Degrowth as a plausible pathway for food systems transformation

Abstract

Food systems require urgent transformation towards social and ecological sustainability. Degrowth posits a radical pathway of transformation to reduce ecological impacts while increasing well-being and reducing inequality. Here we highlight that degrowth and food systems—albeit both linked to transformation—are not well integrated. We conduct a conceptual exploration of the potential alignment between key food systems and degrowth transformation measures, arguing for complementary and reciprocal perspectives to theorize and enact transformation. Finally, we offer concrete practical actions to integrate degrowth and food systems, thereby widening the narrative and analytical lens of social–ecological transformation. To address the view that degrowth and the food system are not well aligned, this Perspective offers concrete practical actions to integrate the two, thereby widening the narrative and analytical lens of social–ecological transformation.