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Sustainable maize production and consumption in China: practices and politics in transition
Version 2 2023-06-12, 06:37
Version 1 2023-06-09, 00:20
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 06:37 authored by Adrian ElyAdrian Ely, Sam Geall, Yiching SongChina provides a stark and globally significant illustration of how changing patterns of food production and consumption (especially related to increased intake of animal protein) are creating negative impacts on biodiversity, climate, nitrogen and phosphorous cycles and the use of freshwater. However, China's rapidly growing innovation capabilities and dynamic pattern of development also offer a unique opportunity for transitions towards more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. Applying a ‘food practices in transition’ framework (Spaargaren et al., 2012), this paper discusses the technological, political and socio-cultural factors central to such systemic changes, with a focus on maize as a core case study. In particular it presents and discusses two contending (but not mutually-exclusive) pathways towards more sustainable maize production and consumption. One, which we call the ‘indigenous innovation’ pathway is framed by ‘systemic rationalities’ and characterised by a focus on R&D-intensive technologies for agricultural intensification, including the controversial use of transgenic phytase maize. The second, which we term the ‘alternative’ pathway, is framed by ‘lifeworld rationalities’ and focusses on improved management practices, shorter supply chains, agro-ecological and participatory research. The two pathways claim different environmental benefits and present different risks and political implications. This paper analyses the food practices in transition in each pathway, identifying links with shifting political conditions and pointing to the increasingly significant role of consumer agency in steering patterns of maize production and consumption in China.
Funding
Low Carbon Innovation in China - Prospects, Politics and Practice; G1217; ESRC; ES/K006002/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Journal of Cleaner ProductionISSN
0959-6526Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Issue
Part AVolume
134Page range
259-268Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-02-17First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-02-17First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-02-17Usage metrics
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