Study: Local Governments Key to Fair Circular Agriculture
A recent study, published in Community Science's special collection on Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture, highlights the crucial role of local governments in fostering cooperation in circular agriculture projects. The research, conducted by Li and Nielsen (2025), explores a successful project in southwest China that combines citrus cultivation and pig farming.
The study, titled 'Smallholders, capital, and circular agriculture-The case of combined pomelo and pig farming in southwest China', involved interviews with 35 stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, government officials, and financial institution employees. It found that agricultural cooperatives are central to business management in such projects. However, government involvement can sometimes lead to challenges in smallholder autonomy and fair representation.
The project in southwest China, which focuses on sustainability, productivity, and rural economic development, has pushed many smallholder farmers to the margins due to modernization efforts in Chinese agriculture. Li and Nielsen argue that for circular agriculture to truly benefit everyone, smallholders must have a voice and power in shaping their future.
The study, published in Community Science, underscores the importance of local governments in creating platforms for cooperation in circular agriculture projects. It also highlights the need for smallholder farmers to be involved in decision-making processes to ensure the success and fairness of these projects.
