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Abstract

Thomas, T., O. Yeboah, V. Ofori-Boadu and E. Fosu. 2008. Assessing local community support for sustainable agricultural production systems. JEMREST 5:138-150.

Achieving sustainability involves integrating the physical, biological and social sciences to determine what is possible, socially acceptable and economically feasible. Current thinking regarding the achievement of sustainable agricultural systems holds that local communities and their agents “community-based organizations (CBOs)” are positioned to play a significant role in promoting the adoption of sustainable agricultural production systems. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential role of CBOs in shaping the practice of sustainable agriculture in communities. We seek to characterize the attitude of CBOs toward sustainable agriculture and the promotion of sustainable agriculture in communities in 11 Black Belt states of the southeastern United States. To achieve our objectives, we asked leaders of CBOs to rate the level of support for community-based farming using a seven point scale. We also asked respondents to use a five point scale anchored with “strongly agree” through “strongly disagree” to rate their opinion of the following: the importance of farmers using organic methods; Whether small farms are better for the environment, and the responsibility of citizens in supporting locally produced food. We also solicited a “yes” or “no” response to indicate whether their organization supports community-based agriculture. Our analysis will use data collected via a telephone survey of a random sample of 315 Community Action Agencies in the southeastern United States.