https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800919308262
At the link above, the authors of a journal article dissect and analyze the qualities of an urban food network as a "commons" in Portugal. A particular group of "prosumers" founded the network, and saw it through until its demise. Though it eventually ended (for numerous reasons), it gave birth to other new food networks. Along with Germany and several other European countries, Portugal is front and center in the search for ecological solutions to the human predicament in which we find ourselves. Kudos!
Our current, globalized food supply system is fragile at best. Especially during an emergency event such as a pandemic, that supply chain is often broken. Humanity would benefit greatly from urban food networks... which go way beyond urban gardens.
Decades ago, a popular book by E.F. Schumacher, Small is Beautiful, had the subtitle: a study of economics as if people mattered. The book stressed the importance of locally based economics, sustainability, and the appropriate use of technology. In general, it eschewed the very idea of corporate globalization and neoliberal economics.
Unfortunately, after a relatively brief time of popularity (in the 1970's), the ideas presented in that text faded away in the minds of policy makers. What a shame.
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Not only my opinion. Stay Well
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