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Key Drivers of the Engagement of Farmers in Social Innovation for Marginalised Rural Areas

Author

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  • Antonio Baselice

    (Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resource and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy)

  • Mariarosaria Lombardi

    (Department of Economics, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy)

  • Maurizio Prosperi

    (Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resource and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy)

  • Antonio Stasi

    (Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resource and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy)

  • Antonio Lopolito

    (Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy)

Abstract

The European Union promotes social innovation (SI) initiatives for the support of marginalised rural areas through rural and sustainable development policies. These are based on the engagement of local actors and the strengthening of their mutual relationships to boost the fostering of professional collaborations. In this context, the Horizon 2020 Social Innovation in Marginalised Areas (SIMRA) project elaborated a conceptual framework for characterising the engagement in an SI initiative. Accordingly, this paper aims to demonstrate that engagement relies on specific key drivers, such as the existence of unmet social needs and the role of agency. To this end, a two-step Heckman model was applied to an SI initiative case study called Vàzapp’, a rural hub (agency) located in Southern Italy. It promotes relationships among farmers to valorise the marginalised rural areas. The results appear consistent with the theoretical framework, demonstrating that the farmers’ engagement was motivated by the existence of the aforementioned determinants. The implications are relevant for policymakers, consultants, and social innovators who may incorporate these elements in designing specific SI projects in different contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Baselice & Mariarosaria Lombardi & Maurizio Prosperi & Antonio Stasi & Antonio Lopolito, 2021. "Key Drivers of the Engagement of Farmers in Social Innovation for Marginalised Rural Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:15:p:8454-:d:603732
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    3. Néstor Vercher, 2022. "Territorial Social Innovation and Alternative Food Networks: The Case of a New Farmers’ Cooperative on the Island of Ibiza (Spain)," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-22, May.

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