Back to Search | Help | Tutorial Search Within Results | New Search | Save This Search | RSS Feed
Sort By: RelevancePublication Date (newest to oldest)Publication Date (oldest to newest)Title (A to Z)Title (Z to A)Author (A to Z)Author (Z to A)Source (A to Z)Source (Z to A)
Use My Clipboard to print, email, export, and save records. More Info: Help 0 items in My Clipboard
Now showing results 1-10 of 91. Next 10 >>
1. A Conceptual Framework for the Assessment of Multiple Functions of Agro-Ecosystems: A Case Study of Tras-os-Montes Olive Groves (EJ820586)
Author(s):
Fleskens, Luuk; Duarte, Filomena; Eicher, Irmgard
Source:
Journal of Rural Studies, v25 n1 p141-155 Jan 2009
Pub Date:
2009-01-00
Pub Type(s):
Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Peer-Reviewed:
Yes
Descriptors: Research; Foreign Countries; Case Studies; Agronomy; Agribusiness; Stakeholders; Environmental Influences; Ecological Factors; Rural to Urban Migration; Evaluation; Decision Making; Cultural Context
Abstract: Multifunctionality in agriculture has received a lot of attention the last decade from researchers and policy-makers alike, perhaps most notably evidenced by the important changes made to the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. While the concept has been embraced by environmentalists envisioning positive impulses for decoupling and a range of local stakeholders recognizing implicit marketing opportunities involved, it has also been criticized as a mere argument in favour of disguised protectionism. Problematic in this discussion is the lack of an operationalising framework for the assessment of multiple functions. In this paper, we discuss such a framework and the role it can play in the decision-making process. Focusing on a case study about olive farming on sloping and mountainous land in northeastern Portugal, the contribution discusses methods for studying multiple functions of agro-ecosystems. While function assessment is presented from a research perspective, its relevance for stakeholders is also stressed here. By using the metaphor of a house, the method could appeal to a wide range of actors. In the case study, we conclude that olive groves on sloping and mountainous land particularly fall short in supplying ecological functions. They do however contribute significantly to the local economy, generate employment and perform an important role in maintaining the cultural landscape and identity, and are thus vital to regional development and to stop outmigration of the population. Policy-makers could use the function assessment tool to design effective cross-compliance rules and relevant agro-environmental measures to reinforce ecological and social functions, and to communicate ideas to other stakeholders. As such, it provides an extension of public debate and can reinforce decision-making by visualizing trends, development alternatives or scenarios. The role of research in this method is to facilitate dialogue between stakeholder groups and to feed the process with relevant indicators. (Contains 8 figures and 5 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
Related Items: Show Related Items
Full-Text Availability Options:
More Info: Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text | More Info: Help Find in a Library | Publisher's Web Site
2. Developing Curriculum Markers for Agricultural Extension Education in South Africa (EJ811744)
Worth, S. H.
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, v14 n1 p21-34 Mar 2008
2008-03-00
Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Rural Extension; Agricultural Education; Foreign Countries; Educational Policy; Outcome Based Education; Learning Processes; Reflection; Reflective Teaching; Adult Education; Adult Students; Theory Practice Relationship; Outcomes of Education
Abstract: Sufficient changes have occurred in both the agricultural and educational sectors of South Africa to warrant a careful scrutiny of the agricultural education offerings in South Africa. Agricultural extension is identified as an important part of the intended transformation of the agricultural sector. Further, agricultural extension is essentially an education programme. As such agricultural extension should be subject to the same scrutiny--both in terms of agricultural policy and educational policy. Drawing on two previously published papers, this paper synthesizes the findings of examining agricultural extension in these two lights. The result is the establishment of a range of 21 markers, grouped in three categories: meta-markers which address cross-cutting factors in the learning agenda; content markers which are underpinning markers that address theory and practice in areas that impact on all other learning outcomes in the curricula; and process markers which are facets of the learning process which need to be included in the agricultural extension curricula. The identified markers comprise essential learning for extension practitioners in addition to the particular technical learning required (as implied in South African agricultural policy). As such they create the framework for facilitated learning. (Contains 2 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
3. Imagined Communities, Contested Watersheds: Challenges to Integrated Water Resources Management in Agricultural Areas (EJ796035)
Ferreyra, Cecilia; de Loe, Rob C.; Kreutzwiser, Reid D.
Journal of Rural Studies, v24 n3 p304-321 Jul 2008
2008-07-00
Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Water; Natural Resources; Governance; Water Quality; Agriculture; Policy; Foreign Countries
Abstract: Integrated water resources management is one of the major bottom-up alternatives that emerged during the 1980s in North America as part of the trend towards more holistic and participatory styles of environmental governance. It aims to protect surface and groundwater resources by focusing on the integrated and collaborative management of land and water resources and interests on a watershed basis. In this paper, we draw on the policy network perspective on governance to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of watershed-based processes of collaboration and integration for water quality protection in agricultural areas. The policy network perspective focuses on the interaction of actors, institutions and ideas within and among policy sectors to capture the intricacies of the policy process in increasingly complex and fragmented societies. Empirically, this study is based on the analysis of agro-environmental strategies for water quality protection in the Province of Ontario over the last 15 years. The contamination of a rural municipal well in Ontario in 2000, with its tragic consequences, translated into an ongoing pluralistic debate and strong attempts to fundamentally change the provincial policy style for addressing drinking water threats, especially agricultural pollution. Based on our analysis, we suggest that meaningful scales for collaboration and integration of land and water resources and interests at the local level, from the point of view of Ontario's agricultural policy network, do not currently include the watershed. We conclude that, instead of forcing watershed-based governance structures, the exploration and examination of more creative and flexible ways of linking watershed imperatives to existing socially and politically meaningful scales in agricultural areas of Ontario and elsewhere is warranted. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
4. Attitudes to Agricultural Policy and Farming Futures in the Context of the 2003 CAP Reform: A Comparison of Farmers in Selected Established and New Member States (EJ796031)
Gorton, Matthew; Douarin, Elodie; Davidova, Sophia; Latruffe, Laure
Journal of Rural Studies, v24 n3 p322-336 Jul 2008
Descriptors: Agricultural Production; Agriculture; Policy; Multivariate Analysis; Comparative Analysis; Agricultural Occupations; Attitudes; Foreign Countries
Abstract: Farmers' attitudes, to agricultural production, diversification and policy support, and behavioural intentions in five Member States of the EU (France, Lithuania, Slovakia, Sweden, England) are analysed comparatively. Groups of farmers with similarly held attitudes are identified using cluster analysis to investigate whether differences in attitudes are defined predominately according to national, east-west, size or other criteria. The results highlight that the vast majority of farmers in the enlarged EU retain a productivist mindset, wish to maintain an agricultural focus and strongly reject notions of policy liberalisation. However, while the overwhelming majority advocate protection they are more receptive to greater flexibility in terms of the instruments through which policy support may be delivered. Overall, the strongest opposition to policy liberalisation comes from farmers in the New Member States of the EU. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
5. Charting and Theorising the Territorialisation of Agricultural Policy (EJ783001)
Trouve, Aurelie; Berriet-Solliec, Marielle; Depres, Christophe
Journal of Rural Studies, v23 n4 p443-452 Oct 2007
2007-10-00
Descriptors: Foreign Countries; Public Policy; Agriculture; Decision Making; Social Structure; Agricultural Production; Federal Regulation
Abstract: Against a background of contestation of European agricultural policy, the territorial dimension is one of the prominent factors in proposals for shaping new rules of public action. This situation has been brought about by shifts in the nature of the challenges facing farming and in society's expectations of it, but also by a change in the forms that public policy may take, which is challenging the hegemony of the nation states in matters of economic and social organisation. We attempt to characterise this territorialisation of public policy in agriculture from a regulationist standpoint and on the basis of research conducted in France. This involves three points: the renewal of decision-making procedures, the adaptation of public action to local specificities and the offsetting of market effects. Empirical findings show that these three factors are only marginal aspects of the changes that have come about in public action in farming: the territorial dimension is not at present the vector of any far-reaching change to the underlying principles and ground rules in this domain. However, these three emerging rationales do give a preview of new forms of regulation in the farming sector. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
6. Multifunctional Agriculture in Policy and Practice? A Comparative Analysis of Norway and Australia (EJ780441)
Bjorkhaug, Hilde; Richards, Carol Ann
Journal of Rural Studies, v24 n1 p98-111 Jan 2008
2008-01-00
Descriptors: Foreign Countries; Comparative Analysis; Agriculture; Rural Development; Sustainable Development; Agricultural Production; Public Policy; Policy Analysis; Rural Environment; Cultural Maintenance
Abstract: Ideals of productivist agriculture in the Western world have faded as the unintended consequences of intensive agriculture and pastoralism have contributed to rural decline and environmental problems. In Norway and Australia, there has been an increasing acceptance of the equal importance of social and environmental sustainability as well as economic sustainability. Alongside this shift is a belief that primary production needs to move away from an intensive, productivist-based agriculture to one that may be defined as post-productivist. In this paper, we argue that the dualism of productivism and post-productivism as concepts on agricultural policy regimes are too simplistic and discuss whether multifunctional agriculture is a better concept for a comparison of rural primary production at two extreme points of the scale, the market-oriented, liberalistic Australian agriculture and the market-protected small-scale Norwegian agriculture. We argue that multifunctionality in Australia rates relatively weakly as an ideology or policy and even less as a discourse or practice and hence is situated toward a "weak" end of a continuum of a level of multifunctional agriculture. In Norwegian agriculture, multifunctional agriculture has thrived within a protectionist setting with the support of the public, the state and agricultural actors. In this sense it is very clearly a policy, practice and discourse that aims to preserve and conserve rural spaces, the cultural landscape, the farming way of life and food safety. Norway is as such situated toward a "strong" end of a continuum of a level of multifunctional agriculture. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
7. EU Rural Development Policy in the New Member States: Promoting Multifunctionality? (EJ782988)
Ramniceanu, Irina; Ackrill, Robert
Journal of Rural Studies, v23 n4 p416-429 Oct 2007
Descriptors: Rural Development; Public Policy; Classification; Agricultural Production; Political Influences; International Organizations; Public Support; Change Strategies; Financial Policy; Agriculture; Political Issues; Policy Formation; Policy Analysis; International Cooperation
Abstract: European Union (EU) enlargement has seen 10 new member states (NMS) adopt the full range of EU policies. Within this, the rural development arm of the Common Agricultural Policy offers particular points of interest. Member states chose from an extensive list of policy measures developed within the EU15 and intended, in particular, to operationalise the concept of rural multifunctionality within the ongoing CAP reform process. This paper identifies the rural development policy choices made by the eight central and eastern European NMS and develops a taxonomy to ascertain the extent to which the NMS are directing public funds to promote multifunctionality. A number of factors are then identified as helping to influence the policy choices made across countries. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
8. Sliding toward the Free Market: Shifting Political Conditions and U.S. Agricultural Policy, 1945-1975 (EJ684095)
Winders, Bill
Rural Sociology, v69 n4 p467-489 Dec 2004
2004-12-00
Descriptors: Free Enterprise System; Economic Factors; Agriculture; Political Power; Public Policy; Change Agents
Abstract: Between 1945 and 1975, the twin pillars of U.S. agricultural policy--price supports and production controls--were weakened significantly. Price supports levels were reduced and made flexible in 1954, and the concept of parity was removed in 1973. Production controls were softened in 1964 and 1973. How can we explain these policy shifts? While many scholars focus on the rise of urban and consumer interests, I look at changes within agriculture and focus on the economic interests and political power of three segments of agriculture: producers of cotton, corn, and wheat. These segments anchored the political coalition that forged and expanded the New Deal agricultural policies. Yet, these policies eventually reshaped market conditions, thereby changing the interests of these segments. Changes in the economic interests and political power of these segments influenced the timing and substance of shifts in U.S. agricultural policy. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
9. The European Social Fund: The Commission, the Member State and Levels of Governance (EJ795020)
Brine, Jacqueline
European Educational Research Journal, v3 n4 p777-789 2004
2004-00-00
Descriptors: Unions; Vocational Education; Policy; Financial Support
Abstract: The European Social Fund (ESF) is the European Union structural fund that redistributes funds to facilitate vocational education and training (VET). With the exception of the Common Agricultural Policy it is the EU's largest instrument for redistribution. Currently linked to the European Employment Strategy it match-funds, and through its policies, directs, much of the Member State's training for unemployed people. Drawing on a discursive analysis of ESF official policy text from 1957 to 2000, the article explores the relationship between the different actors and levels of governance involved in the construction of the EU: the Council, the Commission and the nation state. There are two strands to the article's argument: first, that Member State politicians and officials use the EU governmental space to make policies that they would otherwise find difficult to introduce at the national level. Second, that despite its apparent focus on vocational education and training the Social Fund's main function is to distribute funds to maintain political stability within, across and between the Member States and this is a vital requirement for the construction of the Union. (Contains 1 table.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
10. IPTS/ESTO Studies on Reforms of Agriculture, Education and Social Systems within the Context of Enlargement and Demographic Change in the EU. Final Report. (ED480314)
N/A
2002-06-00
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Agriculture; Case Studies; Comparative Education; Demography; Education Work Relationship; Educational Finance; Educational Policy; Foreign Countries; Human Capital; International Cooperation; Labor Force Development; Labor Needs; Outcomes of Education; Population Trends; Public Policy; Retraining; Social Science Research; Social Systems; Sustainable Development; Unemployment
Abstract: This document summarizes a comparative analysis of the interconnections between technological and socioeconomic developments in agriculture and rural development, human capital formation, and social systems in the 13 candidate countries (CCs) for admission into the European Union (EU) and in the 15 countries of the EU. Specific topics considered in sections A through C are as follows: (1) the unsustainability of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP); (2) human capital formation; and (3) social systems (pension systems, unemployment compensation, health care, consumer protection, migration, gender policies, social relations). Section D contains the paper "Demographic Change in the EU-Pre-accession Countries: The Challenges of an Enlarged EU" by Gery Coomans. Section E summarizes key arguments and recommendations presented in sections A through D, including the following: (1) thinking about the CAP and its implementation must be revised; (2) although most CCs do not differ significantly from the EU average when analyzed based on the conventional indicators of educational input and output, the CCs may in fact be facing a human capital deficit that the conventional indicators cannot capture; and (3) the notion of "social Europe" based on shared values of equality and social structures is not always consistent with EU external policies. Fifty-four tables/figures/maps are included. A 56-item reference list and a list of 16 suggestions for further reading are included. (MN) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
ERIC Full Text (3061K)
Help
Help