Asst. Prof. Nathaniel Candelaria recently published the following book chapters in Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia: Alternative Practices from the Grassroots and Social Movements, edited by Jose Monfred C. Sy and Ananeza P. Aban.

“Promoting Food Sovereignty in Thailand and the Task of Civil Society”, pp. 73-87

The abstract reads:

Thailand is one of the largest rice exporters in the world, with rice production playing a crucial role in its agricultural sector. However, the current model of industrialized rice production, driven by the Green Revolution, has led to significant challenges, including soil degradation, economic burdens on farmers, and threats to food sovereignty. This chapter examines the limitations of the dominant food security paradigm, which prioritizes food availability and economic access but overlooks cultural and ecological concerns. It highlights how Thai civil society organizations, particularly the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), the Alternative Agriculture Foundation (AAF), and BioThai, are advocating for food sovereignty as an alternative framework. Through focus group discussions and case studies, the chapter explores how these organizations build networks, engage in policy advocacy, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Their efforts emphasize grassroots mobilization, research collaboration, and public education to challenge industrialized agriculture. By reclaiming traditional farming knowledge and fostering solidarity, these movements present a viable path toward an ecologically sustainable and socially just food system in Thailand.

“Women Household Heads in Indonesia and Their Role in Addressing Gender Inequality”, pp. 255-270

The abstract reads:

This chapter utilizes a feminist lens in studying the Pemberdayaan Perempuan Kepala Keluarga’s (PEKKA’s) case. It also tackles gender inequality issues experienced by women in Indonesia. To gain a deeper understanding of PEKKA’s activities to promote women’s advocacies, in light of gender inequality issues in Indonesia, an interview with the PEKKA secretariat and a focus group discussion (FGD) with the PEKKA union members were conducted by a research team from the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) to document their experiences, including the actions they took to promote the rights of women-headed households in Indonesia. Given the extent of PEKKA’s activities, this chapter not only considers its example as a feminist practice, but also as an alternative practice.

Access the book here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-97-9140-8