Agroecology in the south of Spain: a governance perspective on the factors influencing the transition towards agro-ecological farming.

Abstract

Agricultural land use is one of the major factors contributing to land degradation and desertification. Currently 24 billion tons of fertile soil and 12 million hectares of agricultural land are lost each year worldwide. Agro-ecological farming has a large potential for reducing land degradation. However, the implementation of this farming method is often limited by a range of barriers. AlVelAl, an ecosystem restoration association in the Spanish Altiplano, is working with farmers to restore the land and improve farm management practices, but transition on farm level is slow. Therefore this thesis determines which barriers are of importance and which interventions are needed to influence farmers’ decision-making. It builds on a framework of conditions necessary for transition and explores the social, economic, political and informational factors that influence farmer decision-making, after which it analyses how a transition can be governed by the stakeholders involved.

This research was conducted in Andalusia, Spain, which has the highest desertification rate in Europe. The results show that farmers’ motivation is positively influenced by being part of a community of practitioners due to the knowledge gained regarding the costs and benefits of applying agro-ecological practices. Barriers to transition are due to a lack of finances, skills, and a government and community based culture of conservatism. Demo farms and supporting agro-ecological trials by farmers, are likely to increase the adoption of agro-ecological practice. This support can be in the form of extra labour, a kick-start grant, and technical expertise.