Summary
This paper synthesises evidence on the deliberate establishment of more than 8 million social groups for sustainable agriculture and land management across the world over the past 20 years. The authors argue that the growth of rural social capital within specific territories has reversed the sustainability and equity losses caused by neoliberal development, leading to measurable improvements in agricultural productivity and particular benefits for previously excluded communities. The work suggests that further expansion would be enabled by stronger national and regional policy support.
UK applicability
The findings on social capital and institutional restructuring are relevant to UK policy discussions around rural development and farmer-led initiatives. However, the global focus means specific applicability to UK farming systems, scale, and existing institutional contexts would require further localisation.
Key measures
Number of social groups established globally (>8 million); productivity changes in agricultural and land management systems; equity and inclusion metrics for marginalised groups
Outcomes reported
The study assessed the growth and establishment of social groups for sustainable agriculture and land management across the world over the past 20 years, reporting on productivity impacts and equity outcomes. It evaluated how rural social capital restructuring has influenced agricultural and land management system performance, particularly for previously excluded populations.
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