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Psychological and Physical Health of Organic and Conventional Farmers: A Review

Author

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  • Lucas David

    (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Michaël Dambrun

    (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Rosie Harrington

    (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Michel Streith

    (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Audrey Michaud

    (UCA, INRAE UMR Herbivores, 63 122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France)

Abstract

Farmers’ health compared to the general population has been the object of some studies and reviews. Among all factors implied in psychological and physical health, the farming system (i.e., organic or conventional farming) was identified as one of the relevant factors to investigate. This article aims to review the literature established on the comparison between organic and conventional farmers’ health and its correlates. Twenty-nine quantitative or qualitative articles were identified for inclusion ( n = 29). Results showed that organic farmers had globally better psychological and physical health than conventional farmers. Effect sizes were small to large; they differed according to the target outcome. In addition, factors correlated with farmers’ health were usually psychological, social, financial, and agricultural. This review of literature encourages further research in this area, particularly on developing agricultural models.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucas David & Michaël Dambrun & Rosie Harrington & Michel Streith & Audrey Michaud, 2021. "Psychological and Physical Health of Organic and Conventional Farmers: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:20:p:11384-:d:656848
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ika Darnhofer & Walter Schneeberger & Bernhard Freyer, 2005. "Converting or not converting to organic farming in Austria:Farmer types and their rationale," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 22(1), pages 39-52, March.
    2. Loake, C., 2001. "Energy accounting and well-being -- examining UK organic and conventional farming systems through a human energy perspective," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 70(1), pages 275-294, October.
    3. Perrin, Augustine & Cristobal, Magali San & Milestad, Rebecka & Martin, Guillaume, 2020. "Identification of resilience factors of organic dairy cattle farms," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    4. Padilla Bravo, Carlos Antonio & Spiller, Achim & Villalobos, Pablo, . "Are Organic Growers Satisfied with the Certification System? A Causal Analysis of Farmers’ Perceptions in Chile," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 15(4), pages 1-22.
    5. Mzoughi, Naoufel, 2014. "Do organic farmers feel happier than conventional ones? An exploratory analysis," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 38-43.
    6. Cornelis Gardebroek, 2006. "Comparing risk attitudes of organic and non-organic farmers with a Bayesian random coefficient model," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 33(4), pages 485-510, December.
    7. Sunantar Setboonsarng, 2009. "Does Organic Agriculture Lead to Better Health among Organic and Conventional Farmers in Thailand? An Investigation of Health Expenditure among Organic and Conventional Farmers in Thailand," Working Papers id:1844, eSocialSciences.
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