ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 engages with the politicisation of the initiative – specific demands and rather hidden claims – and carves out eight rights to the city which are comprising key elements of food sovereignty. These rights, if clearly defined, could be essential elements of a future strategy and essential to “grow food sovereignty” in the city. The analysis of the political dimension as part of the critical urban food perspective is key to uncovering urban agriculture’s transformative potential, challenges, and, at the same time, ways to further strengthen this work. Beyond rather localised efforts towards food sovereignty, this chapter shows parallels to urban food, land, and livelihood struggles elsewhere. Furthermore, it puts forward a critical discussion on urban food initiatives’ potential impacts and provides a fresh perspective on political strategising. In this way, further opportunities and transformative pathways for agri-food movements and their allies are sketched-out. Throughout these sections, key take-away messages for community-led initiatives and urban food movement beyond South Africa are highlighted. This chapter emphasises the importance of food sovereignty actions and discourses beyond the rural–urban divide.
