We are delighted to welcome Andrea Rizo Barroso, a PhD candidate from the Universitat de Barcelona’s Food Action and Research Observatory (FARO), as a Visiting Scholar at RSO. Andrea’s work sits at the intersection of gender, food systems, and social inequality—an area of growing importance in contemporary food studies.
Research Focus
Andrea’s research explores how gender inequalities shape urban food environments and influence food security, particularly among vulnerable communities in Spain. Centering women’s lived experiences, her work seeks to build a critical and situated understanding of how urban food systems operate within broader structures of gender, access, and vulnerability. Her ambition is to shed light on the often-overlooked gendered dimensions of food insecurity and to contribute to more just and equitable food system transformations.
Current Work at RSO
During her stay at RSO, Andrea is focusing on advancing her paper, “Exploring Gender Dimensions in Urban Food Environments: A Systematic Scoping Review.” She is also refining the analytical framework for her PhD thesis and immersing herself in participatory methodologies such as photovoice—tools that will allow her research to more fully reflect the realities and perspectives of the women she works with.
Her work resonates strongly with collaborative initiatives like SWIFT, a project dedicated to equitable, gender-responsive food system transformation, creating rich opportunities for synergy and shared learning.
Why RSO and Wageningen?
Andrea chose RSO for its international reputation in research on power, inequality, and food systems—themes central to her own scholarly focus. The Rural Sociology Group’s commitment to equity and social justice aligns closely with her values and the communities she aims to represent in her work. Wageningen, with its vibrant academic environment, provides the ideal setting for interdisciplinary engagement and critical dialogue.
Beyond Research
Outside her academic pursuits, Andrea brings great energy and creativity to her life. She loves dancing salsa and bachata, enjoys hiking, and is always ready to explore new places through travel. Her passion for movement, nature, and discovery enriches both her personal and professional journey.
We are excited to have Andrea with us and look forward to the insights her research will bring to ongoing conversations about gender and food system transformation.
Rural Sociology Wageningen University 