> 2021-11-22 00:55:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1904959534 "What we rather need is investment in roads, warehouses, manage post-harvest loss" 695003 6950033 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905353088 This article has uncovered a completely new dimension to the SDGs and the members in the power nations working towards SDGs. The issues faced by Ghanians is a great example of how global solutions get built and designed without the beneficiary included at any stage of the research, planning or execution.  Zero practice of the true sense of "human-centred / user-centred". This write up positioned Gates and his efforts in a very different light. Eye-opening. 

-Harish 695003

]]> 2021-11-22 05:43:02 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905353088 695003 — Response to 687127 6950033 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905359923 Thanks a ton for sharing this link to FIAN. gave me a lot of interesting content to go through. Completely aligned with you on how strange it is to invest in tech when the nation is not equipped to do so. Wondering if this is also due to coercive foreign investments flooding in to push for this. 

- Harish 695003]]> 2021-11-22 05:49:11 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905359923 Response to 695883 694981 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905568032 694981
Just listened to this, was very interesting to learn more about how food was commodified through the market capitalistic economic system. Thanks for sharing! 
]]> 2021-11-22 08:18:34 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905568032 683385 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905628878 'protecting the earth': a phrase I found particularly interesting in relation to socio-political conflicts. It's something which can be seen in places like Cornwall where the celtic fantasy and esoteric practices (which are all brilliant in some ways) are bound up with extinction rebellion and a sense of 'protecting Cornwall' as a 'heritage site'. This tends to side step the extreme poverty in areas like Red Ruth post mining industry: as a recent report shows that food poverty in Cornwall is at an all time high in poor working class neighbourhoods. When it comes to simple provisions and human rights such as food and housing, it seems these are the first things to be waylaid when a new shiny sustainability program is implemented. Although my point does not address the racial issues brought up in the article it's something that came to mind as an issue at home, one which is also bound up in issues of nationalism and white washing. I think within all these contexts the term 'deep ecology' should be reassembled to contain approaches such as 'deep care' and 'deep listening'. ]]> 2021-11-22 08:55:11 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905628878 Response to Harish 6948712 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905634003 Agree that it really was an eye-opening new perspective on SDGs and BAU approaches to sustainable futures. Not going to lie the readings this week have left me feeling quite deflated. It's just frustrating to read over and over again about how neoliberal thinking continues to blame marginalised communities and overlook wider socio-economic issues and root causes. This really highlights the need for people centred solutions that not only recognise, but also include, specific community needs. 
Amy, 694871]]> 2021-11-22 08:58:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905634003 Ghanaian position(s) 686258 Nana https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905634094 I appreciated that Rock's article shared the various views towards GMO in Ghana and shared the reasoning behind each position. The main opposition towards GMO coming from the potential threat on Ghanaian farmers and livelihood. 

This article reflected the general sense of distrust that many Ghanaian have for foreign entities trying to "improve" and "help" Ghana and Africans in general - this distrust stems from the negative affects of colonisation on African (and black people in general). And rightly so. Nii a Ghanaian former encapsulated perfectly in his comments.

In response to Nii's comments there's a sentiment that Ghanaians are essentially saying, if you want to contribute towards what we are already doing, it must be done on our terms. We do not need you to dictate how resources should be used and what for. We have minds of our own. Don't overstep the line. What we have is good. We are good - thanks...respectfully.

So much more to be said on this but will save that for tutorial :-)]]> 2021-11-22 08:58:20 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905634094 Kavita 694599:
 Bit of a tangent, but the Gates Foundation's neoliberal white saviour PR strategy stood out to me like a sore thumb through this paper. While the Foundation's media manipulations are not a new story, this paper helped me understand just how insidious mainstream philanthrocapitalism has become through the voice of the so-called credible media. This is an investigative report that covers this subject if anyone wishes to read more on this. https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905634318 2021-11-22 08:58:30 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905634318 Response to 694963 on "deep ecology" https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905647323 Deep ecology was a new term to me. I also found it odd that people would value the environment over humans. I'm all for making positive environmental impact but certainly not at the expense of people. It raises the question, is it possible to have a positive impact on the environment if people are not thriving? And is it possible for people to thrive is we do not make positive changes to our relationship with the environment? I would argue no to both.
686258 Nana ]]> 2021-11-22 09:06:52 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905647323 6948712 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905651208 Really depressing read. What was most disturbing to me was seeing how BAU some of the approaches are to addressing the SDGs. Spann has me questioning whether some of the SDGs have been created and altered with capital gains in mind. For instance, adding nutrition to the agenda and seeking to solve it with fertilisers that would damage the environment and hinder progress to other SDGs. 
Time for more inclusive solutions to sustainable development that aren't rooted in neoliberal ideology and don't assume greater knowledge than locals. 
Amy 694871 ]]> 2021-11-22 09:09:23 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905651208 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905651619 response to 695224
fascinating to read your assessment and findings that this was conclusive material for many other situations in the global south (as a human rights law student). In this case (and not an isolated one as you say when it comes to the north's treatment of the south) Ghanian farmers and even scientists are seen to lack the knowledge they need to keep themselves alive! Big celebrities like the Gates seem to think they have the ultimate answer and proceed to bulldoze their way through under the guise of care and consideration, but actually for profit. 
Another example of how the green revolution needs to be decolonised, and perhaps reveals how 'degrowth' and its policies of localisation and indigenous knowledge is the better path. 683385
]]> 2021-11-22 09:09:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905651619 686948 eliza hamer https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905689157 I really enjoyed Davenport's article. Mainly for the way it made me think about the socio-economic inequality and socio-racial structures at play when we address our food systems and food security. Davenport articulates the interconnection between food justice and social justice and climate justice reminding us that there is no one framework to such sustainability projects. We must focus on the human before one can make positive environmental impact.
Can sustainability actually be socially and politically neutral? no, for each case, space, community, environment is different.

]]> 2021-11-22 09:33:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905689157 696134 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905690857 I found all 3 essential readings very enlightening and it's been very useful to read papers which are addressing issues around sustainability that have been largely unaddressed, apart from by environmentalists, for decades. There can not be environmental/climate justice without social/racial/gender justice as we know - the capitalist system and neoliberal economics approach has/is creating a level of globalised inequity that requires system change to address it. My overarching concerns with the 17 SDG's is that they have been created within the current hegemonic system and the goals cannot be achievable without radical change. It reinforces my concerns about the United nations and the sphere in which they operate. ]]> 2021-11-22 09:34:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905690857 Davenport https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905696903 I found this piece incredibly interesting as it encourages the reader to challenge ecological movements that are widely considered to be ‘good’ and beneficial to society but are instead innately exclusionary of particular communities and fail to understand wider socio-economic issues and issues of food justice. Davenport highlights that although many environmentalists are well-intentioned, there is a tendency to believe they have a role as an educator to pass on their knowledge, without acknowledging what many communities already know. This piece weaves together the issues of structural racism and inequality within the issues of urban community growing and how the latter can be used to perpetuate structural racism and violence. 626705]]> 2021-11-22 09:37:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905696903 696134 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905720162 I found this paper really interesting and very much appreciate Davenports call to anthropologists to contribute to a more socially just formulation of sustainability and food security efforts. There are so many community food growing projects in London, and though different in many ways from Florida, there are also similarities - environmental groups (XR being one of the most prominent) and even the Green party, have been criticised for their white, middle class beginnings which have led to growing challenges in the green movement around true inclusivity. This paper has made me reflect on how the community based, grass roots approach to social change may reinforce structural inequalities without a level of praxis by the participants and the need for an approach where equal outcomes are the goal - not 'equal opportunities'.]]> 2021-11-22 09:51:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905720162 in response to 695166 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905736396 686948. Eliza. 
I totally agree with your points here and this generalisation of Africa being one country not a continent of multiple countries, cultures, communities, lands, soils. In Ghana, Rock defines their struggle against GM foods as their struggle for freedom, independence and self sufficiency. This quick fix of GM tech being used as a humanitarian development tool to relieve poverty. 
I like the way Rock places the role of tech, philanthropic foundations and also large scale agri business together - to explain how both is as problematic as the other. I join the Ghanians fight for an agriculturally sufficient future. Their Food systems are defining their population, food systems which are dominated by large agribusiness and neo-colonial structures, which make it impossible for smallholder farmers to become part of the global market. 
As Nigel mentioned how do we address this unequal power of agri-business beyond the academic field?

]]> 2021-11-22 10:00:51 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905736396 696134 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905740406 Ghana is able to produce sufficient food using farming methods that we may need to adopt to address the issue of food production, partly due to climate change, and partly more local sovereignty around sustainable practices of food production. We need to move away from the massive, 'market driven' agri-businesses as they do not serve us well. I was shocked to read about the purposeful creation of the illusion of food shortages across African countries to the benefit of a handful of billionaires and their corporations. What motivates the Gates Foundation has always been very questionable - including their connections with GMO food production methods. Colonialism through the back door. I would like to see Rock's conclusions from this paper as front page news.]]> 2021-11-22 10:03:21 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905740406 Jake Clarke: 695008 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905760604 I found the concept of sustainable intensification interesting: the approach to increase productivity on agriculture with sustainable positive impacts. Especially when this pro agri-business narrative is used to promote the production of export commodities, and therefore excluding ideas for alternative, potentially more 'sustainable', agricultural systems. As Spann argues, this has a direct effect on the prosperity of the national economy and realization of the goal of sustainability development of mankind.]]> 2021-11-22 10:16:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905760604 627782 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905769113 Clapp - ...Trade-ification...
Understanding the reasons why the WTO and other neoclassical economics driven institutions argue for a free trade supported sustainability agenda further develops my understanding that food and its social and material production, to the WTO etc., is just one of many abstractions of finance and trade, the environment a further abstraction still. As emphasised by Clapp, the current scope of localised sustainability and food sovereign movements is highly restricted due to the WTO etc's dominance and push for more - and more liberal - world trade.]]> 2021-11-22 10:22:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905769113 (627782) response to 695342 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905790198 The similarity between material aid and technological, knowledge and discourse based aid is of concern. As we know, food aid is a political tool of power. With a sweeping brush we can say 'by governments to governments'. The latter aid would be (like you mentioned) Private to public aid. As implied above, the benefits are not the aid but the power returned. Nonetheless, the technology and knowledge should be made available, and the bill proposed in the article would make the market saturation by the big companies more difficult. I am worried to hear that instead the Plant Breeders Bill was passed]]> 2021-11-22 10:36:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905790198 637370 Roshni https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905795569 The quote "our stomachs are being colonised" is what impacted me the most from this reading. In a global world, there are so many global infrastructural avenues in which to colonise and over power other nations. Whilst the Global North puts forward this notion that they are indeed helping, the Global South feel very differently towards outside modes of intervention, seeing it as a persistence of colonial discourse. It very much reiterates for me how global issues should be tackled with local focus, taking into the lives, perspectives and lived realities of those leading the way for sustainable modes of food production.]]> 2021-11-22 10:40:35 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905795569 694880 6948801 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905800582 i really liked how short and concise this piece was! I found it interesting how there is an acknowledgement by Ghanian officials who  know they "can feed ourselves" and yet they remain to force the narrative of food scarcity and reinforce incoherent perceptions of Ghania being "unscientific" to ensure global private donors provide humanitarian funds. It's interesting how they work the system that way. I also found it interesting that AGRA weren't anti-capitalist, I found my assuming naturally a grassroots movement like this would be opposed to the system as a whole but this was not true at all, they wanted to protect farms rights and oppose the plant breeders bill. activists and scientists alike aren't against technological modernisation as such. but then it makes me think, if there is an issue of distribution of food between the north and south (food security) then surely systemic structural violence will in future fall into the narrative? are there not contestations between activists and scientists in the north and south if access to food security is not the same?]]> 2021-11-22 10:44:04 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905800582 Response to Elena 695342 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905803920 I completely agree with your point on letting local communities design their food systems. To add on to that, I believe it was in an Attenborough documentary where he attested that humans should aim to consume a lot less meat and dairy and look local in their production and consumption of food. Enabling this would surely help in moving towards a future where the Earth is not completely destroyed, but would require sacrifice on the part of most of the Global North. Whilst ideal, I wonder if it would prove to be a realistic solution unless it was enforced top down..
(Roshni 637370) ]]> 2021-11-22 10:46:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905803920 Jake Clarke 695008 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905805736 2021-11-22 10:47:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905805736 695021 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905808888 I havent been able to finish the article but I am deeply excited to talk about issues of food security. I took a class on it one time during lockdown and it really opened my eyes to the way food is another form of capitalistic gain in comparison to a human right. Really powerful and painful!

]]> 2021-11-22 10:49:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905808888 Response to George 677207 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905810024 Brilliant point raised regarding the colonial aspects to GM, and it’s use by the elite as a form  of political governance. Vandana Shiva spoke powerfully especially on the impacts on Indian’s farmers lives, calling it a ‘genocide’. Furthermore, she mentioned that GM threatens to silence the knowledge of the earth, traditions, and women. This links back to Rock’s article as he argues the expansion of GM seeds neglects the vital indigenous seed systems, and agricultural knowledge.]]> 2021-11-22 10:50:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905810024 695021 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905813677 Yeah I have never heard of deep ecology. I think I need more time with this concept!!!]]> 2021-11-22 10:52:54 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905813677 694880 6948801 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905824375 this SDG is everything i thought it would, this article just reinforced my disillusionment towards sustainability which has been co-opted to justify continued capitalism expansion! I agree with the conclusion that there needs to be local powers fighting for food sovereignty on a grassroots scale, but i can't see the adopted of a vegan lifestyle in the Global North without a complete change in what we conceive to be the 'good life'. so long as good is synonymous with consumption i think it would be virtually impossible to alter food behaviours in the west even during times of "food scarcity". ]]> 2021-11-22 10:59:56 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905824375 Rock, Ghana and GMO https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905825214 Rock writes very interestingly regarding the role of GMO within post-colonial, modern Ghana; specifically, it is highlighted how there is a persistent push and pull between the global north and south regarding agency. It was fascinating to learn how Ghanian academics and scientists essentially push against this attempt of control by asserting "independence" and "self-sufficiency" whilst heavy entagled within the political and economic context of north-dependent development. Essentially, I feel that the use of GM technology within the agrarian development context continues to show signs of subtle colonial influences that continue to disempower those they claim to be helping. (612049)]]> 2021-11-22 11:00:28 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905825214 In response to 695008 by 694599: Sustainable Intensification was an interesting term for me to read and understand as well. As market-oriented approach towards agriculture intensifies so does the need to create narratives that outweigh capabilities and focus on inputs for production. As I read through the paper, the term increasingly started feeling almost oxymoronic as the balance shifts significantly towards being productionist through intensification rather than invest in local/regional approaches of sustainability. https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905835009 2021-11-22 11:07:30 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905835009 694922 - Ryan https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905843197 The ideas in this paper are quite provoking and do well to summarise the key issues in making environmental solutions that are fit for everyone involved - sometimes, a solution in one place does not create the same effect in another. The idea of violence is one that is threaded throughout the three key readings. 
I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on how this violence can be de-legitimised; do mainstream environmental activist groups do enough to advocate for all groups affected?]]> 2021-11-22 11:13:16 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905843197 Reply to 695210 by 694827 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905875105 Being from Michigan I find the connection to the flint water crisis really interesting. I know Flint is used frequently as a textbook example of environment racism, because as you said the crisis never would have occurred in a rich white neighborhood. I think the flint crisis highlights the type of environmental racism that is most recognizable and easy for people to identify, which is the effects of environmental degradation being disproportionally felt by communities of color. I think this article also highlighted another component, which is the exclusion of POC from so called 'sustainable' solutions. City Gardens not only failed to acknowledge the history of segregation that has caused the discrepancy in food security between the two neighborhoods, they worked under a white savior complex that positioned themselves as the experts. ]]> 2021-11-22 11:35:21 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905875105 Reply to 694669 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905876250 I thought about that tweet Elon Musk tweeted as well. Your point about knowledge production and how the interference of billionaires is directly harmful for communities got me thinking.  (695995)]]> 2021-11-22 11:36:01 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905876250 694827 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905908836 I found this article gave really important insights into the colonial components of agriculture development in Africa and the deliberate methodologies done by Western agribusinesses. In reference to the importance of deconstructing these methodologies, the article stated "Interrogating language allows us to
understand how, for instance, accusations of “anti-science” become racialized discourses, used not only to reflect the supposed “faulty knowledge” of Africans, but also to reinforce colonial power and knowledge structures." Corporations such as Monsanto are presenting GMO research as not only a solution for 'starving africans' but also maintaining that their definition of sustainable agriculture is the only one based in science, which I strongly disagree with. ]]> 2021-11-22 11:58:06 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905908836 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905910876 I loved how the article talked about the many standpoints on the argument of GMO in Ghana. The article really did do all standpoints justice and gave good reason behind them. I also like how the article drew from history and made me reach the conclusion that the effects of colonialism by the west will always influence the countries that were colonized in positive and negative ways. The distrust from the people of Ghana is also justified. (695995)]]> 2021-11-22 11:59:37 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905910876 694880 6948801 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905915588 this was an easy read which was nice! i liked how it really explored in detail the intersectional issues surrounding sustainability to emphasise the failures of non-political action ]]> 2021-11-22 12:02:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905915588 694922 - Ryan https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905919097 Two things stood out in this piece: the notion of food sovereignty & the 'colonial networks' in food systems. This article highlights the organised system of powerful actors who collaborate on achieving dominance over 'developing nations'. I agree with both 694669 & 695995 in their discussion on philanthropy. What strikes me is the language often used by these philanthropists when referring to their ventures - treating Africa as a single country, painting an image of the Western scientists and the Other smallholders. Bill Gates (amongst others) is a serial user of these terms and this piece explains the unfortunate contradiction between action and attitude in philanthropic work such as his.]]> 2021-11-22 12:05:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905919097 694899 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905922220 This piece does a great job at encapsulating how neoliberal international economics has in many ways taken over the role of colonial systems, creating dependency on the North and utilising condescending narratives to justify its own existence. This is where the "starving Africa" concoction comes into play, honestly reminiscent of some "white man's burden" rhetoric from 100 years before.

It also really raises questions about the true nature of philanthropy, both in its condescension and also in how its objectives intertwine with neoliberal profit motives. ]]> 2021-11-22 12:07:32 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905922220 Response to 677207 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905927257 I very much agree with your point regarding GM crops being emblematic of neo-colonialism. Seed saving allows communities to take back the power from large corporations such as Monsanto who are monopolising and commodifying seeds.

https://www.gaiafoundation.org/what-we-do/seed-sovereignty-uk-ireland-programme/]]> 2021-11-22 12:11:09 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905927257 695106 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905930838 I agree that plant-based diet might not be a way out as the core is the problematic of the bulk production of food with the unjust allocation mechanism making some people not being able to have the access of essential food. Massive veggie plantation could harm the environment too and failure of allocation system could keep people starving. ]]> 2021-11-22 12:13:46 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905930838 694899 - response to Nigel and 695166 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905934998 I'm inclined to agree with your response here. I think moving towards a plant-based diet globally would be incredibly beneficial, but it's missing the forest the trees I think. Global neoliberalism as the norm allows agro-business (and honestly many other types of companies as well) to imperialise the global south and exert a lot of influence at bodies like the UN.

To truly succeed in their agenda, the SDGs need to address real global economic power dynamics, and the world at large needs to find a new economic "consensus" that isn't just neo-colonialism. ]]> 2021-11-22 12:16:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905934998 683783 6837832 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905935801 While I wasn't surprised reading this piece, I was particularly saddened knowing that organizations assume people in these communities are ignorant or unwilling to create sustainable systems in the community when in reality they have already been doing so for years. Davenport notes that there are already community gardens in Fremont and that the people within this space have already come together for the benefit of their community--just like is often the case for most aspects from wellness to protection.Just think, what would happen if the systems put into place by residents were supported instead of trying to introduce new, revolutionary systems?]]> 2021-11-22 12:17:19 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905935801 What is Justice https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905943020 This article is important for understanding how individual organizations can act as facilitators of particular community identities and structures through the ways that they engage in "activism". In Black Food Matters, Ashanti Reese identifies “three approaches to justice: radical grassroots justice, policy-oriented justice, and punitive justice”  She notes that “various configurations of justice can have widely differing implications for racial and economic justice.” Taking an "objective" approach to food justice that ignores past and present realities can-even if done in "good faith", can actually be tools that facilitate passive approaches to activism that allow white supremacy in agriculture and food justice movements to take on a more passive approach resistance. Most often these passive activist organizations are not run by the individuals who are the victims of white supremacy. Case in point with the organization in this article]]> 2021-11-22 12:21:57 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905943020 695065 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905943317 This paper presented a convincing critique of SDGs and shows how they do more harm than good by advancing the interests of large agricultural corporations. I kind of read it as agricultural examples of the term sustainable being co-opted by big corporations and neoliberal capitalism. 
I was expecting more about issues with the term sustainability, but that was only really mentioned at the beginning. I also agree with many of my classmates that the mention of food sovereignty towards the end of the article was one of the most interesting parts. Focusing on the agency of local communities and ensuring they have a say and can reduce their dependency on the global market it definetly the way forward.

]]> 2021-11-22 12:22:09 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905943317 683783 6837832 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905946170 I noticed that it can be so easy to be seduced and caught up in the 'brilliance of science' and how it can revolutionize communities. It's so easy that you almost forget the norms, violent history, and socioeconomic expectations that underpin these systems. And then you're pulled back into reality with quotes like " "We are made to believe that our food is no t good, the food that we used to feed our children is not nutritious.” Echoing Susie, Nii suggests that development interventions are racialized and create a situation wherein Ghanaian food and agricultural systems are denigrated as unhealthy" (19).  Same forms of oppression just with a new face. ]]> 2021-11-22 12:23:58 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905946170 reply to 695106 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905949045 Yes I agree with this response to everyone talking about plant based diets. I agree it would be beneficial, you cannot deny the negative impacts of animal agriculture. but I am wary of over emphasizing individual behavior change, especially when this whole article is about big agribusiness causing harm. Narratives about plant based eating tend to put the burden on the individual to solve the problem which rubs me the wrong way. (695065)]]> 2021-11-22 12:25:47 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905949045 694922 - Ryan https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905949716 The discussion so far is highlighting many key points but I'd just like to add another from a discussion that I had as a Business undergrad:

What is often not mentioned in NGO approaches to food sytems is the link between agriculture, financial systems, governance and land acquisition. The difficulty, in purely practical terms, of completely committing to the SDG's is that they consider the needs of consumers in the market through the lens of the market itself i.e. what the market can provide. Attempting to mediate this through states ignores any changes in domestic policy or local governance, automatically assuming power within food security to the market - to corporate agri-business entities. Although the SDG's provide a framework, in practice this creates a struggle for power. NASFAN is the realisation of this as governments accept measures to benefit their own economic and productive figures, at the expense of some domestic powers.]]> 2021-11-22 12:26:12 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905949716 683783 6837832 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905952791 There have been countless systems of gaging a 'civilized' community from a 'straggling' community, all of which merely serve to justify colonialism and oppression. During the reading I couldn't help but latch onto this argument: " the move from agriculture to urbanization follows a modernization theoretic ‘stages of growth’ framework where, ‘countries follow evolutionary paths that can move from one country type to another’. Whilst...the ‘evolutionary’ nature of this envisaged move through the stages may seem like a naturally occurring process, it is not natural and actually part of a continuing political and ideologically driven development project " (362). I thought with this Spann set up a powerful tone with which to continue exploring the arguments made throughout the rest of the article and our understanding of these systems as a whole. ]]> 2021-11-22 12:28:00 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905952791 658729 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905966173 This article reminded me of an article from a few weeks back by Melissa Checker (2011) about 'green' urban sustainability projects. In that instance, as well as in this one, the projects took a stance which ignored social factors and were both ultimately 'race-blind'. The impact, in both cases was to undermine the effectiveness of the projects introduced. Therefore, lessons can be learned from these examples in the problems associated with ignoring a 'socially just' approach to sustainability. ]]> 2021-11-22 12:36:14 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905966173 response to 675479 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905974601 Yeah I totally agree that the sustainable development is a process that should be community base instead of being imposed by  others. And we should be really careful with the discourse they are using. Like in this paper, sometimes a so called advanced technology can be used a humanitarian tool to actually reinforce to colonization order.
Tingting Ye 695184]]> 2021-11-22 12:41:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905974601 696262 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905976781 The quote "they are colonising our stomachs" as others have said also really made me think. It just shows how the colonial powers and structures are still so present in pretty much everything. In this case the food sovereignty of Ghana and through humanitarianism and philanthropy. I found it interesting reading the flaws of the Gates foundation which represents neo-colonialism.]]> 2021-11-22 12:42:15 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905976781 658729 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905977789 For me, this paper was really effective in elucidating the neo-colonial practices that are ever-present in 21st century. In this instance, not only do we see the homogenisation of Africa into a single context (something Euro-American's has been guilty of for decades now), but Rock also shows how agri-business acts in ways which deny Ghana food sovereignty - something many people there are opposed to. These powerful corporations, often with government sponsorship/funding impose their power on countries under the guise of 'helping them.' But often, as this article shows, there is a lack of appetite for this - something, it is important to note, that is lacking in mainstream media coverage of 'philanthropic projects' such as that of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation...]]> 2021-11-22 12:42:46 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905977789 695184 Tingting Ye https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905993357 The paper makes me rethink about the genetically modifies foods back in China. For example, the super hybrid rice, developed by Dr Yuan Longping and is said to produce enough food for about 60 million more people every year. Back in China, every time I read news about the hybrid rice, it is always depicted as a great innovation that it helps to feed more people in this country and thus I have never thought about looking at this technology in this perspective. To think about how it might be indicative of the ideology behind it.]]> 2021-11-22 12:51:19 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1905993357 694929 Jiageng WANG 6949291 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906024632 It is an intereasting parper to make us concentrate and rethink what's happening in Africa. I went to a lecture on Sunday happenly talking about Africa. For the world and Africa themselves, the most important thing is to break out a profiling. However, Rocks reveals that the common imagination on Africa is in some ways made by powers in developed countries.

I found it important to recognise the neocolonism and find the core questions in African develpment.  ]]> 2021-11-22 13:07:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906024632 Reply to Tingting 694929 Jiageng WANG 6949291 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906048226 Referring to the example of Yuan Longping and super hybrid rice. A notion worths noticing is that in China the hybrid rice and Yuan are usually combined with patriotism in propaganda. It's similar in Africa in Rock's paper, the biotechnology combing with philanthropy. It is interesting how the technologies are connected to ideologies.]]> 2021-11-22 13:18:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906048226 Waste https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906077615 Really eyeopener vision of the food system in the context of Global South's "development". The message "we are not starving" is really powerful. It is mentioned that the amount of food produced is more than the amount needed, the real problem is the rotten food. The waste of resources in creating GMO-based food when there is no infrastructure to maintain and distribute properly. In response to 694669 is incredible to think about how disoriented is the approach to "help". Specially from well-known entities and its respective power on making messages. 

696601 Tito

]]> 2021-11-22 13:29:54 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906077615 696247 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906127553 Span highlights the problem with the SDG goal that is based on neoliberal perspective of development as it is driven by boosting productivity and production in agricultural practices. The sustainability of this approach is questionable as it is also at the core of today’s climate problems that assumes (or ignores) the fact that there is finite resources on our planet. 

Argues that the evolutionary path where countries modernised in stages of growth is not natural. It requires the migration of out farming as a path out from rural poverty. Isn’t it ironic that one of the most crucial part of our survival is seen as ‘backwards’? 
]]> 2021-11-22 13:48:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906127553 696519 response to 694880 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906144685 I agree with your reading of the passage and found the following sentence illustrative of this view "Thus, the IFA recommends supplementing fertilizers with essential micronutrients to produce more nutritious food with added Vitamin A, zinc, and iron. Such proposals intersect with an increasing interest in biotech industries in enhancing foodstuffs in the name of addressing micronutrient deficiencies whilst also being strongly aligned to the productivist discourse of closing the yield gap in developing countries. These then may be considered as part of a new profit frontier for value chain agriculture that is controlled by global capital" (p.368) 696519

]]> 2021-11-22 13:55:29 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906144685 M.A. Salihi 695819 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906155581 What a piece, what an article. But contrary to Susie's claims that "We are not starving", Africa is starving. Ghana may not be starving but most part of Africa is really starving. Sustainable ways, rather than using GMO's should be thought of and developed if people don't like the GM's.]]> 2021-11-22 13:59:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906155581 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906156478 The dominant approach within the vision of development and scarcity is that of a production problem, not a distribution problem, and for this reason the SDGs rely heavily on the new frontiers of agriculture. I believe that what is demonstrated in this text is of great help in highlighting the problems arising from this type of vision. 696519]]> 2021-11-22 14:00:03 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906156478 response to jake clark https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906157067 interesting tedtalk. these days healthier food is always more expensive. I supposed the pricing is due to the economies of scale. Crops that are more 'efficiently' produced via genetic modification are cheaper and accessible to more people regardless of their possible effects to society. (696247)]]> 2021-11-22 14:00:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906157067 696259 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906197653 I found that this article soke volumes about the nature of post colonial relationships between African nations and Foreign corporate interests. The ways that a laissez faire capitalist ideology benefitting the world's rich has become synonymous with 'progress', and that state institutions are so closely linked with 'corruption' shows how the exploitative nature of the development industry is justified. ]]> 2021-11-22 14:16:13 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906197653 694741 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906220024 This article really contrasts how a bottom-up, decolonized approach to food security might be the most effective at tackling the devastating effects of climate change in the African continent. The rhetorical arguments used by philanthropists and international organisations undermine the precolonial sustainable management of resources in Africa. It is precisely these 'outside interventions' that have disabled a bottom-up discourse to even be implemented in a post-colonial reality. ]]> 2021-11-22 14:24:31 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906220024 In response to 694529 (694741) https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906238634 African environmental philosophy insists on the idea that “we are the environment and the environment is us: we are united and identify with nature”. In other words, you can't take the human being out of its natural environment. Trying to come up with technical policies that mask the predominant role of humans in the environment is dangerous. This seems especially the case when the historical relations between humans and nature follow the lines of racial segregation. This article clearly indicates that we ought to understand the human-environment linkage before we even think of coming with some sort of 'know-it-all' solution that complexity undermines human responsibilities in the deterioration of the natural environment.
 
]]> 2021-11-22 14:31:31 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906238634 Arrogance/Ignorance of Some Development Programmes 2357861 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906334552 235786  - Darla Rudakubana

This was a good read. The key things that stood out for me were the perspectives of the interns and staff behind City Gardens, as well as their push to fulfil donor requirements/conditions. This example (though this is a local/smaller initiative) reflects 2 major issues I personally find in the development space: 1) The Saviour mentality that usually limits development workers to see beyond their (sometimes) ineffective initiatives and allow room for a deeper understanding of their target group/ redesigning or designing programmes that better suit the needs of their target group. 2) Heavy reliance on donors with little understanding of programme objectives but enough financial influence to divert focus/skew otherwise effective initiatives. ]]> 2021-11-22 15:08:52 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906334552 In line with Wisam's Comment / The illusion of GM demand. 2357861 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906378661 235786 - Darla Rudakubana

I agree with Wisam's point about development/imaginary development not being in the interest of Ghanaians. 

The fact that AATF and AGRA were established to create the illusion of GM/GMO demand in Africa paints a grim picture in terms of efforts to rethink food security. These organisations are the dominant voices and therefore strong influencers in agriculture on the continent.

]]> 2021-11-22 15:26:32 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1906378661 694536 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1908910928 Following the reading, I've just been in a bit of a fix over things that are so obviously out there to be critiqued are framed in such positive light that they tend to escape that criticism. As someone earlier had written perhaps they are new forms of emerging 'colonialisms'. After all, narratives of progress and civilizing the world were bought by many people as noble missions as well. The role of local collaborators has always been important and perhaps in this case with the AATF and AGRA provide that 'native' face that provides organizations such as the Rockefeller group more legitimacy in the area.

Now, its another narrative that the Rock reading has outlined as being inherently problematic to say the least. 

I was however wondering if either production or distribution is the issue, is there a way to bring in more small scale farmers into this 'sustainable' mode of production or is the entire system of production (which does require a large array of infrastructure) just subtly pushing them towards extinction.

And yes! Stated many times already and yet such a prominent part of public discourse, Africa is not a country!]]> 2021-11-23 17:07:43 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1908910928 Reply to 695224 696256 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1911371525 Definitely agree with all these points, particularly also found it so interesting how scarcity and the image of the 'starving'/'dark continent' is evoked as such a generalising discourse that evades much criticism under the banner of being well-intentioned - and how this article particularly highlighted this by using Ghana as a case study where this simply wasn't true! I also enjoyed the ways in which the 'unlikely bedfellows' (as another phrased it) of the anti-GM protesters alongside Ghanaian scientists advocating for GM tech complicated and challenged what might otherwise be viewed as a 2-dimensional issue of who's 'pro' and who's 'anti'. (696256)]]> 2021-11-24 22:07:56 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1911371525 Echoes of Week 1 696256 https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1911376224 I really enjoyed this article, and was particularly struck twice in it by echoes back to subject material covered in the readings of Week 1. 

First, the problems inherent in the diversely variable definitions of sustainability itself: this is really highlighted here in the problematisation of the adoption of a definition of sustainability which is conceived of through a capitalist/extractivist architecture which prioritizes the growth concerns of global agribusiness. 

Second, I found it really interesting that the author links this vision of sustainability to a twin vision of the world moving towards increasing urbanisation and moving 'out of' agriculture (in the sense that it still exists in trad small holdings, if I understood it right...). This to me really echoed concerns over E.O Wilson's proposals made in Half Earth, which while advocating for the protection of wild spaces, does so by calling for more and more of the human population to live in urban centres, the lifestyles which are the most resource hungry. (696256)]]> 2021-11-24 22:13:50 UTC https://padlet.com/cd171/2wq2jgg8c7ami6fs/wish/1911376224