The aim of this paper is to bring a reflection about the design of systemic approaches focused on food and territory. This broad and complex field of study can be categorized as a wicked problem (WP): a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because its deep and broad roots result in interdependent, inter-related and emergent socioeconomic and environmental impacts, for which there is no single set of objective response or approaches from a Design point of view (Rittel & Webber, 1973; Buchanan, 1992). The reflection is based on the discussion of WP theory and its relation with sustainability, followed by a brief review of the concepts of Systemic Design (SD), and its convergence towards a fresh understanding of wicked problems in the context of sustainability. With this aim, three Brazilian initiatives related to food and territory were selected to reflect on possible design contributions.

Authors: Priscilla R. Lepre, Leonardo Castillo, Lia Krucken

Access to water and electricity is far from being a reality in some Brazilian regions. For instance, in the Northeast region, one of the poorest in the country, many communities still live in the dark and distant from sources of drinking water, which impacts negatively in their development and wellbeing. In this scenario, government actions are not always sufficient or efficient to meet the population demands. In order to reverse this situation, many OSCIP - Civil Society Organization of Public Interest, promote social quality life inclusion and improvement of those communities through finding, deploying and implementing water and energy solutions at short, medium and long term, with the aid of national and international funds. This article presents actions developed in the last 20 years by Instituto Eco Engenho, an OSCIP that contributed effectively with simple and effective solutions for electricity and water supply, allowing the advancement of the digital inclusion and income generation for population living in remote areas at  Semi-arid region.

Authors: Priscilla Ramalho Lepre, Leonardo Castillo

Circular Economy-CE is a systemic change that builds resilience in the long term, creates business opportunities and innovative solutions for the economy, providing environmental and social improvements. However, CE guidelines do not include how to deal with the systemic design of 'circular relations', that should involve the low-income population, as promoters and actors of sustainable development, imperative in emerging economies such as Brazil. This article investigates the lack of theoretical and practical structures, in the convergence between CE and design, which may guide the design of circular, systemic relations for socio-ethical development, proposing a bibliographic review of the CE concepts and guidelines, along with a brief evolutionary description of the approaches of Design for sustainability. Finally, present Brazilian case studies to discuss the power of organized vernacular actions for the inclusion and social development of the marginalized members of society, favoring socioeconomic development in an ethical and equitable way of needy communities within CE systems.

Authors: Priscilla R. Lepre, Leonardo Castillo, Thais Vieira