I am a Postdoctoral researcher currently studying Governance of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. I received my PhD from Institute of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen.
In my PhD dissertation, I explored the conflicts and contradictions that emerged while attempting to translate grassroots’ organizations concepts such as food sovereignty into concrete policy and practice. I worked with the institutional logics framework as well as new institutional economics theories to the analysis of the adoption, framing and transmission of food sovereignty principles, regulations and practices in public procurement policies. I analysed governance structures that facilitated smallholders’ participation as providers in public food procurement markets and looked at the processes involved in changing the Bolivian public procurement regulations and policies, and what role partnerships, organisations and institutions play in social change processes.
I have extensive experience and interest in qualitative research methods. These include the use of participatory research methods including focus groups, in-depth interviews, and participant observation, as well as qualitative data analysis with Nvivo.
I organize the "Governance talks" a virtual conversation about Governance related issues and research, which happens every third week via Zoom, you can find more information here: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/department-of-landscape-architecture-planning-management/about-the-department/management-and-governance/welcome-to-the-governance-talks/
I am the course coordinator for an international BSc course ‘Analysis of forested landscapes’ (15 ECTS) in the ‘Forest and Landscape Management’ program. The course provides an introducion to Forest and Landscape concepts as well as different tools for Landscape analysis.
I am currently involved in two research projects on governance of Nature Based solutions, both funded by the EU:
CONEXUS: Co-producing nature-based solutions (NBS) and restored ecosystems - transdisciplinary nexus for urban sustainability. CONEXUS takes place in seven cities where Life-labs to test nature-based solutions are currently being implemented, and where we analyse the emerging governance structures that will support NBS implementation.
NATURO: Engagement of marginalised groups in NBS planning and management via long-term mosaic governance, funded by the EU Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) program. NATURO will study how quality of life can be increased for marginalised groups, by use of nature. Building on three recent research projects, a strategic framework for capacity building and empowerment of local government and civil society stakeholders will be developed by co-creating Nature-based Solutions (NBS).
Peer reviewed journals
MERCADO, G., Wild, T., Hernandez-Garcia, J., Baptista, M. D., van Lierop, M., Bina, O., ... & Randrup, T. B. (2024). Supporting Nature-Based Solutions via Nature-Based Thinking across European and Latin American cities. Ambio, 53(1), 79-94.
MERCADO, G., Hjortsø C.N., (2023). Explaining the development policy implementation gap: A case of a failed food sovereignty policy in Bolivia. World Development Journal, 166, 106216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.106216
MERCADO, G., Hjortsø C.N., Honig B. (2018). Decoupling from international food safety standards: How small-scale indigenous farmers cope with conflicting institutions to ensure market participation. Journal of Agriculture and Human Values (Online-first publication). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-018-9860-x
MERCADO, G., Hjortsø, C. N., & Kledal, P. R. (2016). Public procurement for school breakfasts in the Bolivian Altiplan: Governance structures enabling smallholder inclusion. Journal of Rural Studies, 44, 63-76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2016.01.004
Local Bolivian Journals
MERCADO G., (2016) The Bioeconomy - Concept and Application to Rural Development. Journal of Agricultural Research and Innovation and Natural Resources. Vol 3: 4 Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. La Paz, Bolivia.
Liuhto M., MERCADO G., Aruquipa R. (2016) Climate change on the production of quinoa in the Bolivian highlands and the adaptation capacity of farmers. Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Natural Resources. Vol 3: 4 Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. La Paz, Bolivia.
Mygind T., MERCADO G., Aruquipa R. (2016) A new role - the revaluation of native Andean crops in the livelihoods of Bolivian farmers. Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Natural Resources. Vol 3: 4 Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. La Paz, Bolivia.
Book chapters
MERCADO G., (2015) "Towards the praxis of food sovereignty: Small producers and transaction costs". In: Farah and Elias (Eds.) "Theory and Praxis of Food Sovereignty in Bolivia". La Paz: Postgraduate in Development Sciences: CIDES-UMSA- 30 Year’s special edition.
MERCADO G., Rodriguez P. and Jacobsen S.E, (2014) Sovereignty in the public plate? School breakfast and the inclusion of Andean crops. In: Molina (Ed.) "Policies for Food Sovereignty in Ecuador and Bolivia". La Paz: FOBOMADE.
MERCADO G., (2013). The regulations for school breakfast: Favorable to small producers? In: Prudencio and Elias (Eds.) "Purchases of Public Food: An Alternative to Peasant Agricultural Production? Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador ". La Paz: www.avsf.org
MERCADO G., Thellaeche J, Körner J. (2013) The school breakfast in Bolivia: Four case studies: In: Prudencio and Elias (Eds.) "Purchases of Public Food: An Alternative to Peasant Agricultural Production? Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador". La Paz: www.avsf.org
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Geovana_Mercado
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/867564