1. Community economic development initiatives: a descriptive exploratory study of community shared agriculture
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Ashiabi, Godwin S. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2000
- Published:
- Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 32 Document Number: D10641
- Journal Title:
- Community Development
- Journal Title Details:
- 31(2): 365-379
- Notes:
- 16 pages., via online journal., This study examines community economic development (CED) initiatives and focuses on community shared agriculture (CSA) as an alternative form of farming to industrialized agriculture. CSA connects the farmers directly with consumers, such that both farmers and consumers share the benefits and risks involved in agriculture. The purpose of this study was to understand what motivates individuals to become involved in a CSA and what involvement in CSA means for them. As a point of departure, the ecological and social psychological problems associated with industrialized agriculture are elucidated. Empowerment theory, social vitality, and sense of community were used as conceptual frameworks. Data were collected on a community farm in midwest Ontario using a participant-observer mode of inquiry and open-ended interviews. The themes that emerged were categorized under empowerment, social vitality, and sense of community.