Visualising Foodscapes

 

In this project we are creating infographics to map the existing foodscape in Luxembourg and the transition processes towards a more sustainable food system.

The infographics are visual depictions, based on empirical research that focuses jointly on actor categories that work directly with food, i.e. the ones in the food suppy circuit (represented in the inside), and on actors that operate around food, i.e. the ones in the broader food system (represented on the outside).

This work also draws on information visualisation theories and previous efforts to define, conceptualize and map food systems in scientific literature. The IGs can be used to demonstrate interrelationships, pressure points, gaps and opportunities, and pathways for potential optimization of different leverage points within the system. 

Four infographics: 

Infographic 1 ‘Food System Synopsis: The foodscape in Luxembourg’, first published in July 2020 (find the originally published article on the infographic here) was updated in September 2022 (view the most recent version by clicking here). It depicts a synopsis of the broader food system actions and the actor groups in Luxembourg’s food system; its high level of abstraction makes it suitable for transposition and adaptation to international contexts. 

Infographic 2 ‘Food System Discovery: Actors and Activities in Luxembourg’ is an interactive version of Infographic 1 and features definitions and descriptions of food system actors one by one, in order to give an empirical and encompassing view of what a food system is composed of, while illustrating those qualifications with examples from Luxembourg. The definitions of actor categories, actor groups and actor types allows the infographic to be transposed to other contexts, whilst seeing the more detailed illustrative examples from Luxembourg gives the national perspective. A methodology document accompanies Infographic 2 and is available to users for guidance.  

The forthcoming Infographic 3 ‘Food System Analysis’ will be more analytical and will show the relations between actor groups, and the drivers, gaps, lock-ins, pressure points, as well as externalities of the food system. 

Finally, the forthcoming Infographic 4 ’Food System Transitions’ will be based on the analysis of the scope of power, relationships and structural barriers, identified in Infographic 3 and it will reveal leverage-effects, governance requirements and pathways for a transition to a more sustainable food system in Luxembourg. This will, again, be a more conceptual representation, that lends itself to discussion and adaptation to other contexts. 

Project aims: 

By visualising what a food system is, we increase and improve our capacity to grasp and work with complexity. Our food system infographics not only aim to map Luxembourg’s food system, but also ambient and shaping power relations, barriers and opportunities in general food systems; knowledge, food literary and conflicting discourses are equally part of this complexity. 

The visual output and embedded analysis of the Luxembourgish foodscape contributes to influence and stimulate discussion and further research; inform politics, economics and ecology of society; forge relationships between actors; act as a reading lens for policymakers, academics and other professionals; and be used in educational efforts. 

The overall aim is to strengthen sustainable perceptions and practices in the foodscape by a socio-cultural analysis of the respective reasons, challenges and negotiations of the involved actors. 

Referencing our infographics: 

Infographic 1 Version A (broader food system actors in colour): Reckinger, R., Kapgen, D., Korjonen, M.H., Pax, A., Margue, S., Food System Synopsis – The foodscape in Luxembourg, University of Luxembourg 2022 (IG1-v.A) 

Infographic 2 Version A (broader food system actors in colour): Reckinger, R., Kapgen, D., Korjonen, M.H., Pax, A., Margue, S., Food System Analysis – Actors and Activities in Luxembourg, University of Luxembourg 2022 (IG1-v.A)