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The Alternative Food Geography in Europe: An Elaboration Through the Socio-Metabolic Approach

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  • Emel Karakaya Ayalp

    (Department of City and Regional Planning, İzmir Democracy University, 35140 İzmir, Turkey)

  • Sevim Pelin Öztürk

    (Department of City and Regional Planning, İzmir Democracy University, 35140 İzmir, Turkey)

  • Feral Geçer Sargın

    (Department of City and Regional Planning, İzmir Democracy University, 35140 İzmir, Turkey)

Abstract

This study applies the socio-metabolic approach and relatedly the concept of planetary urbanization understanding to detect the identity of the “alternative zones” embedded in the food supply chain of cities (FSC). To achieve shortened and sustainable FSCs for cities, strong alternative food networks (AFNs) should be developed and sustained. The precious element of a strong AFN is its urban areas, which serve as niche alternative food initiatives (AFIs) for sustainability transitions in food supply chains (FSCs). To achieve shorter and more sustainable FSCs in cities, it is crucial to develop and sustain empowered alternative food networks (AFNs) by deploying their AFIs. Within this context, this study examines AFIs in 12 European FUSILLI cities to understand the potential of the intrinsic AFN to accelerate the sustainable transition in FSCs. Considering the results of AFNs in accelerating sustainability transitions in FSCs. Results through spatial analyses of food ecosystems of FUSILLI cities, although there are prominent examples with a strong short and alternative food network, it is obvious that the sustainable transition into an alternative food network has proceeded; however, the analysis of AFNs in FUSILLI cities demonstrates that sustainability transitions have advanced through vigorous AFNs. However, extended urban areas still have room to supersede their place in conventional/industrial agricultural production, which remains embedded in these spaces. The same inference applies to urban—rural linkages, which need to be strengthened to support the relocation of the food system in the development of AFNs in urban areas and to create more sustainable and shortened FSCs. Also, it is obvious that cities with greater extended AFNs, for example, Rome, due to its great number of AFIs and geographical extent of AFN covering concentrated urban areas and to strengthen the rural–urban linkage for shortened food supply chains, as well as extended urban areas, and Oslo, due to its great variety of AFIs embedded in concentrated urban areas with alternative food production areas in its (erstwhile rural areas) extended urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Emel Karakaya Ayalp & Sevim Pelin Öztürk & Feral Geçer Sargın, 2025. "The Alternative Food Geography in Europe: An Elaboration Through the Socio-Metabolic Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1603-:d:1591758
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lilliana Stefanovic, 2022. "SDG Performance in Local Organic Food Systems and the Role of Sustainable Public Procurement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-29, September.
    2. Francesca Gori & Alessandra Castellini, 2023. "Alternative Food Networks and Short Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review Based on a Case Study Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Andrea Lulovicova & Stephane Bouissou, 2023. "Environmental Assessment of Local Food Policies through a Territorial Life Cycle Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-20, March.
    4. Siemen van Berkum, 2023. "How Urban Growth in the Global South Affects Agricultural Dynamics and Food Systems Outcomes in Rural Areas: A Review and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-15, February.
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