Project: Scoring for biodiversity (2009-2016

Gabel, Vanessa M.

Home, Robert

Organic Eprints

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBLinfo.suisse@fibl.org, www.fibl.orgMotivations for Swiss lowland farmers to conserve biodiversity: Can individual beliefs be influenced by on-farm advice?Chania, July 2nd , 201813th European IFSA SymposiumVanessa Gabel, Robert Homewww.fibl.orgProject: Scoring for biodiversity (2009-2016)• Joint project with the Swiss Ornithological Institute• Development of a credit point system for the assessment of measures that favour biodiversity. • Whole-farm advisory support for targeted knowledge exchange.• A field manual for biodiversity management on farms.• The relationships between socio-economic factors and participation in agri-environmental schemes.06 March 2019 2www.fibl.orgProject: Scoring for biodiversity (2009-2016)06 March 2019 3www.fibl.orgAims• Identify what motivates or hinders farmers to promote biodiversity on their farms.• What role can advice play in relation to farmers' behavior?06 March 2019 4www.fibl.orgMethodsTwo phases• Qualitative Interviews (2009)• 15 MVP farmers• Quantitative Survey  (2016)• 24 MVP farmers with advice• 24 MVP farmers without advice• 88 farmers without participation in MVP (Control Group)No differences found between control and non-advised farmersTwo groups formed: advised and not advised farmers06 March 2019 5www.fibl.orgAll farmers feel as producers (qualitative Interviews)• Biodiversity conservation is perceived as "non-productivity“• Strong social component• The task of the advisory service is to show that the “production of nature” is also a form of production.06 March 2019 6www.fibl.orgDifferences between the two groups (quantitative survey)• that there is no contradiction between production and biodiversity. • that there are measures that make sense in terms of operational structure. *• that, in this way, they can use the land that is less suitable for production.*06 March 2019 7Advised farmers believe nature conservation is compatible with production and rather agree:*correlate with the proportion of ecological compensation area (ECA). The more the farmer agrees with these statements the greater is the share of ECA on the farmwww.fibl.orgDifferences between the two groups (quantitative survey)• provide them with ecological benefits (e.g. pest control). *• are practicable and do not disrupt production. *• have a positive impact on product sales.*06 March 2019 8Advised farmers believe nature conservation is compatible with production and rather agree that conservation measures:*correlates with the proportion of ecological compensation area (ECA). www.fibl.orgFarmers feel a responsibility to act effectively (qualitative Interviews)• If farmers provide public services, such as biodiversity conservation, this should be rewarded financially.• Farmers are obliged to act effectively when they receive payments.06 March 2019 9www.fibl.orgDifferences between the two groups (quantitative survey)• Advised farmers tend to agree that agriculture has an ecological responsibility.• Advised farmers are more likely to agree that they want to contribute to the conservation and promotion of biodiversity.*06 March 2019 10*correlates with proportion of ECAwww.fibl.orgFarmers miss consumer appreciation (qualitative Interviews)• The implementation of ecological compensation areas is a societal service and causes costs.• Products with ecological requirements are more expensive in the retailer.• The implementation is expected by consumers but not supported by their purchasing decisions: They are buying cheaper products from abroad.06 March 2019 11Perception of farmerswww.fibl.orgDifferences between the two groups (quantitative survey)• that the public values their work. *• that they want to contribute to a good image of agriculture*• that the provision and maintenance of recreational areas is a task of Swiss agriculture.06 March 2019 12Advised farmers feel more valued in their work and rather agree:* correlates with proportion of ECAwww.fibl.orgRecognition of the benefits of ecosystem services (qualitative Interviews)• Many farmers do not recognize the benefits of ecosystem services  that they could use for production on their farms.• Greater knowledge about operational advantages leads to a higher motivation to implement measures. 06 March 2019 13www.fibl.orgDifferences between the two groups (quantitative survey)• that biodiversity improves ecosystem services that benefit them ecologically (e.g. pest control). *• that there is no contradiction between production and biodiversity.*06 March 2019 14Advised farmers recognize the advantages and are more likely to agree:* correlates with proportion of ECAwww.fibl.orgDifferences between the two groups (quantitative survey)• I establish (voluntarily) ecological compensation areas because I have confidence that the measures make sense and are effective. But advised farmers are more likely to agree: • that the measures are in line with the production philosophy of their farms*. • on the importance of promoting biodiversity*.06 March 2019 15Potential for improvement: No difference between the groups to the statement: * correlates with proportion of ECAwww.fibl.orgRole of direct payments?• third-largest agreement of all items• the ‘direct payments’ item correlated most strongly with implemented ECAs• A further correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between the ‘direct payments’ item and the key belief variables• The results  from a principal component analysis (PCA) combined with the results of the correlation analysis of the direct payments item and the key belief items, suggest that direct payments belong to a different type of motivation06 March 2019 16www.fibl.orgTake home messages• In future, advisors should focus on communicating the meaning and effectiveness of the measures and thus build trust.• For all other influencing factors, the on–farm advice appears to be working• Particularly pronounced in factors correlating with the proportion of ecological compensation area.06 March 2019 17www.fibl.orgPublicationsDetails about methods and scientific contexts, and a full presentation of the results can be found in the following publications:• Home R, Balmer O, Jahrl I, Stolze, M. & Pfiffner, L. (2014) “Motivations for implementation of ecological compensation areas on Swiss lowland farms”, Journal of Rural Studies,  vol. 34, pp. 26-36.• Gabel V, Home R, Stolze M, Birrer S, Steinemann B & Köpke U (2018): “The influence of on-farm advice on beliefs and motivations for Swiss lowland farmers to implement ecological compensation areas on their farms”, The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension.• Gabel V, Home R,  Stolze M, Pfiffner L, Birrer S, & Köpke, U.“Motivations for Swiss lowland farmers to conserve biodiversity: Can individual beliefs be influenced by on-farm advice?” (Submitted Journal of Rural Studies).06 March 2019 18www.fibl.orgThank you.06 March 2019 19www.fibl.orgContactVanessa GabelResearch Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBLAckerstrasse 113 / Postfach 2195070 FrickSwitzerlandPhone +41 62 8650414Fax +41 62 8657-273Vanessa.gabel@fibl.orgwww.fibl.org06 March 2019 20www.fibl.orgResults Motivations06 March 2019 214,264,08**3,92** 3,88* 3,85* 3,77* 3,77** 3,75* 3,62* 3,54* 3,52* 3,52** 3,403,11**2,60**0123451= Trifft nicht zu2= Trifft eher nicht zu3=Trifft teilweise zu4=Trifft eher zu 5= Trifft eher nicht zuwww.fibl.orgResults Beliefs06 March 2019 224,92 4,88 4,80 4,714,56 4,474,21 4,194,03*3,76 3,64** 3,61** 3,54*3,37*3.03*0123451= Trifft nicht zu2= Trifft eher nicht zu3= Trifft teilweise zu4= Trifft eher zu5= Trifft zuwww.fibl.orgBeliefs• Maintaining soil fertility for the next generation• Production of healthy food• Animal-friendly husbandry of farm animals• Sustainable use of soil, water and air as natural resources• Provision and maintenance of recreation areas• Secure food supply for the Swiss population• Climate protection• Preserving and promoting biodiversity• Conservation of traditional varieties and breeds06 March 2019 23How important are the following tasks for Swiss agriculture?www.fibl.orgBeliefs• There is no contradiction between production and biodiversity• Promoting biodiversity is extremely important• The population values our work• Ecosystem services are improved through biodiversity• I have a personal interest in the flora and fauna06 March 2019 24Do you agree with the following statements?www.fibl.orgMotivation questions• I think that agriculture has an ecological responsibility • I would like to contribute to the conservation and promotion of biodiversity• I receive direct payments for it• they contribute to a diverse agricultural landscape• I would like to contribute to a good image of agriculture• I am internally convinced of it• they fit the philosophy of our company's production• they make sense in terms of the company structure• they are aesthetically pleasing to look at• I can use land that is less suitable for production• I have confidence that the measures make sense and are effective• they are practicable and do not interfere with production• I feel a moral obligation towards future generations• they bring me an ecological benefit (e.g. pest control) they have a positive effect on my product sales06 March 2019 25I set up (voluntary) ecological compensation areas because.....www.fibl.orgTable 1: Correlation between belief variables and proportion of ecological compensation area Variable name Scale items (respondents’ agreement with these statements) Mean SD Spearman’s rhop-value NSoil fertility Important task is maintaining the soil fertility for the next generation 4.92 0.29 0.00 0.982 120Healthy food Important task is production of healthy food 4.88 0.48 -0.15 0.104 119Animal friendly Important task is animal friendly livestock farming 4.80 0.45 0.03 0.745 120Resource sustainability Important task is sustainable use of natural resources soil, water and air 4.71 0.61 0.06 0.520 120Food security Important task is ensuring a secure supply of food for the Swiss population 4.56 0.80 -0.08 0.413 120Personal interest I have a personal stake in the animal and plant worlds on my farm 4.47 0.75 0.03 0.748 118Climate protection Important task is climate protection 4.21 0.87 0.06 0.511 118Diverse landscapes Important task is maintaining and promoting diverse cultural landscapes 4.19 0.87 0.11 0.233 118Preserve biodiversity Important task is preservation and promotion of biodiversity 4.03 0.97 0.21 0.025 120Compatibility of production/biodiversityFor me, there is no contradiction between biodiversity conservation and production 3.76 1.19 0.14 0.123 118Biodiversity importance Promotion of biodiversity is important for my farm 3.64 1.06 0.32 <.001 119Recreation areas Important task is provision and maintenance recreation areas 3.61 1.09 0.24 0.010 118Traditional varieties Important task is conservation of traditional varieties and breeds 3.54 1.07 0.17 0.062 118Appreciation from outside I feel the general population appreciate our work with regard to biodiversity promotion3.37 1.03 0.19 0.042 118Ecosystem services In my experience, ecosystem services, such as pest control or pollination have been improved by installing ecological compensation areas3.03 1.08 0.21 0.031 10706 March 2019 26www.fibl.orgTable 2: Correlation between motivation variables and proportion of ecological compensation area Variable name Scale items (respondents’ agreement with these statements)Mean SD Spearman’s rhop-value NEnvironmental responsibilityECA because I believe agriculture has an environmental responsibility4.26 0.91 0.07 0.468 116Want to contribute ECA, because I want to contribute to the conservation and promotion of biodiversity4.08 1.09 0.28** 0.003 115Want direct payments ECA, because I receive direct payments for them 3.92 1.19 0.30** 0.001 116Want diverse landscapeECA, because they contribute to a diverse agricultural landscape3.88 1.18 0.19* 0.045 115Contribute to image of farmingECA, because I want to contribute to the good image of agriculture3.85 1.16 0.19* 0.046 115Personally convinced ECA, because I am internally convinced 3.77 1.15 0.22* 0.021 114Fit with philosophy ECA, because they fit with the philosophy of production on our farm3.77 1.28 0.28** 0.003 113Fit with operation ECA, because they make sense from the operational structure of the farm3.75 1.19 0.26* 0.006 115Aesthetically attractiveECA, because they are aesthetically beautiful to look at 3.62 1.18 0.11* 0.234 114Efficient land use ECA, because I can use land that is less suitable for production3.54 1.28 0.21* 0.024 116Confidence in effectivenessECA, because I have confidence that the measures make sense and are effective3.52 1.23 0.15 0.103 115Practical ECA, because they are practical and do not interfere with production3.52 1.27 0.32** 0.001 115Responsibility to descendantsECA, because I feel morally committed to future generations3.40 1.22 0.09 0.367 116Want ecosystem serviceECA, because they give me an ecological service (e.g., pest control)3.11 1.22 0.30** 0.002 113Enhance sales ECA, because they have a positive effect on my product sales2.60 1.27 0.31** 0.001 11606 March 2019 27*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).www.fibl.orgTable 1: Differences in beliefs between not advised and advised farmer; and labelled and non- labelled (PEP) farmers.Nr. Item Label Mean not advisedMean advised.P-value Mean non-labelled (PEP)Mean labelledP-valueN=110 N=23 N= 37 N=96B1 Important task is maintaining the soil fertility for the next generation Soil fertility 4.91 4.96 0.575 4.86 4.95 0.053B2 Important task is production of healthy food Healthy food 4.90 5.00 0.156 4.86 4.88 -B3 Important task is animal friendly livestock farming Animal friendly 4.80 4.83 0.605 4.72 4.83 0.073B4 Important task is sustainable use of natural resources soil, water and air Resource sustainability 4.67 4.87 0.173 4.47 4.80 0.017B5 Important task is ensuring a secure supply of food for the Swiss populationFood security 4.64 4.43 0.288 4.69 4.51 0.316B6 I have a personal stake in the animal and plant worlds on my farm Personal interest 4.43 4.65 0.245 4.11 4.61 0.003B7 Important task is climate protection Climate protection 4.25 3.95 0.146 4.00 4.28 -B8 Important task is maintaining and promoting diverse cultural landscapes Diverse landscapes 4.17 4.26 0.727 3.94 4.29 0.064B9 Important task is preservation and promotion of biodiversity Preserve biodiversity 3.98 4.30 0.177 3.72 4.15 0.082B10 For me, there is no contradiction between biodiversity conservation and productionCompatibility of production and biodiversity3.62 4.39 0.003 3.32 3.93 0.025B11 Promotion of biodiversity is important for my farm Biodiversity importance 3.53 4.05 0.054 3.08 3.85 0.001B12 Important task is provision and maintenance recreation areas Recreation areas 3.55 3.82 0.366 3.49 3.65 0.542B13 Important task is conservation of traditional varieties and breeds Traditional varieties 3.50 3.64 0.723 2.91 3.77 <0.001B14 I feel the general population appreciate our work with regard to biodiversity promotionAppreciation from outside 3.24 3.91 0.004 3.08 3.48 0.034B15 In my experience, ecosystem services, such as pest control or pollination have been improved by installing ecological compensation areasEcosystem services 2.95 3.32 0.190 2.58 3.20 -06 March 2019 28www.fibl.orgProject: Scoring for biodiversity (2009-2015)06 March 2019 29advised farmsnot advised farmsYearBiodiversity Socioeconomic recordingsAdviceImplementation of measuresRecording of species diversity, habitats and point system

Motivations for Swiss lowland farmers to conserve biodiversity: Can individual beliefs be influenced by on-farm advice?

http://orgprints.org/34864/1/gabel-home-20185-IFSA_2018_Presentation_VG_29.06.pdf

Motivations for Swiss lowland farmers to conserve biodiversity: Can individual beliefs be influenced by on-farm advice?

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