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Silvius J, Hoogstra AG, Candel JJL, de Olde EM, de Boer IJM, Termeer CJAM. Determining the transformative potential of circular agriculture initiatives. Ambio 2023; 52:1968-1980. [PMID: 37440111 PMCID: PMC10654318 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Policymakers and scientists regard emerging circular initiatives as levers for transformations towards more sustainable food systems. However, it remains unclear how to determine the extent to which circular initiatives have transformative potential. That is, can these initiatives foster a transformation as a result of how they currently bring circularity into practice? In the transformation literature, the characteristics of transformative initiatives are conceptualised in a generic and abstract way. To address this gap, we develop a heuristic of five characteristics for potentially transformative circular agriculture initiatives, which we illustrate with examples of existing initiatives. The heuristic builds on the 'small wins' and circular agriculture literature. Initiatives that hold transformative potential contribute to circular agriculture principles with outcomes that are concrete, in-depth and both technological and social in nature. Additionally, these initiatives faced barriers and overcame them. The heuristic enables policymakers, who call for circular solutions, to identify truly transformative circular initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Silvius
- Public Administration and Policy Group, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anne G Hoogstra
- Animal Production Systems, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J L Candel
- Public Administration and Policy Group, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien M de Olde
- Animal Production Systems, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Imke J M de Boer
- Animal Production Systems, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catrien J A M Termeer
- Public Administration and Policy Group, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Starke JR, Metze TAP, Candel JJL, Termeer CJAM. Conceptualizing controversies in the EU circular bioeconomy transition. Ambio 2022; 51:2079-2090. [PMID: 35320514 PMCID: PMC9378795 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01730-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The transition towards a circular bioeconomy (CBE) in the European Union is not without contestation. In particular, research has highlighted potential trade-offs of the large-scale production of bio-resources, for instance with environmental quality goals. To date, however, it remains underexplored in the CBE literature how controversies develop throughout a transition process. To address this gap, this paper explores where controversies are situated in a transition, how they change throughout, and how they influence the transition process. First, we suggest that controversies can be situated on and between different system layers within a transition. Second, we offer an explanation of how controversies evolve, as actors confirm, integrate, disintegrate and polarize underlying storylines. Third, these controversies can have both productive and unproductive outcomes while they unfold throughout a transition. We illustrate this understanding with the example of biorefineries as CBE key technology and discuss a research agenda on controversies in sustainability transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Starke
- Department of Social Sciences, Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Tamara A P Metze
- Department of Social Sciences, Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J L Candel
- Department of Social Sciences, Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catrien J A M Termeer
- Department of Social Sciences, Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Muscat A, de Olde EM, Ripoll-Bosch R, Van Zanten HHE, Metze TAP, Termeer CJAM, van Ittersum MK, de Boer IJM. Principles, drivers and opportunities of a circular bioeconomy. Nat Food 2021; 2:561-566. [PMID: 37118163 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-021-00340-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
A circular, bio-based economy could provide the pathway to a sustainable future. Here we present five ecological principles to guide biomass use towards a circular bioeconomy: safeguarding and regenerating the health of our (agro)ecosystems; avoiding non-essential products and the waste of essential ones; prioritizing biomass streams for basic human needs; utilizing and recycling by-products of (agro)ecosystems; and using renewable energy while minimizing overall energy use. Implementing these principles calls for a transformation of our current economic system, including fundamental changes to policies, technologies, organizations, social behaviour and markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Muscat
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Evelien M de Olde
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Raimon Ripoll-Bosch
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah H E Van Zanten
- Farming Systems Ecology group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara A P Metze
- Public Administration and Policy group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catrien J A M Termeer
- Public Administration and Policy group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin K van Ittersum
- Plant Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Imke J M de Boer
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Namugumya BS, Candel JJL, Termeer CJAM, Talsma EF. The framing of malnutrition by parliamentarians in Uganda. Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:585-593. [PMID: 33709155 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The quest for political commitment to reducing malnutrition in sub-Sahara Africa draws attention to the role of national parliamentarians. Whereas parliamentarians have the authority to ratify legislation, monitor policies and budgets and transform behaviour, to date little is known about how malnutrition is understood and debated in sub-Saharan African political arenas. This study addresses that gap by exploring how (mal)nutrition has been framed by parliamentarians in Uganda between 2001 and 2017. Applying framing theory we performed a qualitative content analysis of 131 Parliament Hansards transcripts to determine the different meanings of nutrition. Our analysis distinguishes seven co-occurring frames that entail different, sometimes competing, understandings of the drivers and possible solutions of malnutrition. The frames are: (i) the emergency nutrition frame, (ii) the chronic vulnerability frame, (iii) the school feeding frame, (iv) the disease-related frame, (v) the diversification frame, (vi) the overnutrition (among politicians) frame and (vii) the poverty and inequality frame. These frames are sponsored by different groups of parliamentarians, most notably politicians representing constituencies with high degrees of malnutrition, the president, some ministers and politicians in parliamentary forums concerned with children and women issues. Our analysis helps to understand why policy measures get prioritized or disregarded by policymakers. Overall, we show that frame sponsors prioritize short-term tangible solutions, such as food assistance and agricultural inputs, over longer term solutions. We suggest that a more comprehensive policy frame is prerequisite to developing a more effective governance approach to malnutrition in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Shenute Namugumya
- Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, Wageningen 6706KN, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J L Candel
- Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, Wageningen 6706KN, The Netherlands
| | - Catrien J A M Termeer
- Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, Wageningen 6706KN, The Netherlands
| | - Elise F Talsma
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen 6708WE, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Many complex policy processes face stagnations. People involved sense that continuing along existing paths will not produce those outcomes that are desired and deemed necessary. But changing and developing new action strategies is difficult. This article presents the results of an action research that was conducted with civil servants of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. They worked on policy aimed at sustainable agriculture but deadlocked on existing ways of organizing, structuring, and thinking. The configuration approach, a social-cognitive approach of change, provided the theoretical basis. The research reveals hidden configurations, including their fixated frames and patterns perpetuating them. Based on these insights, some suitable interventions are developed. In addition, the research itself proves to be an intervention in its own right that contributes to revitalizing the stagnated processes.
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Masanyiwa ZS, Niehof A, Termeer CJAM. A gendered users' perspective on decentralized primary health services in rural Tanzania. Int J Health Plann Manage 2013; 30:285-306. [PMID: 24285278 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1990s, Tanzania has been implementing health sector reforms including decentralization of primary healthcare services to districts and users. The impact of the reforms on the access, quality and appropriateness of primary healthcare services from the viewpoint of users is, however, not clearly documented. This article draws on a gendered users' perspective to address the question of whether the delivery of gender-sensitive primary health services has improved after the reforms. The article is based on empirical data collected through a household survey, interviews, focus group discussions, case studies and analysis of secondary data in two rural districts in Tanzania. The analysis shows that the reforms have generated mixed effects: they have contributed to improving the availability of health facilities in some villages but have also reinforced inter-village inequalities. Men and women hold similar views on the perceived changes and appropriateness to women on a number of services. Gender inequalities are, however, reflected in the significantly low membership of female-headed households in the community health fund and their inability to pay the user fees and in the fact that women's reproductive and maternal health needs are as yet insufficiently addressed. Although over half of users are satisfied with the services, more women than men are dissatisfied. The reforms appear to have put much emphasis on building health infrastructure and less on quality issues as perceived by users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharia S Masanyiwa
- Sociology of Consumption and Households Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Niehof
- Sociology of Consumption and Households Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catrien J A M Termeer
- Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Timmerman JG, Beinat E, Termeer CJAM, Cofino WP. Developing transboundary river basin monitoring programmes using the DPSIR indicator framework. J Environ Monit 2011; 13:2808-18. [PMID: 21901189 DOI: 10.1039/c1em10092k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Policymakers are often dissatisfied by the lack of what they consider useful information to support water management. Analysis of this 'water information gap' shows that this is caused by a lack of proper communication between information users and information producers. To improve this communication the process of specification of information needs has been structured. Earlier experiences showed that this not only entailed developing a structure to manage the process, but also developing a structure to guide the breakdown of policy objectives into information needs. Such a structure to organise the problem supports policy makers and monitoring specialists in their communication. This paper describes three pilot projects where the DPSIR indicator framework was used to organise the problem. It is concluded that the DPSIR framework is useful for improving the communication between information users and information producers and is helpful in breaking down policy objectives into information needs in a structured way. The structured approach in this way assists in narrowing the water information gap. Use of the DPSIR framework however leads to a bias towards water management problems and does not provide for all the relevant information needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Timmerman
- Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Directorate-General for Water Affairs, P.O. Box 20901, NL-2500, EX The Hague, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
There is mutual dissatisfaction among policy makers and monitoring specialists about producing what is considered useful information for policy development, implementation and evaluation. Insufficient or inappropriate communication between information users and producers is considered to be a main cause for this water information gap. This paper tests the rugby-ball methodology that has been designed to bridge the gap. The rugby-ball methodology consist of a five step plan that helps policy makers and monitoring specialists to communicate in a proper way and to come to a joint process of defining information needs. The methodology is first tested in a study to assess the information needs for the 4th National Policy Document on Water Management in the Netherlands. From the study it is concluded that the rugby-ball methodology is an important step in bridging the water information gap by better defining what useful information is. The methodology is also improved on the basis of this study by including a structure to support the breakdown of policy objectives into information needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Timmerman
- Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Directorate-General for Water Affairs, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The metaphor of the water information gap is used to describe the discontent between information users and information producers about the use of and need for specific information. This paper describes the rugby-ball methodology for specification of information needs that was developed on the basis of an analysis of the water information gap and insights from the literature on policy- and decision-analysis, problem-structuring, and information management. The methodology consists of a process-architecture to manage the process of assessing information needs and a structure to organise the information needs related to water policy objectives. The methodology was developed and enhanced through a Reflection-in-Action process in which interaction between ideas and practice leads to improved results. The paper describes the methodology and its development, and concludes both on the development process and on the abilities of the methodology to narrow the water information gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Timmerman
- Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, The Hague, The Netherlands.
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