Final report for GNC22-348
Project Information
Research increasingly calls for agricultural systems to account for the well-being of local communities. However, designing and implementing a sustainable system that creates shared value for farmers and local populations remains a challenge, especially with continuous social and environmental changes that put pressure on agricultural management decisions. This project seeks to understand the inclusion of community considerations in farming decision-making in different contexts of crop diversification. Data was collected from crop producers through semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaires between 2021 and 2023. Twenty-eight interviews took place in four counties representing diverging trends in cropping system diversity in two Farm Resource Regions: Ellsworth County, KS, Nuckolls County, NE, and Bertie and Washington counties in North Carolina. A total of 154 crop producers from counties nationwide responded to the survey. The analysis shows that farmers consider various community-related factors, including community health, community economics, and education when making farm management decisions. Additionally, crop producers are more inclined to factor community considerations into their decision-making when they are more aware of how their industry affects community life, value community health, and well-being, and are willing to work cooperatively with neighbors and other stakeholders.
This SARE-funded research project is part of Francois’ doctoral dissertation that broadly focuses on interactions between agricultural systems' diversity, productivity, and management practices with the well-being of farming communities. The SARE-funded component sought to explore how crop producers incorporate community considerations into their on-farm management decisions. This included examining their perceptions of community considerations when making farming decisions and identifying the personal and contextual factors associated with these considerations.
Cooperators
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Research
Francois’ doctoral dissertation focuses on interactions between agricultural systems' diversity, productivity, and management practices with the well-being of farming communities. This work addresses three research questions (RQ), with the final two questions supported by SARE funding:
- How does community well-being vary across the intersection of agricultural diversification and crop production levels and the intersection of diversity–productivity characteristics and farming intensity levels?
- How do various management systems incorporate community concerns into their decision-making processes, and what are the implications for the well-being and sustainability of local communities?
- What individual characteristics and contextual attributes are associated with the integration of well-being in agricultural decision-making?
RQ 1
The primary analysis of this work establishes the context of agriculture–community relationships by exploring the links between the diversity and productivity conditions of U.S. farming systems and the well-being of agricultural communities. This work explores variations in CWB with the intersection of agricultural diversification, crop production levels, and farming intensity levels. A descriptive composite measure of CWB was developed to conduct this exploration using secondary data, primarily from the U.S. Census Bureau. This index of CWB tapped into multiple conditions of communities, including material needs, community health, education, opportunities, and social community. Spatial analysis and descriptive statistics were employed to visualize and identify patterns in the index. This initial analysis provided a baseline understanding of the overall CWB across regions, as well as within various contexts of crop diversification and farming system intensity. It was also critical in laying the foundation for the SARE-funded component of the dissertation, which focuses on investigating the inclusion of CWB concerns into on-farm decision-making.
RQ 2
To address research question 2, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Twenty-eight recorded semi-structured interviews were conducted with crop producers selected using snowballing techniques. This approach helps select relevant participants who could provide rich and diverse perspectives on agricultural practices and community well-being. Fourteen of these interviews took place in the North Central Region (9 in Ellsworth County, Kansas, and 5 in Nuckolls County, Nebraska). Interviews were transcribed and coded using a thematic analysis approach to identify recurrent themes and insights related to community considerations in farming decisions. This analysis helped us understand the extent to which farmers integrate community concerns into management decisions. Additionally, a structured survey instrument was developed based on findings from the interviews to gather quantitative data on farming practices, socio-economic characteristics, and perceived inclusion of community concerns into on-farm decision-making. In total, 154 crop producers completed the questionnaires, with 82 of these questionnaires being completed by farmers in the North Central Region. Survey data was analyzed to generate descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, correlation, and modeling analysis.
RQ 3
To address research question 3, exploring the individual and place-based attributes associated with integrating community well-being in farming decisions, data from the survey were employed, including demographic, socioeconomic, and contextual information of survey participants. These attributes include education, gender, years of farming experience, knowledge, norms, landscape characteristics, and regional contexts of farming systems. Ongoing data analysis focuses on identifying correlations between the level of community well-being integration in farmers’ decision-making and the individual farmers' attributes. This involves the use of regression models to determine which attributes are most strongly associated with community well-being integration in management decisions. The ecological conditions of farming landscapes and the regional contexts are also considered in the analysis.
RQ 1
The initial analysis of Francois’ doctoral dissertation established the context of connecting farming systems with community well-being by addressing the question of how community well-being varies across the intersection of agricultural diversification and crop production levels and the intersection of diversity–productivity characteristics and farming intensity levels. This involved the development of an objective measure of community well-being, which was analyzed in relation to the diversity–productivity characteristics of farming systems and their intensity levels. The results of this analysis indicate that the specific characteristics and practices of agricultural systems, such as their diversity and intensity, significantly influence the well-being of agricultural communities. The results revealed a consistent pattern of high well-being levels across most diversity–productivity categories, except for highly diverse and productive areas. In addition, regions with significant commercial farming operations, where agriculture plays a major role in contributing to GDP and employment, tend to have higher well-being scores compared to other areas. However, the results also highlighted that variations in CWB are not solely determined by agricultural factors. Contextual elements, such as the presence of social infrastructure, availability of non-agricultural job opportunities, and the degree of local economic diversification, also influence community well-being. These findings underscore the importance of an integrative approach to farming that considers both agricultural management practices and broader community factors. Regions that support local infrastructure, offer diverse job opportunities, and encourage economic diversification create an environment that can enhance both farm success and CWB and contribute to the long-term sustainability of rural areas.
RQ 2
The second question investigates how farmers incorporate community concerns into their decision-making processes and what the implications are for the well-being and sustainability of local communities. The working objective is to explore farmers’ perceptions on incorporating considerations for community in on-farm decision-making processes. The results from the interviews with crop producers revealed that farmers across different farming systems are increasingly aware of the impacts their decisions have on the broader community. While environmental considerations were often the starting point in their decision-making, many farmers also highlighted economic and social factors as key components. For example, farmers discussed the importance of supporting local economies by purchasing inputs from nearby businesses and engaging with community organizations. Public health concerns also played a significant role, with several farmers mentioning efforts to reduce the use of harmful chemicals, such as dicamba, to protect the health and safety of their neighbors.
Additionally, farmers demonstrated a strong commitment to engaging the next generation in agriculture, voicing concerns about the declining interest in farming among youth. Some participants actively took steps to educate younger community members through farm tours, internships, or mentoring programs. The findings further revealed that farmers prioritize community engagement, often participating in local boards and community activities, viewing this as an essential part of their responsibility as both agricultural producers and community members. These actions not only contribute to the immediate well-being of local populations but also ensure the long-term sustainability of both the agricultural sector and the wider community.
Survey data complemented these interview findings, showing that a majority of farmers recognize the impact of their management decisions on the local community and environment. Most respondents agreed that community health and safety were important considerations in their farm management decisions.
Overall, the findings indicate that farmers are not only aware of the broader impacts of their farming practices but also actively incorporate community considerations into their decision-making processes. This demonstrates the potential for agricultural systems to play a crucial role in enhancing community well-being, supporting economic development, and fostering environmental sustainability.
RQ 3
The third objective analyses the individual and contextual attributes that are associated with the integration of community well-being into agricultural decision-making. The working objective is to examine the attributes of farmers and the contextual factors that either facilitate or hinder the inclusion of community considerations in their farming decisions. The analysis revealed that farmers who exhibit a high level of awareness regarding the impacts of their farming practices on the community are more likely to integrate community well-being considerations into their decision-making processes. Additionally, farmers who value collaboration with neighbors and hold community health as a core attribute of good farming also show a greater likelihood of incorporating these concerns into their management decisions. However, the study found that profit-seeking values can conflict with these community-focused considerations, indicating a potential tension between economic objectives and the integration of community well-being in farming practices. The regression analysis showed that while socio-economic factors like education, farming experience, and farming dependence did not play a significant role, core attributes such as awareness, willingness to coordinate, and community values were strong predictors of community-focused decision-making. Furthermore, context variables, including landscape characteristics and regional differences, did not significantly influence the inclusion of community considerations, though they marginally improved the explanatory power of the model.
These findings suggest that promoting awareness of the broader social and environmental impacts of farming, as well as fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility within farming communities, could be effective strategies for increasing the integration of community well-being into agricultural decision-making. Extension programs and outreach efforts might focus on enhancing farmers' understanding of the long-term benefits of aligning their practices with community health and well-being. Additionally, policy initiatives that incentivize collaboration and social responsibility – while addressing the economic pressures farmers face – could encourage a more balanced approach that supports both farm profitability and community well-being.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
The findings of this project were disseminated across various venues, reaching diverse audiences including farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders. Francois presented at a farmer conference in Kansas, addressing an audience of approximately ten farmers and seven agricultural professionals. Francois developed a brochure containing project information to complement the presentation, distributing 23 copies to attendees. Additionally, Francois created an online story map showcasing preliminary findings, which has garnered 337 views on Esri to date. Furthermore, Francois shared research findings with a broader academic audience through four key presentations. He presented at a departmental seminar hosted by the Geography Department at Kansas State University, where he addressed an audience of over 17 participants. Francois shared the project findings at the American Association of Geographers 2023 Annual Meeting in Denver, presenting to an audience of approximately 10 participants. He presented research findings at two other academic settings: one at Kansas State University’s forum on graduate research, arts, and discovery and the other at the 2024 Agriculture, Food & Human Values Society Conference in Syracuse, NY. Twenty-one participants attended the forum, and twenty-six were present at the Syracuse conference. At the Syracuse conference, Francois also distributed ten copies of SARE outreach materials that he ordered, specifically the bulletin titled “Resilient Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities: Social Sustainability in Agriculture.”
These conference presentations showcased mostly the analysis of interview and survey data, which forms a significant component of Francois’ doctoral dissertation. Upon completion, his dissertation will be publicly accessible through the Kansas State University library and digitally available via the ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Database. Francois has already published one of his manuscripts in Sustainability. Additionally, he is currently in the process of developing two other manuscripts based on this research project, which are underway for submission to scientific journals, including the Land Use Policy and the International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability.
Francois also took part in a community science outreach event in Colby (Thomas County), Kansas, where he led activities focused on the geography of food and agriculture, primarily targeting K-12 students and their families. The event drew over 500 visitors, including more than 300 K-12 students. Full information for the presentations are as below:
- Francois, J. R. & Nelson, K. S. (October). Exploring Farmer Attributes for Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Poster Presentation at the 2024 Regional Annual Meeting of the Great Plains/Rocky Mountain Division of the American Association of Geographers. Orem, Utah, United States.
- Francois, J. R. & Nelson, K. S. (June 2024). Beyond the Farms: Setting the Stage of Agricultural Decision-Making for Sustainable Futures. Paper Presentation at the 2024 Agriculture, Food & Human Values Society (AFHVS) and the Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS) Conference Right to Food-Food as Commons, Syracuse, NY, United States.
- Francois, J. R. & Nelson, K. S. (March 2024). Examining Farmers' Perspectives on Community Considerations in Agricultural Decision-Making in the United States. Paper Presentation at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the K-State Graduate Research, Arts, and Discovery Forum. Manhattan, Kansas, United States.
- Francois, J. R. (November 2023). Harvesting well-being: Examination of consideration for community by agricultural producers. Invited Panelist at the 2023 Annual Food and Farm Conference organized by Kansas Rural Center. Topeka, Kansas, United States.
- Francois, J. R. (April 2023). Exploring community well-being concerns in management decisions of agricultural systems. Department Seminar, Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences, Kansas State University. Manhattan, Kansas, United States.
- Francois, J. R. & Nelson, K. S. (March, 2023). Examining the state of community well-being at the intersection of rurality and agricultural engagement in the Contiguous United States. Paper Presentation at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Geographers. Denver, Colorado, United States.
Project Outcomes
Through in-depth interviews and surveys, we have gained valuable insights into the thought processes and motivations driving farmers' decisions, highlighting the interconnectedness between environmental stewardship, CWB, and farm management. Farmers consistently recognize the profound impact their decisions have on both the natural environment and the social fabric of their communities. As a result, many have taken steps to integrate economic, environmental, and social aspects into their farming decisions, prioritizing not only profitability but also the vitality and health of their communities.
One of the key takeaways from this project is the identification of specific actions farmers can take to better support CWB. For instance, farmers who diversify their operations – such as adding more crops or integrating livestock into their farm business – can enhance both their economic resilience against climatic and market chocks, ecosystem health, and community engagement. Diversified operations can create more opportunities for employment, require sourcing inputs from local suppliers, and can stimulate greater interaction with local consumers through direct sales, farmers' markets, or community-supported agriculture programs. Therefore, in areas with declining farm jobs or reduced local employment opportunities, efforts to bolster agricultural job creation can improve CWB. These practices can contribute to local economic diversification while fostering stronger ties between farms and their surrounding communities.
In terms of policy and program recommendations, the findings suggest that targeted training and educational initiatives aimed at increasing farmers' awareness of the broader social impacts of their decisions could be highly effective. Educational activities that focus on sustainable land-use practices, chemical reduction, and community engagement are particularly needed. Based on the survey results, some regions might benefit more from these interventions. For example, the Northern Great Plains region shows the lowest average responses in terms of incorporating community considerations in farming decisions, the willingness to collaborate with neighbors on farm management, and the emphasis placed on community values.
Ultimately, these insights inform actionable recommendations for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders. By developing programs that support diversified farming systems and encourage decision-making that accounts for community concerns, policymakers can enhance both the sustainability of agricultural landscapes and communities. Similarly, the outcomes of this project demonstrate that farmers can play a crucial role not only in sustaining their farms but also in strengthening the well-being of their communities, which is essential for the long-term sustainability of both the agricultural sector and rural areas — two essential pillars in sustaining life on earth.
Throughout the duration of this project, both my advisor and I experienced considerable growth in our understanding and appreciation of sustainable agriculture. Initially, while we understood the fundamental principles underlying sustainable farming practices, our knowledge deepened as we delved into the complexities of the topic through interviews, surveys, and data analysis. We gained a nuanced understanding of the diverse approaches and strategies employed by farmers to promote sustainability within their communities. In particular, we gained a greater appreciation of the very strong role context (place and time) plays in both on-farm decision-making and agricultural system change despite the ubiquity of some technologies, policies, and global markets. From this project, we developed a greater sense of urgency and commitment to advocating for sustainable practices within the agricultural sector, recognizing the critical role they play in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of our communities.
In terms of skills, we improve our abilities in research methodology, data collection, and analysis, as well as in communication and outreach. Engaging with agricultural stakeholders and conveying complex ideas effectively helped to enhance our skills as we navigated through the various stages of the project. Moreover, our awareness of the interconnectedness between farming practices, community well-being, and broader sustainability issues was heightened.
Overall, the project served as a transformative learning experience, enriching our knowledge, attitudes, skills, and awareness about sustainable agriculture and inspiring us to continue our efforts in advancing sustainability within the agricultural sector.
“Thanks so much for presenting at our conference last month! Your contribution was truly appreciated, and I heard very positive feedback about what you shared…Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.”
(From a farmer conference organizer in Kansas)
We extend our sincere gratitude to SARE for the invaluable opportunity to conduct research funded by the program, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing sustainable agriculture. Through this support, we have uncovered findings that contribute to our understanding of the dynamic relationships between farming practices and community well-being. We encourage SARE to continue its vital role in funding projects that address emerging challenges and opportunities in the sphere of sustainable agriculture, with a particular focus on promoting activities that raise awareness about community issues and potential solutions.
We would also like to give a special shout-out to the anonymous interview and survey participants who made this research possible. Thank you to the farmers, extension agents, and other agricultural stakeholders who generously shared their time and insights. A big thank you to the Kansas State University Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation (OEIE) for their invaluable support in the survey design and distribution. Your valuable contributions provided the foundation for this research, helping us better understand the integration of community well-being into farming decisions. Your input will play an essential role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and community well-being.
Information Products
- Fostering Community Well-Being in Farming Practices: Potential Benefits for Farmers and Agricultural Communities
- Considering Community in Agricultural Decision-Making
- Harvesting Well-being: Examination of Consideration for Community by Agricultural Producers
- Exploring community well-being concerns in management decisions of agricultural systems
- Examining the State of Community Well-Being at the Intersection of Rurality and Agricultural Engagement in the Contiguous United States
- Video: Farmers and Community Well-Being with Jean Ribert Francois
- Linking Diversity–Productivity Conditions of Farming Systems with the Well-Being of Agricultural Communities
- Beyond the Farms: Setting the Stage of Agricultural Decision-Making for Sustainable Futures