Moving towards sustainable agriculture through higher education

Abstract

Agriculture, as defined by Lehman, Clark and Weise (1993) consists of “activities which foster biological process involving growth and reproduction to provide resources of value. Typically, the resources provided are plants and animals to be used for food and fibre, although agricultural products are used for many other purposes also” (p. 127). Agriculture has been evolving tremendously throughout the years, with notions of sustainable agricultural practices becoming more popularised, where economic viability is being given equal importance to environmental, habitat and resource protection, along with the well-being of farmers and consumers of the produce (Gold 1999). The main aim of this study was to qualitatively research the local full-time arable farmers’ perceptions on issues pertaining to sustainable agricultural practices. The main research questions being: • Are farmers aware of the negative impacts of commercial arable farming practices on the environment? • Through their life experiences and knowledge on the field, what are their views of moving towards more sustainable farming practices? • Are farmers willing to seek means of improving their practice while tackling daily agricultural issues? The study will also delve into how universities and higher educational institutions may come about tackling issues of sustainability within society, in this particular case seeking the role of the SDGs in sustainable agricultural practices. The major findings of this study focus on the current local, Maltese farming situation, delving into issues and possibilities of targeting more sustainable farming practices, considering the environmental, economic and social aspects of this local primary industry. This study aims to bring to light farmers’ concerns and daily issues faced in their practice, helping identify their perceptions and attitudes towards sustainable agriculture, helping to find the most viable means of adapting such sustainable strategies through higher education input.