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ERIC Number: EJ796034
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Jul
Pages: 17
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0743-0167
EISSN: N/A
From "Weak" to "Strong" Multifunctionality: Conceptualising Farm-Level Multifunctional Transitional Pathways
Wilson, Geoff A.
Journal of Rural Studies, v24 n3 p367-383 Jul 2008
Building on normative conceptualisations of multifunctionality as a decision-making spectrum bounded by productivist and non-productivist action and thought, this paper analyses farm-level multifunctional agricultural transitions. First, the paper suggests that it may be possible to categorise different farm types along the productivist/non-productivist multifunctionality spectrum, and that transitional potential from weak to strong multifunctionality often differs between different categories of farms and types of farm ownership. Second, the paper conceptualises multifunctional transitional processes at farm level over time, and introduces the notions of multifunctional path dependency and decision-making corridors, the latter of which can be understood as "bundles" of decision-making opportunities bounded by productivist and non-productivist action and thought. The analysis suggests that system memory plays an important role in defining the likelihood of multifunctional actions, and argues that transitional ruptures--sudden breaks in transitional pathways--often characterise farm-level transitions. The paper concludes by highlighting the methodological challenges awaiting future researchers of multifunctional agricultural transitions.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A