Growing Connections: Local Food Systems and Community Resilience

Abstract

This descriptive study explored organic farmers’ perceived contribution to community resilience. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and examined for predetermined and emerging categories and themes. Ten producers and 20 workers described direct contributions to community resilience constructs, particularly increased political, economic, and natural capital; a sense of community pride and belonging; and historical responsibility. Participants described creating new spaces and opportunities for social interactions such as volunteer engagement and closer relationships with customers, farmers and social organizations. They also referred to three different types of social networks: (1) farmer-to-farmer networks (bonding); (2) farmer-to-community networks (bridging); and (3) organization-to-organization networks (linking). Findings also suggest a perceived bidirectional relationship between local food systems and strong social networks. This paper discusses existing literature; proposes a theoretical framework that supports the research approach taken by the study; and identifies specific constructs connecting local food systems to community resilience.

Keywords:

• Community resilience
• farming
• local food systems
• theoretical framework
• sustainable agriculture

Acknowledgements

Cornelio Candelaria Organics; AgriCultura Network/La Cosecha CSA; Farm to Table; NMDA/NM State University Organic Program; and all farmers who participated and supported the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement No. U54-OH7541. CFDA # 93.262, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC-NIOSH), Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education (SW Ag Center) 2013–2014 Feasibility Study Program. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.