Exploring recipes of (de)colonization: a scoping review of decolonization and food systems scholarship

In response to the growing emphasis on ‘decolonizing’ food systems and the critical perspectives cautioning against the overuse of this term, we systematically review English-language, scholarly literature on food systems to explore how researchers conceptualize and apply decolonization. Using a qualitative coding approach, we analyzed 112 texts, and highlight broad trends in definitions, key themes, and contributing concepts. We find a significant growth in scholarship on decolonization and food systems, particularly since 2018, with most work appearing in social sciences and humanities journals. Our findings highlight the diverse and nuanced ways in which decolonization is interpreted and applied in food systems research. Definitions of decolonization vary widely, often implying a process of reclaiming Indigenous practices, resisting colonial systems, and pursuing broader social justice aims. Key themes include Indigenous food sovereignty, traditional dietary practices, botanical naming, land and water rights, environmental perspectives, academic decolonization, and social movements. We conclude by emphasizing the need for careful and intentional use of the term decolonization and advocate for greater engagement with Global South scholarship.