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Sustainability in Alternative Food Networks: A Systematic Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Rosario Michel-Villarreal

    (Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln LN5 7AT, UK)

  • Martin Hingley

    (Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln LN5 7AT, UK)

  • Maurizio Canavari

    (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Ilenia Bregoli

    (Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln LN5 7AT, UK)

Abstract

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to individuals’ organizing themselves and managing food systems in an ‘alternative’ and more sustainable way. Such emerging food initiatives are most commonly known as ‘Alternative Food Networks’ (AFNs). However, there is an ongoing debate concerning the extent to which AFNs facilitate social, economic and environmental change. There are criticisms of the overall sustainability promise of AFNs related to sufficiency of impact, possible counter effects and the relevance of impacts. Because empirical studies often only focus on specific sustainability issues or AFNs, it has been difficult to develop more robust theories about the relations between diverse AFNs arrangements and sustainability. Thus, the aim of this paper is to contribute towards reducing this knowledge gap through a systematic literature review on AFNs in relation to sustainability. We summarize main methodological approaches, the types of AFNs studied and sustainability dimensions addressed in literature to date. Findings serve as reference to propose opportunities for future research regarding sustainability in AFNs.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosario Michel-Villarreal & Martin Hingley & Maurizio Canavari & Ilenia Bregoli, 2019. "Sustainability in Alternative Food Networks: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:3:p:859-:d:204047
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    References listed on IDEAS

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