Andrea Knierim

Farm models and economic valuation in the context of multifunctionality: a review of approaches from France, Germany, The Netherlands and Portugal

Multifunctionality of Agriculture (MFA) is a concept that supports the recognition of complex interdependencies between different resources, production processes and outputs of agricultural land use. Political decision making within a sustainable development frame requires extensive information about these interrelationships in order to analyse the impact of implemented policies and to assess future policy effects. This paper presents selected results of the EU FP6 supported MultAgri project, such as a comparative overview of models, techniques and tools that have been applied to the assessment of various agricultural outputs. In detail, multidimensional modelling tools and economic valuation instruments have been inspected and valuated. Examples from France, Germany, The Netherlands and Portugal – the countries reviewed within the MultAgri workpackage 3 – are used to highlight specific instrumental strengths and weaknesses. Conclusions are drawn with respect to further methodological research needs on multifunctionality of agriculture.

The AKIS concept and its relevance in selected EU member states

Recently, Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKISs) have gained considerable attention in scientific and political forums in the European Union (EU). AKIS is considered a key concept in identifying, analysing and assessing the various actors in the agricultural sector as well as their communication and interaction for innovation processes. Using qualitative expert interviews and organizational mapping, the features of national AKISs were investigated in selected EU member states (Belgium, France, Ireland, Germany, Portugal and the UK). The authors present the different national AKISs and compare them qualitatively with regard to their institutional settings, their overall policy frameworks and their coordinating structures. Conclusions are drawn with regard to AKIS appraisal in general and the usefulness of the AKIS concept, particularly for the understanding and evaluation of policy-induced innovation in agriculture.

Fish Pond Aquaculture in Cameroon: A Field Survey of Determinants for Farmers' Adoption Behaviour

Abstract Although fish farming in Cameroon started in the late 1940s, currently the country meets only half of its domestic demand for fish. This article examines the complex issue of farmers’ adoption decisions and attempts to answer why there is a lag in the diffusion process. The theory of behaviour modification and key variables of adoption form the conceptual framework of this study. The paper makes use of primary data obtained through semi-structured interviews, key informants and focus group discussion. This paper reveals that inputs provided by public or non-governmental bodies, favourable environmental conditions and socio-cultural attitudes act together as driving factors towards fish farming adoption. Little administrative presence and a low local effective demand for fish have a negative effect on the adoption process. Characteristics like trialability, relative advantage and complexity of the innovation exert a significant hindrance on farmers’ adoption behaviour, while compatibility and observability provide a certain explanation. The findings clearly support the observation that fish farming is an attractive activity for medium-scale farmers most of whom are able to: run several ponds, and manage feeding, maintenance, storage, transportation and marketing effectively. With regard to small-scale farmers, staple food cropping is seen to have a comparative advantage over fish farming. This study fills gaps in existing knowledge of fish pond aquaculture diffusion in Cameroon. To realize a positive impact on the adoption decision process of this activity, this article suggests donors focus on medium-scale farmers, on improving organizational structures of farmers, and on strengthening the fragile extension system and the research on fingerlings production.

Increasing the adaptive capacity of organic farming systems in the face of climate change using action research methods

Adapting agricultural systems to the effects of climate change requires farm-specific innovations and adaptive measures. Such innovative measures were developed for organic farming systems in the federal state of Brandenburg, Germany by a regional innovation network using an action research approach. The goal of the presented approach was to address climate change-related farm-specific problems, develop specific adaptation measures and learn new approaches such as proactive risk management and strategic adaptive behaviour. In a cyclical process of analysis, planning, action and reflection, the network of researchers and organic farmers repeatedly used SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analyses to structure the transdisciplinary innovation and adaption process. First, the organic farmers identified as main weaknesses the water and nitrogen supply likely to be worsened by climate change; then, farm-specific adaption measures were identified and tested by conducting on-farm experiments at six organic farms. By evaluating and thus adjusting and retesting the measures in consecutive trials, new farming methods were developed to increase diversification and decrease risk in organic farming practices. Along with the iterative process, the network was expanding and the collective learning process led to changes in attitudes and behaviour. A clear example is the stakeholders’ initially positive view of reduced tillage, which they later questioned and changed. The participating organic farmers proved to be active partners; their openness to innovation and their approach to problem solving make them well suited to action research. In adapting regions to climate change, these kinds of stakeholders will play a decisive role.

Farm level implementation of soil conservation measures: farmers’ beliefs and intentions

Understanding motivating factors for taking soil conservation measures is seen as key to improving on-farm implementation. However, to date only few on-farm conservation measures have been investigated. The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of farmers’ subjective beliefs on their intention to apply and actual implementation of cover cropping, with the region of Brandenburg (Germany) as a case. An additional objective was to investigate how these insights can contribute to increase farm level implementation of soil conservation measures. Theory of planned behavior provides an approach to understand human behavior by analyzing farmers’ subjective beliefs. Our results, based on a survey of 96 farmers, show that attitudes (ATTs) and perceived difficulty significantly explain variations in intention to apply cover cropping, with ATTs being generally very positive. We discuss that, in this case, the most effective way to increase on-farm implementation is to decrease the farmers’ perception of difficulty. This can be achieved by providing information to farmers on how to overcome barriers to implementation of conservation measures. In-depth insights into belief structures reveal what kind of information is most useful in the case of cover cropping.

Optionen zur Weiterentwicklung von Anpassungsstrategien

Anpassung an den Klimawandel kann zur nachhaltigen Entwicklung beitragen, insbesondere wenn sie mit sozialen Innovationen einhergeht. Das Kapitel untersucht transformative Ansatze zur Anpassung, die im Angesicht von tiefgreifenden Klimarisiken notwendig werden und uber ein reines mainstreaming von Masnahmen in bestehende Instrumente hinausgeht. Geschildert wird deren Steuerung mithilfe von Rechts-, okonomischen und zunehmend auch informellen Instrumenten. Beispiele gelungener governance-Ansatze veranschaulichen die Moglichkeiten von Politik und privaten Akteuren, unter anderem durch Partizipation und Kommunikationsaktivitaten.

Inter- and Transdisciplinarity in Bioeconomy

In this chapter, characteristics and definitions of inter- and transdisciplinary research are presented and discussed with specific attention to bioeconomy-related policy discourses, concepts and production examples. Inter- and transdisciplinary research approaches have the potential to positively contribute to solving complex societal problems and to advance the generation of knowledge relevant for innovative solutions. As a key concept for integrating different disciplines across social and natural sciences within a common research project, we present principles, models and examples of system research and highlight systems practice with the help of the farming systems and the socioecological systems approaches. Next, we concretise inter- and transdisciplinary research practice as a three-phase process and operationalise cooperation of scientists and stakeholders in bioeconomy contexts. Specific attention is given to a differentiated understanding of knowledge. The chapter is closed with a reflection on the role researchers play in inter- and transdisciplinary research and the impacts created by norms and values emanating from science.

From dogmatic views on conservation agriculture adoption in Zambia towards adapting to context

ABSTRACT Conservation Agriculture (CA) has been widely promoted in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as a sustainable agricultural practice, yet with debatable success. Most authors assume successful adoption, only if all three principles of CA are implemented: (1) minimum or zero tillage, (2) maintenance of a permanent soil cover, and (3) integration of crop rotations. Based on this strict definition, adoption has declined or remained stagnant. Presently, not much attention has been given to context-suited adaptation possibilities, and partial adoption has not been recognized as an entry point to full adoption. Furthermore, isolated success cases have not been analysed sufficiently. By applying the QAToCA approach based on focus group discussions complemented by semi-structured qualitative expert and farmer interviews, we assessed the reasons behind positive CA adaptation and adoption trends in Zambia. Main reasons behind Zambia’s emerging success are (1) a positive institutional influence, (2) a systematic approach towards CA promotion – encouraging a stepwise adaptation and adoption, and (3) mobilization of strong marketing dynamics around CA. These findings could help to eventually adjust or redesign CA promotion activities. We argue for a careful shift from the ‘dogmatic view’ on adoption of CA as a packaged technology, towards adapting its principles to the small-scale farming context of SSA.