IMALP - Implementation of Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in alpine

An interdisciplinary approach covering sociological and agronomic aspects was developed to better understand how stakeholders gradually implement their action plans, taking into account tangible changes and modifications to social practices. The concept of “translation” was mobilised to interpret and to divide the implementation of action into sequences. The different sequences were analysed in terms of group dynamics, activation methods used, modes of decision making, influence of network, role of human and non human actors. A permanent monitoring of local groups and action groups was carried out in the 4 areas. The impact of actions on the sustainability of agriculture was assessed using interdisciplinary indicators of sustainability. 15 farm surveys per area conducted twice, with a 2-year interval (total : 120 farm surveys).

We propose to treat agricultural sustainability as a matter of local concern. A major and original aspect of the project lies in the association of two approaches to sustainability: the view of local actors on the one hand, and an expert assessment on the other.

We define “collective action” as the pursuit of a common goal or set of goals through the networking of different persons, groups or organisations. Collective action thus refers to the ability of a group to act together or jointly in order to further its interest as a group and thus to overcome the free rider problem. Our approach to collective action involves different concepts defined both in the social sciences and the development sciences. Our main premise is that conception and action are not successive phases. Our results pinpoint two major aspects. Firstly, action produces knowledge and action starts always without full knowledge of a problem. Secondly, social concerns as interesting new stakeholders and institutions in the group’s initiative, definitions and breakdown of duties and responsibilities are of major importance. The consequences are a refining and in some cases a redefinition of the problem and of the objectives.

The IMALP project had an impact on farm economies in the cases of farms that changed their strategies, for example by starting a new activity to diversify the agricultural production or introducing direct sales of a new product. For dairy farms, the economic impact of the project remains mostly limited. Farm incomes and the economic sustainability of farms are mainly related to global factors, including market trends and related policies. Consequently, the economic component can only be partially influenced in local groups with limited financial means. The IMALP project has created a structure where farmers can exchange and enrich their views on the agricultural sector and its driving forces (market, agricultural policies), thereby providing farmers with new perspectives on farm-market relations. The farmers has involved in new type of actions targeting landscape management, production of renewable energy, and the preservation of biodiversity through contracts with local institutions. Diversification of agriculture towards new activities such as tourism and educational activities was particularly encouraged by this type of project.

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