Technical knowledge acquisition modes and environmental sustainability in Spanish organic farms
Search citation statements
Paper Sections
Citation Types
Year Published
Publication Types
Relationship
Authors
Journals
Cited by 2 publications
References 45 publications
PurposeWith organic farming (OF) emerging as a pivotal and sustainable farm enterprise globally, its adoption – particularly through sustainable organic farming practices (SOFP) – underscores the crucial role played by the competencies of organic farmers. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive perceptual assessment of the competencies essential for SOFP in the unique agricultural landscape. The focus is on exploring the entrepreneurial, managerial, personal and technical competencies of farmers engaged in OF.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a sequential mixed-methods approach, this study began with a quantitative phase (structured questionnaire) and seamlessly transitioned into a qualitative phase (focus group interviews). A total of 513 usable responses were received in the quantitative phase, and data from seven focus group interviews (FGIs) were recorded in the qualitative phase. The respondents were registered organic farmers affiliated with various farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in the Kashmir Valley, India. Methodological triangulation was used to interpret the results.FindingsThrough perceptual analysis, the study systematically identified and assessed the competencies held by the organic farmers. The study uncovered that farmers in the Kashmir Valley demonstrate competencies across personal, entrepreneurial, managerial and technical domains. Despite an overall moderate competence level, technical and managerial competencies were perceived as low and are focal points for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study sheds light on OF competencies in the Kashmir Valley, caution is warranted due to its regional focus. The reliance on self-reported data introduces potential bias in competency assessments. The sample, drawn from FPOs, can be a lacuna. The study’s static snapshot captures competencies at a specific time, limiting insights into potential temporal changes.Practical implicationsThe findings advocate for targeted competency development programs tailored to elevate varied competencies among farmers. Collaborative initiatives, market-oriented training and locally customized extension services are proposed to effectively address and bridge competence gaps. Policymakers are urged to consider incentivizing competency development and crafting integrated agricultural policies that comprehensively support competency enhancement.Originality/valueThis research contributes significantly to the existing theory and literature by advancing the understanding of competencies of organic farmers. It unveils perceptual assessment on four key competence dimensions that are very vital for SOFP and also explores the extent to which these competencies are evident. Furthermore, this study provides interventions for competence development for successful sustainable organic agri-ventures and entrepreneurial avenues.
PurposeWith organic farming (OF) emerging as a pivotal and sustainable farm enterprise globally, its adoption – particularly through sustainable organic farming practices (SOFP) – underscores the crucial role played by the competencies of organic farmers. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive perceptual assessment of the competencies essential for SOFP in the unique agricultural landscape. The focus is on exploring the entrepreneurial, managerial, personal and technical competencies of farmers engaged in OF.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a sequential mixed-methods approach, this study began with a quantitative phase (structured questionnaire) and seamlessly transitioned into a qualitative phase (focus group interviews). A total of 513 usable responses were received in the quantitative phase, and data from seven focus group interviews (FGIs) were recorded in the qualitative phase. The respondents were registered organic farmers affiliated with various farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in the Kashmir Valley, India. Methodological triangulation was used to interpret the results.FindingsThrough perceptual analysis, the study systematically identified and assessed the competencies held by the organic farmers. The study uncovered that farmers in the Kashmir Valley demonstrate competencies across personal, entrepreneurial, managerial and technical domains. Despite an overall moderate competence level, technical and managerial competencies were perceived as low and are focal points for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study sheds light on OF competencies in the Kashmir Valley, caution is warranted due to its regional focus. The reliance on self-reported data introduces potential bias in competency assessments. The sample, drawn from FPOs, can be a lacuna. The study’s static snapshot captures competencies at a specific time, limiting insights into potential temporal changes.Practical implicationsThe findings advocate for targeted competency development programs tailored to elevate varied competencies among farmers. Collaborative initiatives, market-oriented training and locally customized extension services are proposed to effectively address and bridge competence gaps. Policymakers are urged to consider incentivizing competency development and crafting integrated agricultural policies that comprehensively support competency enhancement.Originality/valueThis research contributes significantly to the existing theory and literature by advancing the understanding of competencies of organic farmers. It unveils perceptual assessment on four key competence dimensions that are very vital for SOFP and also explores the extent to which these competencies are evident. Furthermore, this study provides interventions for competence development for successful sustainable organic agri-ventures and entrepreneurial avenues.
Evaluation and comparison of energy use efficiency among cucumber greenhouses
IntroductionConstruction of agricultural greenhouses can be considered as one of the appropriate solutions to meet the growing food demands. However, high energy use in greenhouse productions on the one hand and energy limitation on the other hand are fundamental challenges facing mankind. The present study aims to measure and compare energy efficiency based on the components of energy use sustainability (Environmental Norms, Environmental Beliefs, Environmental Values, Technical Management, Technical Knowledge, Education Level, Greenhouse’s Work Experience, Cost-Effectiveness and Educational-Extension Service) among greenhouse cucumber growers.MethodsThe statistical population included cucumber production greenhouse owners in Kerman Province, Iran. Out of the total population, 356 cases were selected as a sample using two-stage cluster sampling method. The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire validity was confirmed via the content validity method and its reliability was confirmed through the pilot test. The data obtained from the questionnaire was recorded, calculated, and analyzed by SPSS24, Excel2019, and Deap software.Results and discussionThe results showed that the average energy efficiency in the studied units was 0.72 (out of 1), so that 21 and 335 greenhouses used energy efficient and inefficient, respectively. According to the components of energy use sustainability, a significant difference was observed between efficient and inefficient greenhouses, so that the energy efficient greenhouses have a high level of related components. It is suggested that the decision-makers, stakeholders, and active policy makers in the field of greenhouse crops should consider all the components of energy use sustainability, so that the developed policies and programs can cover all dimensions and take into account different aspects of energy use sustainability. As the results of this study can serve as a reference for other similar areas.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
Contact Info
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Product
Resources
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.
