Collaborative training school explores food systems transformation

PhD researcher Ankitha Manohar reflects on the “Feed, Care, Protect” training school as part of the collaborative PhD platform.

The training school was part of the Feed, Protect, Care Global Collaborative PhD Platform with the University of Montpellier, the University of Pretoria and the University of Leeds. It was hosted by Escola Superior de Agricultura, University of São Paulo. 

The immersive programme brought together scholars and practitioners to explore innovative strategies for food policy and governance while offering valuable insights through field visits to local initiatives. 

Ankitha Manohar reflects on the experience and its impact. 

Ankitha and peers from Universities of Leeds and York at the University of São Paulo. Credit: Ankitha Manohar

Local food policies 

The training school provided a comprehensive overview of local food policies and their implementation. One of the most thought-provoking sessions was a lecture on agroecology by Roberta Moraes Curan, which laid a strong foundation for understanding the broader context of sustainable food systems.  

This lecture emphasised the role of social participation in shaping public policies and illustrated the challenges of integrating agroecological principles into mainstream agricultural frameworks.  

It provided a lens through which we approached every question during the field visits, particularly regarding sustainability and inclusivity. 

Nancy Thame, Secretary of Agriculture and Food Supply of Piracicaba, also outlined strategies to enhance food security through sustainable practices and participatory governance.  

The school feeding programme (PNAE) was highlighted as a model of integrating local farmers into institutional supply chains, addressing both community nutrition and economic resilience. 

However, challenges persist, especially for small-scale producers, who often face limited access to resources and bureaucratic barriers. Discussions focused on potential solutions, including fostering producer cooperatives and enhancing technical support for sustainable practices, ensuring these policies are inclusive and practical. 

Ankitha and peers at the Fabrica di Pamonha corn farm. Credit: Ana Maria​​​​

Field visits 

The field visits provided a ground-level perspective on effective governance and its impact on local communities.  

A memorable visit was to the corn farm and pamonha (a traditional Brazilian dish made from fresh corn to create a sweet or savoury ‘corn dumpling’) production facility, where we observed the pamonha-making process from start to finish.  

Speaking with the farm owner was especially rewarding, as they shared their challenges and successes, highlighting the critical support they’ve received from the local municipality to overcome barriers and sustain their operations. 

At the Cooperativa dos Produtores Agropecuários de São Pedro, we saw how collective action among farmers has strengthened economic resilience and encouraged sustainable practices.  

The Varejão Municipal da Paulista offered a vibrant example of direct producer-to-consumer sales, showcasing how such initiatives can strengthen local food systems while empowering both farmers and consumers to prioritise healthier, sustainable choices. 

These experiences demonstrated how inclusive governance and grassroots initiatives can create meaningful impacts within communities. 

Students of the Feed Care Protect platform and collaborators from University of Montpellier and University of São Paulo. Credit: Gerhard Waller

Key takeaways 

• Sustainability starts with inclusion: Policies must be designed with small-scale producers at their centre to address their unique challenges effectively. 
• Agroecology offers a critical foundation: Integrating these principles into policy frameworks can lead to sustainable and equitable food systems. 
• Collaboration fosters resilience: Partnerships between producers, governments, and communities are key to driving lasting change. 

This training school deepened my understanding of the interplay between governance, sustainability, and community participation in food systems. The lecture on agroecology, in particular, reinforced the importance of considering socio-ecological systems holistically when addressing food security challenges. 

A key takeaway for me is the necessity of directly addressing the issues faced by small-scale producers when making recommendations. By centring their voices, experiences, and challenges, we can create policies that are practical, inclusive, and impactful. 

The insights I gained will inform how I approach my research in the Philippines. This experience underscored the importance of advocating for participatory solutions and ensuring that marginalised producers are heard and supported.  

The Feed, Care, Protect training school was an invaluable reminder of the power of collaboration and inclusive governance in building resilient, sustainable food systems. 

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Students of the Feed, Care, Protect Platform and collaborators from the Universities of Montpellier and São Paulo. Credits: Gerhard Waller