Methodologies for Identifying Food System Research Priorities: Dispatch from Alaska

Elizabeth Snyder,Shannon Donovan

doi:10.5304/jafscd.2013.034.024

Elizabeth Snyder, Shannon Donovan

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2013.034.024

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Abstract

Alaska faces unique challenges to sustainable food systems and food security, including extreme climate conditions and geographical remoteness, and yet the state is similar to the Lower 48 states with respect to many indicators that can be used to characterize the health of our food systems. Due to common concerns over such indicators as obesity rates, food insecurity rates, and recruitment of new farmers, food system stakeholders in Alaska are promoting a resurgence of food systems research and advocacy that is exemplified in the work of the Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC). Identifying and prioritizing the specific food systems research needs of a state as large and diverse as Alaska is a challenge, but one that is being met with methodical, straightforward approaches. This commentary outlines two examples of recent formal, yet relatively simple, methods for identifying food system research and action priorities, and concludes by sharing some of the latest identified Alaska food system priority research projects, ideas, and needs.

Highlights

Alaska is a culturally diverse state unified in the pride it takes in self-sufficiency, toughness, and a general “can-do” attitude when it comes to procuring sustenance from the land and sea
Despite the unique challenges posed by geographical remoteness and extreme climate, or to look at it another way, despite innovative solutions to those challenges, Alaska is not unique from the “Lower 48” states with respect to a variety of indicators that can be used to characterize the health of our food systems
At the end of this commentary, we present some preliminary research priorities identified through the templates along with findings from our second example research priority identification approach: a modified community food assessment (CFA) conducted by researchers at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) at the behest of a private Alaska-based foundation

Summary

Introduction

Alaska is a culturally diverse state unified in the pride it takes in self-sufficiency, toughness, and a general “can-do” attitude when it comes to procuring sustenance from the land and sea. Identifying and prioritizing the specific food systems research needs of a state as large and diverse as Alaska is a challenge, but one that is being met with methodical, straightforward approaches.

Results

Conclusion