Grassroots Special Section: 'Post-growth food systems for a Just social-ecological transition within planetary boundaries'. Edited by CE Nedelciu, M Oostdijk, LG Elsler, JB Hinton, K Benabderrazik

Building solidarities and alliances between degrowth and food sovereignty movements

Authors: Michaela Pixová (Charles University & BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences) , Julia Spanier (Utrecht University) , Leonie Guerrero Lara (Utrecht University) , Jacob Smessaert (Utrecht University) , Katie Sandwell (Transnational Institute) , Logan Strenchock (Central European University) , Inea Lehner (ETH Zürich) , Jan Feist , Lisa Reichelt , Christina Plank (BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences)

Abstract

Degrowth and food sovereignty movements share commitments to social-ecological transformation, democracy and the flourishing of human and non-human life. Encounters between the two movements have been relatively limited, however. This contribution is based on a literature review and a workshop held at the 9th International Degrowth Conference in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2023, where activists, academics, and practitioners collectively explored alliance formation between degrowth and food sovereignty movements. It explores the barriers, gaps, and differences in their political and organizing traditions that may block opportunities for collaboration in different contexts. It also investigates cases of mutual support and collective organizing for transformation already in existence.

Keywords: degrowth, food sovereignty, alliance formation, social movements, social-ecological transformation

How to Cite: Pixová, M. , Spanier, J. , Guerrero Lara, L. , Smessaert, J. , Sandwell, K. , Strenchock, L. , Lehner, I. , Feist, J. , Reichelt, L. & Plank, C. (2025) “Building solidarities and alliances between degrowth and food sovereignty movements”, Journal of Political Ecology. 32(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.2458/jpe.5841