Agrarian Sustainability In Bulgaria Research Articles

Agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria – evaluating economic, social and ecological pillars

Sustainable development has become a major topic not only for economic science but in economic policy development. There is substantial literature dedicated to analyzing the different aspects of sustainability - economic, social and/or ecological. Agriculture has been recognized as one of the economic fields that has a multidimensional impact not only on the incomes and well-being of the employed but also on the rural population as a whole and the environment. This article presents a holistic approach for assessing agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria based on its economic, social and ecological aspects on sectoral macro-level. It is based on official statistical and other information as well as on expert evaluation. Our study has found that Bulgarian agriculture on the macro-level has good sustainability. Some of the sustainability aspects have higher levels (e.g. the economic aspect) while others (social and environmental) are inferior. Study results could help in focusing the political efforts, so that agrarian sustainability, in its social and ecological aspect, could be increased. However, a further research is needed to evaluate the level of sustainability at the micro-level, so that the major issues and problem areas are addressed accordingly.

Territorial Dimensions of Governance Sustainability – The Case of Bulgarian Agriculture

This article suggests a holistic framework for assessing the “forth” governance pillar of agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria. The newly elaborated approach is “tested” in a large-scale study for assessing the governance sustainability at national, territorial and farms levels. Multiple Principles, multi-criteria and multi-indicators assessment indicates that the Overall Governance Sustainability of Bulgarian agriculture is at a “Good” but very close to the “Satisfactory” level. Besides, there is a considerable differentiation in the level of Integral Governance sustainability of different agro-regions and farming systems in the country. Furthermore, the individual indicators with the highest and lowest sustainability values determine the “critical” factors enhancing and deterring the particular and integral Governance sustainability of national, territorial and farming systems of Bulgarian agriculture.

Multilevel Assessment of Agrarian Sustainability in Bulgaria

The goal of this study is to unpack sustainability in terms of understanding and evaluation using as a case Bulgarian agriculture. A hierarchical system for assessing agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria at national, regional, sub-sectoral, ecosystem and farm level is proposed. It includes 3 aspects(pillars), 17 principles, 35 criteria, and 46 indicators and reference values for evaluating sustainability as well as approach for their integration and interpretation. Assessment is made of agrarian sustainability in the country at various level using aggregate macro and farm level micro data. The assessment has found out that there is a considerable differentiation in the level of integral and aspects sustainability of different type of farms, ecosystems, subsectors and regions. Nevertheless, results on the integral agrarian sustainability based on macro aggregate and micro farm data are quite similar. The later indicates that both approaches are reliable and could be simultaneously used according to the level of analysis, needs of decision makers, and available data. Major factors encouraging improving economic sustainability are market demand and price; direct state subsidies; market competition; financial capability; participation in public support programs; possibility of benefitting immediately; possibility of benefitting in the near future; tax preferences; possibility of benefitting in the long term; and integration with buyers of farm products. Main factors encouraging the enhancement of social sustainability are personal convictions and satisfaction; social recognition of individual contribution; immediate benefits for other people and groups; regional community initiatives and pressure; access to advisory services; European Union policy; and existing regional problems and risks. Important factors encouraging environmental sustainability are problems and risks existing at the global scale; official regulations, standards, and norms; existing regional problems and risks; and European Union policies. Public policies and instruments that improve economic sustainability of Bulgarian agriculture include: direct area-based payments; national top-ups for products and livestock; modernization of agricultural holdings; green payments; support for semi-market farms. At the same time the impact of national and European policies on social and environmental sustainability is relatively weak. Having in mind the importance of holistic assessments of this kind for improving agrarian sustainability, farm management and agrarian policies, they are to be expended and their precision and representation increased. The latter requires a closer cooperation between and participation of all interested parties as well as improvement of the precision through enlargement of collected statistical data, number of surveyed farms, and incorporating more “objective” data from field tests and surveys, monitoring, expertise of professionals in the area, etc.

Eco-System Approach for Assessing Agrarian Sustainability in Bulgaria

Ecosystem approach has been increasingly incorporated in the management and evaluation of sustainability levels in general and in agriculture in particular. Despite enormous progress in the theory and practice of this new area, still there is no consensus on how to assess the sustainability of agro-ecosystems due to diverse understandings, approaches, methods, employed data, etc. In Bulgaria there are practically no in-depth studies on sustainability level of diverse agro-eco-systems. This articles assesses the sustainability level of agro-ecosystems of different type in Bulgaria. A holistic hierarchical framework for assessing integral, economic, social and ecological sustainability of agro-ecosystems is suggested including 17 principles, 35 criteria, and 46 indicators and reference values. Assessment is made on overall and aspects sustainability of large (agro)ecosystems in four geographic regions and particular main and specific types of agro-ecosystems of the country. The assessment is based on first- hand information collected though in-depth interviews with the managers of “typical” farms in the respective ago-ecosystems. The study has found out that there is considerable differentiation in the level of integral sustainability in agricultural ecosystems of different types. There are also substantial variations in the levels of economic, social and ecological sustainability of agro- ecosystems of different type, and the critical indicators enhancing or deterring overall and particular sustainability of individual agro-ecosystems. Results of the integral agrarian sustainability level based on the micro agro-ecosystem (farm) data, are similar to the previous assessment based on the aggregate sectoral (statistical, etc.) data. Having in mind the importance of holistic assessments of this kind for improving agrarian sustainability, farm management and agrarian policies, they are to be expended and their precision and representation increased.

A Study on Institutional, Market and Natural Environment Impact on Agrarian Sustainability in Bulgaria

The specific system of governance is a critical factor, which to a great extent (pre)determines the type and speed of development in different countries, industries, regions, communities, etc. This article tries to fill the gap and assesses the impact of institutional environment on agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria. The interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics framework is applied and assessment made on specific effects of major components of the “external” institutional environment on agrarian sustainability level in different administrative, geographical and ecological regions, subsectors of agriculture, and farms of various juridical type and size. Our study has found out that individual elements of external institutional, market and natural environment affect quite unequally farms of different types, individual subsectors of agriculture, and specific ecological and geographical regions. This type of studies is to be expended and their precision and representation increased. The latter however, requires a close cooperation between all interested parties, and participation of the farmers, agrarian organizations, local and central authorities, interest groups, research institutes and experts, etc.

Impact of Property Rights and Regulations on Agrarian Sustainability in Bulgaria

Impact of Property Rights and Regulations on Agrarian Sustainability in Bulgaria

Governing and Assessment of Agrarian Sustainability - Experiences, Challenges, and Lessons from Bulgaria and China ((((((((((( , )

Bulgarian Abstract: В проектът се прилага интердисциплинарен подход и се прави оценка на системата за управление, както и на равнището на аграрната устойчивост в България и Китай. В първата част се предлага практически приложим, за съвременните условия на развитие на българското и китайско селско стопанство, холистичен подход за оценка на системата за управление и равнището на аграрната устойчивост. Във втора част се анализира системата за управление на аграрната устойчивост в България, като се оценява ефективността на институционалната среда и многообразните пазарни, частни, колективни, обществени и хибридни форми. В третата част се прави оценка на икономическата, социалната, екологическата и интегралната устойчивост на българското селско стопанство на национално, отраслово, регионално, екосистемно и стопанско ниво. Идентифицират се и факторите за повишаване на аграрната устойчивост и се оценява иновационната активност в отрасъла и устойчивостта на алтернативното земеделие. В четвъртата част се анализира управлението и устойчивостта на китайското селското стопанство на национално и локално ниво и се сравнява системата на управление и равнището на аграрна устойчивост в България и Китай. Най-накрая се обобщава опитът и предизвикателствата в управлението и оценката на аграрната устойчивост в двете страни и се очертават насоките за подобряване на изследователската, управленческата и оценителната практика. English Abstract: This paper applies interdisciplinary approach and assesses the system of governance and the level of agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria and China. The first part presents a holistic and practically applicable for the contemporary conditions of development of Bulgarian and Chinese agriculture framework for assessing the system of governance and the level of agrarian sustainability. The suggested approach is broadly experimented in Bulgaria for assessing the governance system of agrarian sustainability and the sustainability level of Bulgarian agriculture. In the second part the system of governance of agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria is analyzed and the efficiency of institutional environment and diverse market, private, collective, public and hybrid modes are evaluated. In the third part an assessment is made on the economic, social, environmental and integral sustainability of Bulgarian agriculture at national, sectoral, regional, ecosystem and farm levels. Factors for improving agrarian sustainability are also identified and the innovation activity and sustainability of alternative agriculture estimated. In the fourth part the governance and sustainability in Chinese agriculture at national, regional and local levels is analyzed, and results of a number of in-depth studies from Shanghai area are presented. Comparative study is also made on the systems of governance and the levels of agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria and China. Finally, the experiences and challenges in the governance and assessment of agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria and China are summarized and directions for improvement of research, management and assessment practices suggested.

M (Governance of Agrarian Sustainability in Bulgaria)

Bulgarian Abstract: В тази разработка се прилага интердисциплинарен подход на Новата институционална икономика и се прави оценка на системата за управление на аграрната устойчивост в България. Прави се задълбочен анализ на системата за управление на аграрната устойчивост като се оценява ефективността на институционалната среда и многообразните пазарни, частни, колективни, обществени и хибридни форми. Идентифицират се и факторите за повишаване на аграрната устойчивост и дават насоките за подобряване на системата за управление. English Abstract: This paper incorporates interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics and assesses the system of governance of agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria. The system of governance of agrarian sustainability is comprehensively analyzed, and the efficiency of institutional environment and diverse market, private, collective, public and hybrid modes assessed. Factors for increasing agrarian sustainability in the country are identified, and directions for improving the governing system suggested.

Institutions and Sustainability Insights From Bulgarian Agriculture

The specific system of governance is a critical factor, which to a great extent (pre)determines the type and speed of development in different countries, industries, regions, communities, etc. This article tries to fill the gap and assesses the impact of institutional environment on agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria. The interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics framework is applied and assessment made on specific effects of major components of the “external” institutional environment on agrarian sustainability level in different administrative, geographical and ecological regions, subsectors of agriculture, and farms of various juridical type and size. Our study has found out that individual elements of external institutional, market and natural environment affect quite unequally farms of different types, individual subsectors of agriculture, and specific ecological and geographical regions. This type of studies is to be expended and their precision and representation increased. The latter however, requires a close cooperation between all interested parties, and participation of the farmers, agrarian organisations, local and central authorities, interest groups, research institutes and experts, etc.

Impact of Governing Modes on Agrarian Sustainability in Bulgaria

The specific system of governance in different countries, regions, subsectors, etc., eventually determines the speed and type of socio-economic development. Despite its big academic and practical importance, in Bulgaria and other countries in East Europe, there are very few empirical studies on dominating governing structures in agriculture, and their impact(s) on agrarian sustainability. In this paper the interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics framework is incorporated, and the impact of diverse market, private, collective, public and hybrid modes of governance on agrarian sustainability at the current stage of development in Bulgaria assessed. First, the methodological framework of the study is outlined. After that dominating governing modes in Bulgarian farms of different juridical type, size, specialization, ecological and geographical location are identified, and their impacts on agrarian sustainability and its economic, social, and environmental pillars evaluated. In conclusion implications for further research, public policy improvement, and private managerial strategy formation are presented. Agricultural producers of different use quite unlike mixture of effective market, private, collective and hybrid modes for governance of their activities and relations. Individual factors and modes most contributing to improvement of agrarian sustainability at the current stage of development are: manager’s personal convictions and initiatives, farms resources and innovation potential, near future profit and benefits strategies, market prices levels and dynamics, area-based EU subsidies, and informal agreements. Research on relations between the governing structure and agrarian sustainability is to continue though increasing representation, and the spectrum of specific governing modes used by farms of different type as well as assessments of the impact of institutions on agrarian sustainability and the impact of the governance at different hierarchical levels. The latter however, requires a new kind of micro and macro data, and a close cooperation between all interested parties.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON RELATIONS BETWEEN GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY IN BULGARIAN AGRICULTURE

This paper applies the interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics framework, identifies diverse market, private, collective, public and hybrid modes of governance and assesses their impact on agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria. First, the methodological framework of the study is outlined. After that dominating governing modes in Bulgarian farms of different juridical type, size, specialization, ecological and geographical location are identified, and their impacts on agrarian sustainability and its economic, social, and environmental pillars evaluated. In conclusion implications for further research, public policy improvement, and private managerial strategy formation are presented. Agricultural producers of different type use quite unlike mixture of effective market, private, collective and hybrid modes for governance of their activities and relations. Individual factors and modes most contributing to improvement of agrarian sustainability at the current stage of development are: manager’s personal convictions and initiatives, farms resources and innovation potential, near future profit and benefits strategies, market prices levels and dynamics, area-based EU subsidies, and informal agreements.

, , (Assessment of Agrarian Sustainability at Regional, Ecosystem, Sectional and Farm Levels in Bulgaria)

Bulgarian Abstract: В тази разработка се прилага холистичен интердисциплинарен подход и се прави оценка на равнището на аграрната устойчивост в България на ниво район, екосистема, подотрасъл и стопанска организация. Идентифицират се и факторите за повишаване на аграрната устойчивост, и се очертават насоките за подобряване на изследователската, управленческата и оценителна практика. English Abstract: This paper applies interdisciplinary framework and assesses the level of agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria at regional, ecosystem, sectional and farm levels. Factors for increasing agrarian sustainability are also identified, and directions for improving research, managerial and assessment practices suggested.

Sustainability Level of Bulgarian Agriculture

This article presents a holistic approach for assessing agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria based on its economic, social and ecological aspects on sectoral macro-level. It is based on official statistical and other information as well as on expert evaluation. Our study has found that the Bulgarian agriculture on macro-level has good sustainability. Some of the sustainability aspects have higher levels (e.g. the economic aspect) while others (social and environmental) are inferior. Study results could help in focusing the political efforts, so that the agrarian sustainability, in its social and ecological aspect, could be increased. However, a further research is needed to evaluate the level of sustainability at micro-level, so that the major issues and problem areas are addressed accordingly.

Framework for Analyzing and Assessing the System of Governance and the Level of Agrarian Sustainability in Bulgaria and China

This framework is a part of a bilateral research cooperation project between Bulgaria and China on „Governing and Assessment of Agrarian Sustainability - Experiences, Challenges, and Lessons from Bulgaria and China“ funded by the Bulgarian Science Fund and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (http://bg-china.alle.bg/). First, major definitions are presented. After that a Framework for analyzing the system of governance of agrarian sustainability is outlined. Finally, a Framework for assessing sustainability levels of agriculture is presented. Theoretical and mythological approaches are previously presented by another publication (Bachev, Ivanov, Toteva, Sokolova). This framework is being used for analyzing the system of governance and the level of agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria and China, and comparative analysis between two countries