Delivering Food Security: What Role for the City?

As cities grow increasingly vulnerable due to reliance on global food imports and supply chain disruptions, urban food governance strategies are emerging to enhance food security and sustainability. This study explores the role of cities in delivering food security, using Malmö as an illustrative example, in advancing localized and sustainable food production, focusing on alternative food networks and their potential contribution within existing governance structures. The study combines multi-level governance and actor-network theory to examine how cross- level policy interactions and relational dynamics shape decision-making and power in Malmö’s urban food system. Through qualitative interviews and document analysis, it highlights complexities in decision-making and the interplay between local realities and the policies that set the overall agenda. Findings reveal how actors use the growing emphasis on preparedness to advocate for food security and strengthen local food production. However, cities are often overlooked as key drivers in food-related policies, and unclear guidelines alongside ambiguous responsibilities contribute to uncertainty in municipal action. The study also highlights Malmö’s strengths - fertile land, a passionate community, and strong transformative visions - while exposing power dynamics where dominant priorities such as innovation, scalability, and competitiveness marginalize alternative food networks. These networks, emphasizing aspects such as ecological stewardship and community resilience, risk being sidelined because their values contrast with prevailing policy goals and objectives. The study concludes by recommending further research into the challenges cities face in implementing food preparedness strategies, emphasizing power relations and the role of cities in fostering sustainable, inclusive food systems. It also calls for exploring how diverse urban communities, especially in multicultural contexts, can contribute community-driven ideas to enhance equity and resilience in food governance.