Researching Diverse Food Initiatives: From Backyard and Community Gardens to International Markets

Jenny Cameron
Sarah Wright

This editorial introduces the papers that form this special edition on Researching Diverse Food Initiatives. The papers had their genesis in a series of sessions held at the Institute of Australian Geographers annual conference in September 2009. The sessions sought to draw together research on existing alternatives to mainstream agriculture and to further understand the role of research and researchers in contributing to the movements they study. This editorial focuses on two themes arising from the papers: the plethora of diverse food initiatives from across the globs; and the role of research in helping to strengthen this diversity. The papers in the special issue showcase research that uses very different approaches, including modelling, empirical description, and action-oriented research, and both quantitative and qualitative techniques, to contribute to building sustainable food systems.

Suggested citation

Cameron, J. & Wright, S., 2014, ‘Researching Diverse Food Initiatives: From Backyard and Community Gardens to International Markets’, Editorial for Special Issue, Local Environment: The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability, 19(1), 1-9.