NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: South Slave Region

Tags: social sciences, food security

Objective(s): To map the local food market, and to highlight the opportunities for growth in local food production.

Project Description: In phase one, Aurora Research Institute (ARI) proposes to develop a methodology to map the local food market to capture the economic activity presently occurring in this sector, followed by a robust economic forecast that uses economic modelling to highlight the opportunities for growth in local food production. In the second phase, two feasibility studies will provide the opportunity for ARI to practically apply the mapping and forecasting information generated in year one. Each feasibility study will be developed in partnership with a local organization. Phase I: The research team will conduct a community survey to assess consumer demand/interests, interviews with local food producers and potential local food producers to assess supply and barriers facing local producers. Using the information collected, the team will develop a visual map of Fort Smith food production sector, and document the process to create a step-by-step guide for replicating the mapping methodology that can be used in other Northwest Territories (NWT) communities. Economic forecasting will be conducted using national and territorial data sets that will be accessed for information on food purchasing activities among the general Canadian population, the NWT population and any Fort Smith-specific information that is available. This will be done by comparing the information from the local food mapping initiative with these national and territorial trends, an economist can estimate the potential for growth in this sector, identify the optimal conditions for growth, and forecast the share of the local economy that may be given over to locally produced foods under ideal conditions. Phase II: In partnership with the Arctic Winter Games (AWG) committee, ARI will assess the feasibility of supplying locally produced foods to AWG athletes, guests and the public. A jurisdictional scan will review food planning strategies from previous games, including key informant interviews with previous planning committee members, and food producers/suppliers. In partnership with the Desnedè Farmers Market Society, ARI will evaluate the feasibility of a sustainable, local farmer’s market as a venue for local food producers in Fort Smith. This will be done through exploratory case studies of the farmers markets in Hay River, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse and will include key informant interviews with board directors, vendors, and customers. Community surveys will be developed to explore needs/wants of market goers and vendors. Focus groups with customers and vendors and interviews with the society’s board members will provide detailed data about the market's operation, successes and challenges. The application for Phase II will include all data collection tools (interview guides, surveys, focus group guides) and a clear plan for deliverables and dissemination. Benchmark data on the local food market will inform the business decisions of local food producers and encourage growth in this market. ARI has a mandate to ensure that the results of the research are shared with the communities that can benefit from them the most. The deliverables will be made available on the ARI website and will be shared with local organizations via email. They will also be circulated on the community Facebook page and via email to anyone who requests them. In the summer of 2017, ARI and the Slave River Coalition will co-host a Local Economies Symposium to promote knowledge sharing and capacity-building. Bringing together advocates of local economies, the event will make the most of the findings of the project by sharing them with interested, active community members and stakeholders at an event designed mobilize the community around local production. This event is an opportunity to present the results of this project, highlight initiatives and research supporting sustainability in the NWT, and provide expert workshops to promote local economic growth and success. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from November 9, 2016 to December 31, 2016.