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Subsistence Farming, Incomes, and Agricultural Livelihoods in the New Member States of the European Union

Author

Listed:
  • Sophia Davidova
  • Lena Fredriksson
  • Matthew Gorton

    (Newcastle University Business School, 5 Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4SE, England)

  • Plamen Mishev

    (University of National and World Economy, Studentski Grad ‘Hr Botev’, 1700 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Dan Petrovici

    (Kent Business School, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7PE, England)

Abstract

Drawing on primary survey data and the literature on sustainable livelihoods, we analyse agricultural households in five new member states of the EU which possess a large subsistence and semisubsistence farming sector. The study indicates that the contribution of subsistence farming to household incomes is significant. The profiling of agricultural households, using cluster analysis, reveals four main types which differ significantly in terms of engagement in nonmarketed production. The poorest households form the largest cluster. They possess low natural, physical, and social capital, operating small-scale and undercapitalised farms with little nonagricultural income. The main EU Common Agricultural Policy instruments are not well suited to respond to the specific needs of these poor subsistence farmers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sophia Davidova & Lena Fredriksson & Matthew Gorton & Plamen Mishev & Dan Petrovici, 2012. "Subsistence Farming, Incomes, and Agricultural Livelihoods in the New Member States of the European Union," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 30(2), pages 209-227, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:30:y:2012:i:2:p:209-227
    DOI: 10.1068/c1195r
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Bianca AVRAM POP & Simona SABOU, 2018. "The Role Of Agriculture In Romanian Development," Business Excellence and Management, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 8(1), pages 5-18, March.
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    6. Czyżewski, Bazyli & Kryszak, Łukasz, 2023. "Can a pursuit of productivity be reconciled with sustainable practices in small-scale farming? – Evidence from central and eastern Europe," MPRA Paper 117642, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 31 May 2023.
    7. Arlindo Rodrigues Fortes & Vladmir Ferreira & Elsa Barbosa Simões & Isaurinda Baptista & Stefano Grando & Erik Sequeira, 2020. "Food Systems and Food Security: The Role of Small Farms and Small Food Businesses in Santiago Island, Cabo Verde," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-30, June.
    8. Aragie, Emerta A. & McDonald, Scott, 2023. "The economic consequences of price support policies in semi-subsistence economies," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 45(6), pages 1148-1166.
    9. Guiomar, N. & Godinho, S. & Pinto-Correia, T. & Almeida, M. & Bartolini, F. & Bezák, P. & Biró, M. & Bjørkhaug, H. & Bojnec, Š. & Brunori, G. & Corazzin, M. & Czekaj, M. & Davidova, S. & Kania, J. & K, 2018. "Typology and distribution of small farms in Europe: Towards a better picture," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 784-798.
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    11. Concetta Cardillo & Orlando Cimino, 2022. "Small Farms in Italy: What Is Their Impact on the Sustainability of Rural Areas?," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-25, November.
    12. Georgiana Toth & Alina Huzui-Stoiculescu & Alexandru-Ioan Toth & Robert Stoiculescu, 2020. "How Do Natura 2000 Areas Intersect with Peoples’ Livelihood Strategies in High Nature Value Farmlands in Southern Transylvania?," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-18, December.
    13. Duckett, Dominic & Bjørkhaug, Hilde & Mur, Laura Arnalte & Palmioli, Lucia, 2022. "New ‘old’ risks on the small farm: Iconic species rewilding in Europe," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
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    15. Irena Antošová & Naďa Hazuchová & Jana Stávková, 2021. "Income situation of agricultural households of EU countries," Agricultural Economics, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 67(4), pages 121-128.

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