Climate change poses significant risks to the food system, directly impacting food security and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This study examines the critical role of local municipalities in planning for the effects of climate change on food systems through the case of the New River Valley, located in Southwestern Virginia. This study utilizes a qualitative participatory research design, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups with both food system and municipality stakeholders in the New River Valley region. Guided by Stroh's Systemic Change Process, the study seeks to advance climate adaptation planning in the region through the implementation of the first stage of the process, called "building a foundation for change." This stage involves identifying key stakeholders, getting them involved in the process, and establishing common ground. Through facilitation, stakeholders build capacity for systems thinking with a focus on collaboration. The findings of this study will inform the ongoing efforts of the Blacksburg Sustainability Department in planning for climate change transformation at a local level. This research is significant in that it addresses the gap in the literature around how municipalities are planning for climate resiliency in the food system, provides insight into the use of interviews and focus groups to bridge the creative tension gap in collaborative problem-solving through a systems thinking approach, and informs policy decisions made by local government. This study's findings have the potential to inform community-engaged efforts to plan for climate change while envisioning a more resilient and fair food system. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / In this study, researchers explore how climate change affects our food system and the steps local communities can take to address these challenges, with a focus on the New River Valley in Southwestern Virginia. By using interviews and group discussions with various stakeholders, including those involved in the food system and local government, we aim to enhance climate adaptation planning in the region. To achieve this, we focus on "building a foundation for change," which involves identifying key stakeholders, getting them involved, and finding common ground for collaboration. Through this approach, we promote systems thinking and cooperation among stakeholders. The insights from this research will be valuable for the Blacksburg Sustainability Department as they work towards climate change resiliency at the local level. This study addresses a gap in the existing literature by examining how municipalities plan for climate resilience in the food system. It also sheds light on the benefits of using interviews and group discussions to foster creative problem-solving through a systems thinking perspective. The findings of this study can contribute to community efforts in planning for climate change, with a vision for a more vibrant and equitable food system. Climate change impacts us all and understanding how local communities can respond and adapt is essential for a sustainable future.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/116231 |
| Date | 06 September 2023 |
| Creators | Owen, Kasey Marie |
| Contributors | Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education, Niewolny, Kimberly L., Lawrence, Jennifer Leigh, Scherer, Hannah H. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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