Cultural factors influencing farmers' perceptions of agriculture and biodiversity : case study of a rural area in South-East France

Abstract

This study tries to understand farmers’ perceptions of agriculture and biodiversity, what cultural factors could be influencing them, and the resulting farming practices. A case study was carried out in a rural area, in parallel with the implementation of a Natura 2000 project. The study area showed a great diversity of farmers, farming systems, perceptions and behaviors. After the literature review and interviews with local farmers, data was collected and analyzed regarding farmers and their farming systems. A few cultural factors are identified to establish a typology. These were mainly linked to farmers’ origin, experience in life and education. Linking farmers’ profiles to their perceptions of agriculture and biodiversity was as a difficult process. It revealed the complexity of influences shaping an individual’s world view and corresponding behavior. The methodology was questioned and recommendations were given in order to expand the study and enrich the results. Rather than statistical and quantitative research, the study explores diversity between farmers, in a local context.