Attitudes and opinions of farmers in the context of environmental protection in rural areas in Poland

Arkadiusz Piwowar

doi:10.1007/s10661-020-8133-5

Abstract

This paper presents results of questionnaire surveys regarding the state of the natural environment in rural areas. The research was conducted on a sample of 1101 agricultural holdings in Poland. According to the analyses, agricultural producers are aware of environmental threats posed by irrational agricultural economy. Most respondents indicated the responsibility of farmers and other residents of rural areas as a basic condition for broadly understood environmental safety in rural areas in Poland. In the opinion of respondents, systems and programs for funding the replacement of heating boilers, thermomodernization of buildings, etc., are also important. There were significant differences in farmers’ declarations, taking into account the age and level of education of the respondents, as well as features of agricultural holdings (area and economic size of the agricultural holding).

Highlights

Agriculture and food economy are indispensable sectors of the economy in every country
This paper presents selected results of the questionnaire survey concerning the farmers’ awareness of environmental protection in rural areas
Relations between the agricultural socioeconomic system and the natural environment in Poland are the subject of considerations in many scientific fields and disciplines

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture and food economy are indispensable sectors of the economy in every country. The primary purpose of agricultural activity is the production of raw materials and ready-made food products, which is associated with changes in ecosystems and may result in losses (damage) in the natural environment (Carvalho 2017; Kim et al 2017). The threats may concern various elements of the natural environment: soil, water, and air (Stephens et al 2018; Zhang et al 2018; Lai 2017; Evans et al 2019; DzierzbickaGłowacka et al 2019). A high level of consumption of mineral fertilizers, especially nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, can cause adverse changes in soils and waters. Livestock production, especially intensive raising, may cause excessive external costs (emissions of gases, odors, problems with disposal of animal feces, etc.) (Piwowar 2018; Li et al 2016; Wang et al 2017; Mielcarek and Rzeźnik 2015)

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