Pathways to Collaborative Action: Transforming Agricultural, Land and Food Systems

Overview

We’ve all seen the statistics – the grim reality on the state of our planet and our agricultural and food systems. They are the kind of numbers that leave us with a dose of anxiety and a sense of urgency about how much needs to be done right now. But what seems clear and urgent on paper can quickly become muddled in reality. Inspiration gets replaced by frustration and what seemed like logical steps become mountainous obstacles in the face of resistance and apathy around us. Trying to fix the numbers, improve the system and shift humanity on to a more sustainable trajectory is hard and sometimes heart-breaking work.

Inspiration and ideas on doing things differently

This discussion paper seeks not to demotivate with more depressing statistics (although there will be some), but to inspire with the possibilities of taking cross-sectoral collaborative action to break away from business as usual – drawing on both theory and practical experience. Those that already have it figured out, and know exactly how and what they need to do to change the world probably don’t need to keep reading. For the rest of us, a bit of inspiration and ideas on doing things differently can go a long way, especially when we know we need to act but are struggling to bring the rest of world along with us. This paper starts with a review of the scale of the challenge, and then it looks briefly at what we already know we need to do.

Examples are given to illustrate the complex non-linear linkages that exist between agriculture, land, food and other systems and sectors. The need for nexus thinking is highlighted. The concept of collaboration is introduced – both as a strategic capability and an opportunity to make progress in the face of complexity and uncertainty. The difference between collaboration and coordination is explained, and cross-sectoral collaboration is described.

How to collaborate

Next, the question of ‘how’ to collaborate is addressed, delving into both theory and practice. Given the difficulties with ensuring collaboration is successful, options for improving the effectiveness of cross-sectoral collaborations are discussed. A range of issues are covered including structure, governance, institutional barriers, the need to create the space for innovation, the ability to manage conflict and compromise, and the time it takes to create trust among participants.

The importance of having people with boundary spanning skills is emphasized, as is the need for better documentation of collaborative processes. It is acknowledged that collaboration isn’t a new invention and that there are already a lot of pioneering efforts to bring together different actors around the nexus of sustainable food and agricultural systems, some examples of which are given.

A call for champions of the nexus approach

Finally, pathways for scaling up collaborative action are considered, with suggestions for ways to further explore different approaches and a call for champions of the nexus approach to transform agricultural, food and land systems through greater (and more effective) collaboration. The key message is that the process of collaboration is as important as the outcome. This paper seeks to inspire others to collaborate and ensure they are better equipped to do so. The seeds of the future have already been sown. We just need to make them grow.