Food Question in Planning: Perspectives From Two Turkish Metropolis

Abstract

This study examines the integration of urban food systems into planning practices within Türkiye's two major metropolises: İzmir and Ankara. Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, urbanization, and economic crises, the research advocates for a transformative approach to urban food systems through socio-ecological and circularity frameworks. It identifies systemic vulnerabilities in the current agri-food systems, including environmental degradation, social inequalities, and inefficiencies in food production, distribution, and consumption. Through qualitative methodologies—semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations, and content analysis of strategic planning documents—the study explores local agri-food strategies, emphasizing the critical need for holistic urban food planning. While İzmir demonstrates significant progress with its basin-based agricultural strategies, Ankara’s fragmented initiatives reveal a pressing need for cohesive urban food strategies. Both cities struggle with integrating rural-urban food linkages and systemic planning for storage, logistics, and equitable food access. The findings underscore the potential of localized, participatory governance in enhancing food sovereignty and resilience. However, the research highlights that piecemeal strategies remain insufficient to address the multifaceted challenges of food insecurity and environmental sustainability, advocating for comprehensive, equitable, and regenerative urban food systems as critical components of sustainable urban food planning and development. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.