Mapping agro-food consumption groups in the city of Barcelona

Abstract

“Consumption groups” (or “consumption cooperatives”) is one of the types of short circuits of food consumption. They are organized to create an alternative to the dominant model, the agro-food big chain. Breaking the barriers between consumers and producers, this model of organization strengthens the possibility of stimulating social and economic local development. In this article, we show how consumption groups take advantage of the traditional cooperative movement rooted in the XIXth century, and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the context of Barcelona. We analyse how the Social and Solidary Economy (SSE) measurement indicators are achieved by agro-food consumption groups, the nature of the networks made up by consumers and producers and the relevance of ICTs to maintain the business activity. Using geolocalized data and social network analysis we highlight the significance of local economical connections among the actors involved. Even though consumption groups stimulate local business and correlate with SSE indicators, they are not represented in the design of public policies. This article wants to draw a different point of view in the promotion of alternative food futures as emerging social and economic.