Mapping the diversity of Italian governance practices for food systems transformation: evidence from cities and territories

This brief research report offers a meta-analysis on Italian local food governance practices based on 71 mapped cases from across the country. We analyze relevant aspects based on existing analytical frameworks regarding three main categories: geographical representation, governance dynamics, and impacts on local food systems. This meta-analysis provides information on main trends of the Italian “movement” for local food transitions and draws insights on the crucial role of cities and public administrations. At the same time, results show a diversity of actors engaging in local food governance at different scales, and an overall positive trend of institutionalization of food governance actions within broader policy frameworks. Also, we find that food governance is often framed as a lever for local sustainable development and implemented with participatory and place-based approaches. Finally, we identify shortcomings of our mapping and suggest future research paths, notably calling for qualitative complementation of our study to further unpack governance dynamics, obstacles and good practices for future innovation.