Bridging Circular Economy and Food Justice: A Case Study of Collaborative Governance in Nijmegen’s Food System
Keywords
Loading...
Authors
Issue Date
2025-08-15
Language
en
Document type
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Title
ISSN
Volume
Issue
Startpage
Endpage
DOI
Abstract
This thesis explores how food justice concerns among Nijmegen’s grassroots food projects align with Nijmegen’s circular economy agenda. While circular policies aim to reduce waste and improve efficiency, they often overlook social equity, access and participation.
Using a qualitative case study, the research combines interviews with different actors and policy analyses, interpreted through the Integrative Framework of Collaborative Governance. Findings reveal how grassroots initiatives define food justice in terms of dignity, accessibility, autonomy and inclusion. These initiatives do engage in circular practices, but their primary focus is rather social than environmental. Municipal policies prioritize ecological and economic goals, rather than inclusion. Tensions between the two stakeholders arise from siloed governance and short-term funding. Stronger, long-term partnership and funding in which all stakeholders are equally important are essential for a food system that is both circular and just.
Description
Citation
Supervisor
Faculty
Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen