Transformation for food sovereignty: reclaiming citizenship - empowering civil society in policymaking (Part III: Chapter 5)

The food sovereignty paradigm affirms the fundamental right of peoples’ to define their food and agricultural policies. This implies that food providers and consumers are directly involved in framing policies. However, existing decision-making and policy processes that are based on models of representative democracy are inadequate for transformation towards food sovereignty. A more discursive and direct democracy is now needed for citizens to exercise their right to participate in decision-making.

Processes that can help reclaim active forms of citizenship have been explored in this chapter—including learning from the rich history of face-to-face democracy, strengthening local organizations, using the potential of community controlled media (digital video, radio, press, internet…), and engaging in deliberative and inclusive processes (DIPs) that can significantly enhance citizen voice and agency in decision-making today. Learning how to nurture citizenship and competence to act in the public interest is also emphasized throughout this chapter.