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The Role of Education in the Transition towards Sustainable Agriculture: A Family Farm Learning Perspective

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  • Elisa Maini

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy)

  • Marcello De Rosa

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy)

  • Yari Vecchio

    (Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

This paper deals with the analysis of decision-making processes at the family-farm level with reference to the transition towards sustainable agriculture. Despite literature that has underlined the relevance of education in strategic decision making, less attention has been devoted to the (family) collective decision-making process by taking into account the maximum level of education of the family members regardless of the position and whether they are the manager of the family farm or not. Therefore, this paper tries to fill a gap in literature by emphasizing the family farm’s collective decision-making process. In order to empirically measure this relevance, an econometric model was carried out that allowed us to evidence clear differences in the transition paths among various typologies of family farms on the basis of the level of education. Our results confirm the impact of education at the collective family level on transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices. This is particularly true in remote rural areas, where the transition is realized with higher intensity with respect to other territorial contexts. This brings about policy implications on enskilling farmers and upgrading their level of human capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisa Maini & Marcello De Rosa & Yari Vecchio, 2021. "The Role of Education in the Transition towards Sustainable Agriculture: A Family Farm Learning Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:8099-:d:597743
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Abdul Haris & Muhammad Munawir Syarif & Hamed Narolla & Rachmat Hidayat, 2024. "Multicriteria Analysis Model in Sustainable Corn Farming Area Planning," Papers 2404.01782, arXiv.org.
    3. Jaretzky, Huong & Liebenehm, Sabine & Waibel, Hermann, 2022. "Farmers' Knowledge and Farm Productivity in Rural Thailand and Vietnam," Hannover Economic Papers (HEP) dp-702, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät.
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    5. Jing Yu & Sixian Li & Yaodong Zhou & Lingyu Song, 2025. "Mitigating the “Empty Shell” Phenomenon in Farmer Professional Cooperatives: Insights Based on Demonstration Cooperative Policies in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-28, March.
    6. Nanang Dwi Wahyono & Niswatin Hasanah & Rita Parmawati & Wing-Keung Wong, 2023. "Improving Economic Welfare through Capital Development: Case Study of Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Pujon District," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-13, May.

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