Food Alert Methodology
The methodology developed by the project team builds on the general understanding of the ‘stress-testing’ concept, but adapts it to the food system security. It uses the conceptual framework for cross-border impacts of climate change, and incorporates the social learning process, by using the policy simulation approach.
The unit of analysis that is undergoing a stress test is the chosen (macro)regional food system including its connections with the external food markets. This methodological choice increases the level of complexity, as compared to stress testing of a single policy. This inherent complexity requires a broad stakeholder engagement in an interactive format (two-way knowledge transfer). This has been achieved by designing and applying the Food Alert policy simulations that serve as an exploratory and learning environment, driven by evidence-based crisis scenarios.
Policy Simulations
Policy Simulations, also known as policy exercises, are processes in which participants collaborate to immerse themselves in complex scenarios that mirror real-world issues, requiring policy decisions.
Together, participants explore the research-based future stories offering realistic effects of business-as-usual trends. In the roles of future policymakers, they are then invited to embrace diverse values and perspectives while negotiating issues linked to food supply security, building responses that protect the food supply and foster the achievement of the EU’s environmental, social and economic goals linked to a sustainable food system.
Policy Simulations bring together diverse experts to collaboratively tackle challenges, and to engage them in collective problem-solving activities. The method serves as the platform for critical analysis to foster consensus-building and generate innovative solutions.
To learn more about Policy Simulations, visit socialsimulations.org
Acknowledgments
The Food Alert initiative benefits from earlier work done in the context of the CASCADES, EU Horizon 2020 project, which explored cascading climate impacts on various aspects of European societies.
The workshops were also enhanced by Listening Inspires, an NGO that brings together a rich network of individuals committed to inspiring creative solutions to modern-day challenges through deep listening – to ourselves, each other and Nature.
Sponsors
