Hidden Community Capitals in Contributing to a Resilient Food System
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
The Community Capitals framework, which identifies seven distinct types of community assets – natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built capital – can be used as a framework for understanding and enhancing the resilience of communities and food systems. This research explores the intersection of community capitals and food resilience, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to building sustainable and resilient food systems. This research project uses the Community Capitals models as a lens to understand food systems resilience. Recent work suggests that capitals with clear units and means of measurement are more readily identified by stakeholders: for instance, financial capital can be measured by dollars, built capital like a warehouse can be measured by area). In contrast, other capitals that are less well defined and lack clear units of measurement, which we call “hidden capitals” are less readily identified by stakeholders. This research work focuses on the how the “hidden capitals” (social, cultural, human, and political) can be measured and their role in building a resilient food system. We will be using qualitative research approach to measure respondents’ perceptions and awareness, and how their organizations invest in these “hidden capitals.” The research will be carried out using face-to-face interviews with food system professionals in Vermont and the data collected will be analyzed using thematic coding. Based on results, we will develop implications for future practice.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
David Conner
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Community Development and Applied Economics
Primary Research Category
Social Science
Hidden Community Capitals in Contributing to a Resilient Food System
The Community Capitals framework, which identifies seven distinct types of community assets – natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built capital – can be used as a framework for understanding and enhancing the resilience of communities and food systems. This research explores the intersection of community capitals and food resilience, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to building sustainable and resilient food systems. This research project uses the Community Capitals models as a lens to understand food systems resilience. Recent work suggests that capitals with clear units and means of measurement are more readily identified by stakeholders: for instance, financial capital can be measured by dollars, built capital like a warehouse can be measured by area). In contrast, other capitals that are less well defined and lack clear units of measurement, which we call “hidden capitals” are less readily identified by stakeholders. This research work focuses on the how the “hidden capitals” (social, cultural, human, and political) can be measured and their role in building a resilient food system. We will be using qualitative research approach to measure respondents’ perceptions and awareness, and how their organizations invest in these “hidden capitals.” The research will be carried out using face-to-face interviews with food system professionals in Vermont and the data collected will be analyzed using thematic coding. Based on results, we will develop implications for future practice.