Farm-level multifunctionality associated with farming techniques in olive growing: An integrated modeling approach

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute to methodology and practice for evaluating the multifunctionality of agriculture (MFA), including economic, environmental and social functions, by developing and applying an integrated farm-level multifunctionality model for the case of olive growing in Andalusia, the main olive growing region in the world. The purpose of this model is to assess the multifunctional performance of olive growing at farm-level according to the farming techniques implemented by olive growers, as land managers, in average conditions of olive cultivation in Andalusia. The proposed model is theoretically based on the Analytic Network Process (ANP), a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis method. The model is built on the knowledge of 27 experts and an extensive review of the international literature, and it draws from empirical data gathered from a survey of 400 farmers in the main olive oil producing zones of Andalusia. The application of the model is illustrated with a view to improving olive growing agri-environmental policies oriented to multifunctionality in Andalusia. The modelling results indicate that, in general, olive growers are applying technical alternatives which are optimal for obtaining a high quality product, but to a certain extent they are neglecting the social impacts and, to an even greater extent, the environmental impacts of their activity. Despite the positive evolution over the last decade, there is still much room for improvement. The most sensitive groups of farming practices generally in need of changes are soil management, irrigation and fertilization. The results also make it clear that an improved economic performance is not incompatible with social objectives, such as rural development and employment, and with the environmental protection of soil, water and biodiversity. Finally, the results indicate the higher multifunctional performance of some alternative farming packs. This is the case for both integrated production and intensive agriculture.