Kircher, Verena (2023) Radically Locally - How famers can help to mitigate climate change and foster a post-growth society. Master thesis, Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE).
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Abstract
The agricultural sector significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions while playing a crucial role in combating climate change. However, the adoption of agroecological farming remains low, especially in the Netherlands. This study aims to analyze the factors that facilitate or hinder the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the Northern Netherlands and assess the farmers' entrepreneurial activities using degrowth principles. Exploratory qualitative research was conducted to gain context-specific insights, revealing various components that influence the voluntary shift towards sustainable farming practices. The main obstacle for both converted farmers and those willing to change is a small market with limited government support, leading to a lack of market confidence. Additionally, converted farmers are found to be strongly aligned with degrowth principles, driven by a desire to share value, expand their market, and align their sustainability innovations with stakeholder value creation. Direct distribution is one approach to offset the additional costs of production and make sustainable products more competitive. Close engagement with end-consumers through education and putting pressure on existing institutions is a systemic approach. By implementing low-input practices that improve soil health and actively shaping local chains, these sustainable entrepreneurs lower the overall metabolism in agriculture, educate and foster convivial communities, and promote wealth redistribution.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Name supervisor: | Jong, G. de |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Sep 2023 10:54 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Sep 2023 10:54 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/346 |
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