Sustainability

Editorial

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6 pages, 211 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sustainability and Development: From Agrarian Development to the Paradigm of Sustainability

by Francisco Entrena-Durán, Víctor-Manuel Muñoz-Sánchez and Antonio-Manuel Pérez-Flores

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6175; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116175 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1952

Abstract

In post-industrial societies, the new ruralities represent scenarios of diffuse socio-spatial frontiers that overflow the classic rural/urban dichotomy [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Sociology, Agriculture and Ecological Territorial Development)

Research

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16 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing Organic Food through Urban Agriculture, Community Gardens in Seville

by Mario Jordi-Sánchez and Antonio Luis Díaz-Aguilar

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4091; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084091 - 07 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

The growing presence of community or allotment gardens seeks to respond to the challenges of today’s urban societies in terms of sustainability. The food dimension of this phenomenon is one of its most important aspects, with clear repercussions on improving the quality of [...] Read more.

The growing presence of community or allotment gardens seeks to respond to the challenges of today’s urban societies in terms of sustainability. The food dimension of this phenomenon is one of its most important aspects, with clear repercussions on improving the quality of life of the allotment gardeners and their families. Through observation and qualitative analysis of some community urban gardens in southern Spain (Andalusia), this paper notes that the people who cultivate allotments within these community gardens attribute a wide variety of different meanings to their practices. One essential contribution of this research is the finding that this plurality of meanings moves beyond the rational-technical dimension of the act of growing, while at the same time redefining the act of consuming organic food, because of its connection with productive and social activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Sociology, Agriculture and Ecological Territorial Development)

18 pages, 5757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Backyard Agricultural and Farm Activity as an Option of Socioeconomic and Food Improvement in the Rural Towns of the Municipality of Guasave, Sinaloa

by Griselda Karina González-Félix, Víctor Manuel-Peinado Guevara, Héctor José Peinado-Guevara, Aldo Alán Cuadras-Berrelleza, Jaime Herrera-Barrientos, José de Jesús López-López and Zúñiga-Espinoza Nicolás Guadalupe

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3606; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073606 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2425

Abstract

The analysis of the economic problems of the population in Latin America in the face of unemployment and inflation, which have become permanent in these economies, gives rise to the generation of proposals for the solution of social deficiencies, as well as sustainable [...] Read more.

The analysis of the economic problems of the population in Latin America in the face of unemployment and inflation, which have become permanent in these economies, gives rise to the generation of proposals for the solution of social deficiencies, as well as sustainable factors that govern the behavior and culture of production today. The objective was to establish the importance and contribution that backyard activities can have to reach positive socioeconomic and nutritional levels in the rural area of the municipality of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. An exploratory analysis was carried out, to diagnose the problem, applying interviews to describe the socioeconomic and backyard perspectives, finding that more than 70% of those consulted carry out this activity in relation to livestock and/or agricultural dynamics. Two variables with positive economic effects stand out: self-consumption and commercialization, which are relevant socioeconomic aspects in the relationship between production and family economy, as well as the promotion of self-employment and preservation of family traditions in rural communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Sociology, Agriculture and Ecological Territorial Development)

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30 pages, 401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Andalusian Organic Farming Plans (2002–2016): Themes, Approaches and Values

by José-Francisco Jiménez-Díaz and Francisco Collado-Campaña

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3570; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063570 - 23 Mar 2021

Viewed by 2647

Abstract

Organic farming in the Spanish region of Andalusia has acquired great socio-economic importance over the past decades. The purpose of this article is to study the themes, approaches, and socio-political values pertaining to ecological agriculture addressed in the Andalusian plans for organic farming [...] Read more.

Organic farming in the Spanish region of Andalusia has acquired great socio-economic importance over the past decades. The purpose of this article is to study the themes, approaches, and socio-political values pertaining to ecological agriculture addressed in the Andalusian plans for organic farming (2002–2016). The contents of these plans have not been systematically studied before. From a descriptive and qualitative perspective, the authors present and classify the main themes addressed in those plans and show the socio-political approaches and values that underpin the plans. A thematic and semantic content analysis methodology is applied to the plans and sections addressing various objectives, measures, and actions. A theoretical-qualitative sampling is developed, and 109 keywords are selected for content analysis. This analysis allows us to detect numerous themes pertaining to ecological agriculture and to classify them into six semantic fields linked to various approaches and values promoted by the Andalusian autonomous administration. Therefore, this research focuses on changing perspectives of organic farming developed by the administration and the agents involved in the plans. The authors conclude that the diverse actors have prioritized a productivist–technocratic approach to ecological agriculture, to the detriment of an approach centered on sustainable and agroecological local communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Sociology, Agriculture and Ecological Territorial Development)

16 pages, 938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in Knowledge, Use, and Collection of Wild Edible Plants in Three Spanish Areas

by Rufino Acosta-Naranjo, Ramón Rodríguez-Franco, Antonio Jesús Guzmán-Troncoso, Manuel Pardo-de-Santayana, Laura Aceituno-Mata, José Gómez-Melara, Pablo Domínguez, Isabel Díaz-Reviriego, Jessica González-Nateras and Victoria Reyes-García

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052639 - 02 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2807

Abstract

Many ethnobotanical studies have shown differences in the knowledge and practices held by men and women. Using ethnographic fieldwork, a survey, and secondary data from three different areas in Spain, this study shows a geographical pattern in women’s and men’s relations with wild [...] Read more.

Many ethnobotanical studies have shown differences in the knowledge and practices held by men and women. Using ethnographic fieldwork, a survey, and secondary data from three different areas in Spain, this study shows a geographical pattern in women’s and men’s relations with wild edible plants. In the case studies from Southern Spain, Doñana, and Sierra Morena Extremeña, women gather less wild edible plants than men, while in the Central Spain case study, Sierra Norte de Madrid, the difference is less marked. We explain this difference through the construction and distribution of agrarian spaces, particularly with regards to land tenure type and urban centers size. In the southern cases, large agrarian properties are more prevalent than in Sierra Norte de Madrid, where common lands and small and medium properties predominate. Additionally, in Doñana, big urban agro-towns dominate, whereas in Sierra Norte de Madrid and Sierra Morena Extremeña little towns are the norm. Overall, our study suggests that gendered differences in the use of natural resources are better understood if contextualized in a large socioecological context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Sociology, Agriculture and Ecological Territorial Development)

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16 pages, 811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alternative Food Networks: Perceptions in Short Food Supply Chains in Spain

by Sttefanie Yenitza Escobar-López, Santiago Amaya-Corchuelo and Angélica Espinoza-Ortega

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2578; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052578 - 28 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2887

Abstract

Alternative spaces for the consumption of non-conventional foods as short commercialization chains have been increased worldwide, as well as the interest in understanding the dynamics developed in those initiatives from a social approach, has increased. This work aimed to analyze the Organizers, Producers [...] Read more.

Alternative spaces for the consumption of non-conventional foods as short commercialization chains have been increased worldwide, as well as the interest in understanding the dynamics developed in those initiatives from a social approach, has increased. This work aimed to analyze the Organizers, Producers and Consumers’ perceptions that participate in short food supply chains in ecological markets in the south of Spain. The Conventions Theory framework was used by applying a quantitative and qualitative methodology. A total of 159 questionnaires were applied (three to Organizers, 15 to Producers and 177 to Consumers). The questionnaire considered items related to social conventions for seven worlds (Domestic, Civic, Market, Industrial, Opinion and Inspired) and sociodemographic information. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to analyze the information. Results show that coincidences and divergences are observed in the importance given to the worlds; the Civic, Inspired and Opinion worlds are perceived similarly by the three types of actors and are related to the interest in how these activities benefit the environment. Differences are attributed to the role played by each type of actor and to socioeconomic aspects. Results can materialize into different strategies to improve these initiatives and reach more consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Sociology, Agriculture and Ecological Territorial Development)

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27 pages, 5510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential for Sustainable Development in the Southeastern Spanish Region of Guadix

by Tamara Álvarez-Lorente and Francisco Entrena-Durán

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020727 - 13 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

The Southeastern Spanish Region of Guadix is a mainly agrarian territory located in the Granada province, which is in demographic decline and has low economic dynamism. Reversing such a difficult socioeconomic situation requires the implementation of policies capable of promoting demographic revitalization and [...] Read more.

The Southeastern Spanish Region of Guadix is a mainly agrarian territory located in the Granada province, which is in demographic decline and has low economic dynamism. Reversing such a difficult socioeconomic situation requires the implementation of policies capable of promoting demographic revitalization and fruitfully exploiting potential for sustainable development in the zone. Such policies must be based on an appropriate diagnosis of the existing problems. In order to provide elements to make said diagnosis, this research combines the use of quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively, the evolution of demographic dynamics in the region have been analyzed, as well as its levels of occupation, education, its economic situation, or its environmental conditions. In this regard, correlation analysis, factorial analysis, and clustering have been completed with the aim of revealing internal territorial imbalances. A series of qualitative interviews with key actors has also been conducted. Finally, given the little success of development programs applied to date, among other things, it is concluded that a greater involvement of local actors in said programs is needed. Thus, these actors have to be involved in development policies, which in turn must take into account the socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, and geological resources available in the area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Sociology, Agriculture and Ecological Territorial Development)

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Other

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24 pages, 612 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Connections between Ecological Values and Organic Food: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review at the Start of the 21st Century

by Víctor-Manuel Muñoz-Sánchez and Antonio-Manuel Pérez-Flores

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3616; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073616 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2509

Abstract

This paper addresses the field of study relating to ecological values and the production, distribution, and consumption of organic food products, aiming to contribute to the consolidation of scientific knowledge in this area of study. This article refers to a bibliographic review in [...] Read more.

This paper addresses the field of study relating to ecological values and the production, distribution, and consumption of organic food products, aiming to contribute to the consolidation of scientific knowledge in this area of study. This article refers to a bibliographic review in the Web of Science database. It also involves bibliometric analysis of the results of this bibliographic review using the NVivo program. The main results classify the number of articles published on the basis of the methodology used, the number of countries in the analysis units, the central themes of the study, and the type of organic food considered in the bibliography analyzed. It also classifies the articles with the greatest impact in relation to the number of bibliographic references, in addition to detailing the universities, institutions, and journals with the largest number of contributions in the field of study. The research concludes by identifying that most of the articles apply a quantitative methodology and address generic aspects of organic food. This study identifies a need for further research in relation to specific organic foods, and for articles that introduce comparative analysis at the international level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Sociology, Agriculture and Ecological Territorial Development)

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