Strengths and weaknesses for the young farmers to abide in the Greek countryside: a triangulation approach

Abstract

PurposeThis study seeks to identify and highlight the factors that hinder or favor young farmers in the quest to abide in the agricultural profession and to draw policy directions and axes of action to address the problem.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a triangulation research approach with quantitative and qualitative methodologies. In total, 222 structured questionnaires and 9 personal interviews constituted the survey's data collection tools.FindingsThe results revealed a distinctive distribution of competencies. On the one hand, personal and entrepreneurial competencies make up the “strengths” of young farmers, and on the other hand, the lack of cooperative organizations and the lack of entrepreneurial education and training combined with a series of situational factors complete the puzzle of “weaknesses” the farmers face in the local daily becoming.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study have academic and policy implications. Theoretically, this study contributes to the emerging literature that emphasizes the importance of farmers' competencies, collaboration, information and training in understanding the complex and different conditions that young farmers are called upon to manage.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study lies in the identification of both strengths and weaknesses that affect the abiding of young farmers in the agricultural profession.