Rural prosperity transcends wealth, as farmers across the globe recognize that their well-being is not solely defined by economic factors. Smallholder farmers, despite their crucial role in feeding nearly two billion people worldwide, often face significant challenges. These farmers, who operate on land less than two hectares in size, produce more than a third of the world’s food, yet many live in poverty and struggle with hunger themselves. Understanding rural prosperity involves looking beyond financial success to include factors such as health, family well-being, autonomy, and social recognition.
In a 2017 survey conducted by ARC2020, stakeholders from seven European countries were asked to define prosperity. The responses revealed that prosperity for farmers is influenced by cultural contexts and varies significantly across regions. However, several common themes emerged. Prosperity, they noted, is not just about wealth; it also encompasses personal satisfaction, health, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Farmers often see their work as intrinsically tied to the land and the environment, and they take pride in their role as stewards of natural resources. A thriving rural community, according to farmers, is one with a vibrant cultural, economic, and social life, where residents have access to essential services like healthcare and education, and where entrepreneurial opportunities exist.
While large-scale agriculture has benefitted from technological advancements such as precision farming, smallholder farmers often find it economically unfeasible to adopt such technologies. Precision agriculture, which includes tools like auto-steering, crop and soil sensors, and yield mapping, has revolutionized farming on larger scales by improving efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. However, for smallholders, the costs of such technologies are prohibitive, and their productivity is limited by factors like erratic weather, poor infrastructure, and a lack of access to modern tools and training.
Small farms face several other challenges that hinder their success. Financially, smallholder farmers often struggle with limited access to credit, high input costs like fertilizers, and competition from large-scale agriculture. Labor shortages and rising operational costs add to the difficulties. Environmental challenges, such as extreme weather events and changing rainfall patterns, also make it harder for smallholders to maintain consistent yields. Furthermore, many small farms lack essential management skills and access to market information, making it difficult for farmers to make informed decisions about crop selection and pricing.
Many rural development programs aimed at alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods have had limited success. These initiatives, such as cost-sharing schemes, price support, and cash transfers, often focus on short-term solutions without addressing the underlying structural issues. Additionally, these programs frequently adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, failing to account for the diverse needs of smallholder farmers. For example, some rural areas are struggling with depopulation and aging populations, while others are facing environmental degradation or resource scarcity. These variations require more tailored solutions that take into account the specific challenges of each region.
Recognizing these challenges, a coalition of multistakeholder organizations in the food and agriculture sector has come together under the ‘Carbon+ Farming Journey’ initiative. This coalition aims to design practices that benefit the climate, nature, and farmers. Through discussions with nearly 2,000 farmers across Europe, the coalition has gained valuable insights into the future of European food systems. One key finding is that while 80% of farmers acknowledge that consumer demand drives the adoption of sustainable practices, only 46% view sustainability as a means to enhance farm performance. Additionally, farmers expressed concerns about the high costs of technologies like irrigation systems, which are essential for adapting to climate change. Small and medium-sized farmers, already vulnerable to market fluctuations and low incomes, are unable to invest in these technologies without external support.
Incentive schemes, such as those provided under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), also present challenges. Farmers have expressed concerns about the disparities in these schemes across countries, which may distort market competitiveness and create an uneven playing field. Understanding the local context and needs of farmers is crucial to designing policies that are fair and effective. Farmers’ local knowledge and experience are invaluable in shaping rural development strategies, as they understand the specific resources, traditional practices, and challenges that shape their communities.
Farmers are not just producers of food; they are also key stakeholders in rural communities, often serving as leaders and vital sources of local knowledge. Their engagement is essential for the success of any rural prosperity initiative. By recognizing the diversity of rural life and the unique challenges faced by smallholder farmers, policymakers can create more effective and inclusive strategies that support long-term rural development and prosperity.
