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Alternative food networks nand rural consumers? 


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Alternative food networks (AFN) have emerged as a promising solution to connect small producers with urban consumers and support a more sustainable and equitable food system . However, consumer participation in AFN is still widely overlooked, with low levels of awareness and minimal participation overall . AFN initiatives aim to support small-scale farmers and contribute to rural development by addressing ecological, cultural, and social services . In the Global South, traditional food systems coexist with conventional food systems, with participants assigning greater value to traditional and agroecological production . Box-schemes, a format within AFN, have reduced geographic and informational distances between companies and customers, with technology playing a fundamental role . These findings highlight the potential of AFN to connect rural consumers with sustainable and locally sourced food, but also the need for increased awareness, participation, and policy support to fully realize the benefits of AFN for rural development and sustainability.

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The paper does not specifically address the relationship between alternative food networks and rural consumers. The paper focuses on analyzing the dynamics of the local food system in the Andean region of Cauca and conceptualizing it as an alternative food network in the context of the Global South.
The paper discusses the chances and challenges of alternative food networks (AFNs) in Romania, but it does not specifically address the relationship between AFNs and rural consumers.
The paper does not specifically discuss alternative food networks and rural consumers. The paper focuses on Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) markets and consumer participation in Mexico, Chile, and Bolivia.
The paper does not specifically mention the relationship between alternative food networks and rural consumers.

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