Background
Much of the transition work focuses on cities through investments in transportation and densification. However, rural municipalities often have a significant portion of agriculture in their economic portfolio, with many being small-scale actors. Can small-scale agricultural activities in these municipalities play a role in sustainable local community transformation?
About the Project
The main goal of the project is to shed light on how small-scale lives are lived where parts of the livelihood are derived from local forest and land resources. We also examine whether, and in what way, small-scale farming contributes to sustainable local community transformation.
Many small-scale actors operate, as illustrated in a preliminary project, with alternative sales channels and alternative operating methods that can challenge current frameworks of understanding in agricultural and climate/environmental approaches. This project is important for challenging and creating a debate about these issues.
The stories of small-scale actors will also help highlight how they live their lives with regard to climate and environmental impact and how this is linked to the good life. In the preliminary project, we have seen that many live with minimal resource use. This can provide inspiration and lessons applicable beyond small-scale farming, such as in consumption contexts and in the discussion of degrowth/anti-growth.
The project is based on qualitative interviews with small-scale actors and informants in their value chains. Document studies and thorough literature reviews on the significance of small-scale farming for local climate and environmental transition will be central.
Report
Report from the preliminary project: