Measuring Resilience in Agri-Food Systems: Metrics, Methods, and Policy Relevance
Agri-food systems are pivotal interfaces between human activity and natural ecosystems across rural–urban landscapes. In recent years, they have been increasingly exposed to shocks and stressors, making their resilience a central concern for sustainable development and a major topic in scientific and policy debates. However, resilience remains a complex and multifaceted concept, and more robust metrics to measure it are needed.
This workshop brings together researchers from geography, social sciences, and applied economics to advance the measurement of food system resilience and its policy relevance.
The programme features three sessions on (i) resilience and sustainability; (ii) methodological approaches to capturing agri-food system complexity; and (iii) the development of metrics to inform policy design. It will conclude with an interactive World Café.
The workshop aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange and build a network of scholars to advance research on agri-food system resilience with a specific focus on resilient landscapes and develop robust, policy-relevant metrics.
Please register via the registration form below. Due to the limited number of available seats, we will need to assess whether we can accommodate all registrations. Therefore, registration does not automatically guarantee participation in the workshop. You will receive a separate email confirming whether your participation has been accepted. Please note that the workshop will take place in person in Göttingen. We therefore kindly ask you to register only if you are sure that you can travel to Göttingen and attend the event in person. Participation in the workshop is free of charge. However, travel and accommodation costs must be covered by participants. A limited budget is available for travel stipends for Master’s and PhD students. If you would like to apply for a stipend, please indicate this in the registration form, and we will provide further information. We look forward to your participation!International Workshops
2026Measuring Resilience in Agri-Food Systems: Metrics, Methods, and Policy Relevance
Join us to explore resilience and sustainability in food systems, and discuss how robust resilience metrics can capture agri-food system complexity and inform policy design.
Speakers
Date: October 20, 2026
Time: 09:00 am - 4.30 pm
Venue: Tagungszentrum an der Sternwarte - Geismar Landstr. 11b, Göttingen - Map
Program
09:00 – 09:15
Welcome Coffee
09:15 – 09:30
Opening Remarks
– Welcome address by Alexander Knohl
– Why resilience by Silke Hüttel
– Why research on resilience measures by Margherita Squarcina
09:30 – 10:30
Session 1: On the Difference Between Sustainability and Resilience
& Implications for Measurement
Peter Dannenberg, University of Cologne
10:30 – 11:30
Session 2: On the Challenges of Measuring Robust and Reliable Food
System Resilience Metrics
Miranda Meuwissen, Wageningen University
11:30 – 11:45
Intermediate Wrap-up
11:45 – 12:45
Session 3: On Resilience Metrics for Effective Policy Advice
Christophe Béné, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
12:45 – 13:45
Lunch
13:45 – 15:15
World Café + Coffee/Tea & Dessert
15:15 – 15:30
Concluding Remarks
15:30 – 16:30
Networking Opportunities
Registration Form