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Multifunctional and Agroecological Agriculture as Pathways of Generational Renewal in Italian Rural Areas

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  • Silvia Sivini

    (Department of Political and Social Science, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy)

  • Annamaria Vitale

    (Department of Political and Social Science, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy)

Abstract

Rural regeneration is a transformative process that can be based on multiple possible pathways that are not always clearly distinct and that can be combined or co-exist. We argue that regeneration can be understood as a new framework for socio-natural relations. This paper aims at demonstrating that the combination of agroecology and strong multifunctional agriculture play a central role in re-producing the conditions of socio-ecological wellbeing. The study uses data collected through a qualitative methodology. Two case studies were executed in two Southern Italian regions: the first on farm successors in Sicily and the second on new entrants to farming in Apulia. In total, 41 in depth-interviews, two focus groups, and two restitution meetings were conducted. Findings suggest that agroecology and strong multifunctionality are innovative approaches to farming, allowing new farmers to deal with social, environmental, and economic production challenges, spreading benefits to the rural areas where they operate. The conclusion highlights that policies need to be more effective to support these processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Sivini & Annamaria Vitale, 2023. "Multifunctional and Agroecological Agriculture as Pathways of Generational Renewal in Italian Rural Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:7:p:5990-:d:1111648
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jan Douwe Van der Ploeg & Marjolein Visser, 2019. "The economic potential of agroecology: Empirical evidence from Europe," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/289295, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    2. De Rosa, Marcello & McElwee, Gerard & Smith, Robert, 2019. "Farm diversification strategies in response to rural policy: a case from rural Italy," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 291-301.
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    Cited by:

    1. Riccardo Primi & Paolo Viola & Carlo Maria Rossi & Stefano Ripert & Maria Nicolina Ripa & Raffaello Spina & Bruno Ronchi, 2024. "Impacts of Changing Livestock Farming Practices on the Biocultural Heritage and Landscape Configuration of Italian Anti-Apennine," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-27, February.
    2. Concetta Cardillo & Orlando Cimino & Marcello De Rosa & Martina Francescone, 2023. "The Evolution of Multifunctional Agriculture in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-19, July.

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