Affiliation:
1. Department of Soil and Physical Sciences Lincoln University Lincoln New Zealand
2. Land Use and Ecosystems Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research Lincoln New Zealand
3. Landscape Policy and Governance Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research Lincoln New Zealand
4. Department of Environmental Management Lincoln University Lincoln New Zealand
5. Māori Crown Rtions Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand Christchurch New Zealand
6. Vice‐Chancellors Office Lincoln University Lincoln New Zealand
Abstract
AbstractWith increasing urbanisation, there is a growing disconnect between soil, food, and people, centred around those relying on Western food production models. This ‘wicked’ problem is challenging sustainable soil use and food insecurity. Knowledge of soils through scientific studies alone are unable to address this problem, and we need to extend the boundaries of soil science for real progress to be made. We present a conceptual framework for understanding the reciprocal connections between soil, food, and people in local food production systems in Aotearoa New Zealand, applying principles and practices from a transdisciplinary research methodology. The resultant Food‐Landscape Networks framework consists of seven factors that support understanding the inherent connections between soil, food, and people. The factors are: soil health, land suitability, climate, productivity, food quality, well‐being, and engagement. These factors have been identified from weaving together mātauraka (the Kāi Tahu mita [dialect] is used in this text, where the ‘ng’ diagraph is replaced with ‘k’, e.g., mātauranga = mātauraka) Māori (Māori knowledge, culture, worldview, and values) and soil science using the He Awa Whiria, Braided Rivers, epistemological framework. Mātauraka Māori guides the traditionally reductionist discipline of soil science into a more holistic space, in an Aotearoa New Zealand context.