More than spatial coordination – How Dutch agricultural collectives foster social capital for effective governance of agri-environmental measures. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barghusen, Rena; Sattler, Claudia; Berner, Richard; Matzdorf, Bettina
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 96(2022)
• Page Start: 246
• Page End: 258
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Bottom-up vs. top-down initiated -- Governance of ecosystem services -- Social-ecological systems -- AECM -- Social network analysis -- Net-map tool; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.10.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: Collective approaches for agri-environmental measures are known for aiming at spatial coordination of measures to enhance ecological effectiveness. In the Netherlands, governance networks for agri-environmental measures are centered around agricultural collectives that function as intermediaries between individual farmers and governmental as well as non-governmental actors. Against the background that some agricultural collectives are bottom-up and other top-down initiated, we analyzed in how far they can build up social capital through formal and informal relations. We used the Net-Map method to collect qualitative and quantitative data for a Social Network Analysis to uncover the network characteristics that contribute to a certain level of social capital. The results revealed that the umbrella organization links the collectives to the national governmental level and to other collectives. This is especially important for top-down initiated collectives. The facilitation of internal meetings within the collectives is important for social learning. Furthermore, a formalization of the exchange between collectives and stakeholders of nature conservation could strengthen cooperation where traditionally conflicts dominate. By analyzing interaction in detail, the social reasoning to promote collective agri-environmental measures was highlighted. They enable collaboration of different stakeholders at multiple levels to the end that knowledge and resources are bundled. Highlights: There is a social reasoning to promote collective agri-environmental measures, next to spatial coordination. Collective agri-environmental measures enable collaboration of different stakeholders. Agricultural collectives build up social capital through formal and informal relations at multiple levels.