Whose Journey to Self-Reliance? Participation in the Journey to Self-Reliance and the Land-Grant Imaginary

Land-grant university and civil society development actors have long partnered with local global communities to eliminate food insecurity. Despite the common aim of addressing insecurity as a wicked problem, their approaches designs differ in scope scale. Similarly, levels stakeholder participation agricultural historically vary reflecting complexity relinquishing hierarchal decision-making power. In this pilot study, we investigated how is framed within United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) policy, “The Journey Self-Reliance”. Subsequently, sought understand implications framing on land-grant universities’ aims security. We drew upon Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis Pretty’s typology sustainable agriculture analyze inaugural speech launching policy framework by former USAID administrator. also held two focus groups at universities. Findings indicate governments, citizens, be important. However, governmental may contingent accountability both private sector indicating an increased commitment neoliberal ideology. The group themes identify self-reliance its journey prescriptive times, neocolonial, raising questions about participatory possibilities. final theme illustrates praxis from participants they advance visions centering partner needs through more equitable resource sharing. conclude considerations future research deeply Self-Reliance” CDA lens.