The role of drivers of change in the transition to agroforestry

Abstract

AbstractDutch policy strives to increase the amount of agroforestry. This pilot study aimed to research the forces and obstacles for this growth, in particular the role of various drivers of change. Therefore we conducted a case study in Lingezegen Park (near Arnhem, The Netherlands), using the transition model of Van der Meulen et al. as a basis. This model describes the connection between the transition of the social and physical realms. Important drivers of change influencing the social and physical realms in Lingezegen Park are the establishment of the park itself, but also the relations between and roles of the various stakeholders and the presence of a change agent. Data was collected via Rapid Rural Appraisal in combination with visualization studies and in depth interviews. The interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis, with the help of NVIVO-software. The case of Lingezegen Park clearly shows that the transformation of the social realm intertwines with developments in the physical realm. The development of the park, both a change in the physical as well as the social realm, made way for new initiatives in sustainable farming systems such as agroforestry. The overall conclusion is that for the transition towards agroforestry, in addition to all kinds of on-site innovation, it is also necessary to take due account of exogenous important drivers of change, especially the functioning of local networks, land use planning and the presence of change agents. The combined effect of this largely determines opportunities for the growth of agroforestry.