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Integrating Participatory Learning and Action Research and Systems Ecology: A Potential for Sustainable Agriculture Transitions

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Abstract

This article explores the potential of integrating Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR) and Systems Ecology (SE) for improving research capability in facilitating sustainable development transitions in agriculture. Goal conflicts that arose in a PLAR group working on sustainability issues in small-scale organic tomato production are analysed from the perspective of SE. The possibility to improve agency for sustainable development by the merger of PLAR and SE are discussed. It is concluded that the approaches together could provide a sounder base for systemic research and transitions in agriculture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Sustainable Agriculture, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7047, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden

    Karin Eksvärd

  2. Department of Rural and Urban Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden

    Torbjörn Rydberg

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  1. Karin Eksvärd
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  2. Torbjörn Rydberg
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Correspondence to Karin Eksvärd.

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Eksvärd, K., Rydberg, T. Integrating Participatory Learning and Action Research and Systems Ecology: A Potential for Sustainable Agriculture Transitions. Syst Pract Action Res 23, 467–486 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-010-9172-6

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