New programme on Global Food Systems

19 november 2008

WOTRO is currently developing a new research programme Global Food Systems that focuses on the worldwide connection and inter-dependency of food supply. The programme aims at sustainable solutions in the food chain. It wants to develop new technologies in collaboration with (small-scale) producers and consumers and it suggests necessary institutional reforms. 

The programme's integrated approach is intended as an innovative and daring contribution to the Millennium Development Goals, and looks in particular at addressing Poverty and Hunger from a society driven perspective. The interdisciplinary research can concentrate on specific themes, groups, institutions or geographical relations providing it uses a global system or chain perspective on food issues.

A committee of experts is currently preparing a first draft that will be further elaborated in close collaboration with international and national partners and stakeholders. The committee consists of:

  • Prof.dr.ir. M.A.J.S van Boekel (Wageningen University), food technology, product design and quality management, chair
  • Dr. K. Blokland (Agriterra, agri-agency for international cooperation), agriculture and economics
  • Prof. dr. L.J. de Haan (Leiden University and Africa Studies Centre, human geography of developing countries
  • Prof dr. S.M. de Jong (Utrecht University), physical geography and GRS
  • Mw. dr. C.F.A. van Wesenbeeck (Centre for World Food Studies, Free University), economics

The committee proposes the following issues that need further study:

  • The effects of land, soil and agriculture on food production, with a focus on food supply and in Africa on addressing the specific local conditions and highly diversified soil compositions.
  • The complexity of food chains from consumption to production (rather than vice versa), including institutional arrangements and how people cope in difficult systems.
  • Impact of global dynamics on food production and food technologies, including technological food safety and quality and the socio-cultural factors that influence food consumption and production.

WOTRO invites partners and stakeholders to collaborate in developing and/or co-financing research on Global Food Systems. Through Open Calls the programme encourages high quality and interdisciplinary research in partnerships between researchers from the Netherlands/Europe and South as well as with relevant stakeholders and private partners.

For any further questions, please contact Cora Govers (tel 00-31-70-3 440 673; e-mail govers@nwo.nl).