Farming Systems Changes in the Urban Shadow: A Mixed Approach Based on Statistical Analysis and Expert Surveys

Wojciech Sroka,Dariusz Żmija

doi:10.3390/agriculture11050455

Wojciech Sroka, Dariusz Żmija

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11050455

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Abstract

Due to the growth of the “urban shadow”, farming systems in metropolitan areas (MAs) are characterized by specific environmental, economic, and social pressures. Urbanization pressure and its related threats, as well as the opportunities resulting from a convenient location close to consumers’ markets, cause rapid farming systems changes. The present study provides a quali-quantitative overview of change in farming systems in selected Polish metropolitan areas. Various statistical methods were applied to analyze changes in farming systems. First, farming system changes were characterized for the study area by the exploratory factor analysis. In addition, experts’ opinions (qualitative data) on changes in farming systems until 2027 are presented. The research conducted showed that there are a few main patterns in changes to/adaptations of farming systems: Horizontal growth of farms, farmland concentration, process of specialization (horticulture, orchards), trajectories towards more multifunctional farming practices (off-farm diversification, as well as “deepening” and “broadening” strategies), reduction of livestock farming, deintensification and farmland abandonment. Those processes vary in space, and they are only partially explained in terms of distance to the core city (location). Experts forecast that the identified trends will continue, paying attention to the growing importance of multifunctional agriculture and the intensification of recessive processes, including farmland abandonment and excessive deintensification of production. According to the experts surveyed, most farmers will continue to apply traditional development strategies, which will be ineffective without the possibility of increasing the area of farms.

Highlights

Metropolitan areas (MAs) in many developed countries are currently undergoing major transformations
The present section provides a quali-quantitative overview of change in farming systems in selected Polish metropolitan areas
The exit of the smallest farms from agriculture caused major changes in the structure of farms, and only minor changes in the structure of land use, there was a visible lack of correlation of those variables and they were identified as separate factors

Summary

Introduction

Metropolitan areas (MAs) in many developed countries are currently undergoing major transformations. The expansion of urban areas entails a transformation in population composition, business structures, employment, farming systems, etc. These significant changes concern agriculture (farming systems), in particular—both with regards to its spatial and functional dimensions. Urbanization has transformed agricultural areas into mixed spaces characterized by landscape fragmentation and a typically peri-urban socioeconomic context [2]. It is emphasized that the peri-urban environment favors the development of multifunctional farms that benefit from the proximity of the city [10,11,12]. Multifunctional farms exploit the potential of the advantageous urban consumer and avoid the manifold disadvantages caused by the city environment resulting in a comprehensive heterogeneity of city adjusted farm strategies [13]

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