Abstract:

This compendium begins with a discussion about the broader meaning of evidence, the power and politics that shape and infuse our understanding of evidence, what counts as evidence, the broad range of ways evidence is documented, and the historical, epistemological roots that shape our understanding of agroecology, regenerative approaches, and Indigenous foodways. The Contributors emphasized that the roots of agroecology and regenerative approaches lie in Indigenous foodways. Intercultural processes of co-creating knowledge have existed for thousands of years, and these inherently diverse processes need to be central to efforts to transform food systems. Entrenched histories that uphold colonial and Western ways of thinking and knowing continue to determine whether certain forms of evidence about food systems are considered valid. This makes evidence documentation and mobilization — and action — inherently political. Deep reservoirs of knowledge about agroecology, regenerative approaches, and Indigenous foodways are multifaceted, context specific, involve place-based ecological understanding, and reflect diverse ways of thinking about evidence. To accelerate systemic transformation that will build equitable, sustainable food systems, we need to decolonize and democratize knowledge systems within education, research,and innovation.