PhD Defence Anton Riera

UNPACKING FOOD SYSTEM TRANSITIONS ACROSS MULTIPLE SCALES.
THE BELGIAN LIVESTOCK SECTOR

This PhD gathers a series of research outputs on the livestock transition in Belgium. It pursues a double objective. First, we reflect on the concept of scale in the context of food system transitions. As food system transitions occur at different spatial scales, include a diversity of actors, and a succession of activities in supply chains, we try to discuss how different scales of analysis affect our perception of food system transitions. Second, we aim to ground these reflections by investigating one case study : the transition of the Belgian livestock sector, which we analyse at multiple scales, following the different steps of a transition cycle (assessing – envisioning – implementing). In the process, we pay particular attention to the diversity of farming systems, the multidimensional nature of sustainability, the design of transition tools (in particular foresight scenarios), and the challenges encountered in the implementation of transition pathways.

The research that is presented has first and foremost been developed in collaboration with a range of non-academic actors (civil society organisations, food system actors) through a number of research projects. Its primary purpose has been to produce practical knowledge that would be relevant for these actors and their activities. This PhD contains a mix of both empirical findings and more theoretical conceptualisations. As such, it should be seen as an attempt at taking a step back on the practical and shared knowledge produced initially.

Timing of the afternoon

Presentation at 16h in the SUD 11 lecture hall on Place Croix du Sud in Louvain-la-Neuve, followed by
Food and drinks at 18h in the Cafeteria of the De Serres building, just next to the auditorium

Please fill in the following form to confirm your participation: Participation form

If you want to follow the presentation online: Online presentation link

Members of the jury

Promotor
Prof. Philippe Baret (UCLouvain)

Other members of the jury
Prof. Emmanuel Hanert (UCLouvain) (President)
Prof. Goedele Van den Broeck  (UCLouvain)
Prof. Patrick Meyfroidt (UCLouvain)
Prof. Erik Mathijs (KULeuven)
Dr. Sébastien Treyer (IDDRI)