Permaculture and back‐to‐the‐land migration: Pursuing self‐sufficiency in Czech rural areas

Abstract

AbstractThis article focuses on the contemporary back‐to‐the‐land migration of permaculture practitioners in post‐socialist (1989–) Czechia. It explores the ideals and practices of self‐sufficiency among back‐to‐the‐land migrants as they relate to their migration motives and post‐migration life, including the fulfilment of a dream of self‐sufficiency and local community integration. This article deals with individual in‐rural migrant projects and the experiences of permaculturists who live in intentional eco‐communities. It draws upon data from in‐depth interviews with back‐to‐the‐land migrants and analysis of documents and field notes. The article concludes that the self‐sufficient vision, part of a ‘family homestead’ concept promoted by permaculture teachers, is difficult to achieve for rural newcomers who must reformulate their visions to match the lived reality. The post‐migration life of this group is further complicated by disillusionment with local community relations and difficulties integrating within their migration destination because of their distinctive lifestyle. Czech back‐to‐the‐land migration related to permaculture differs from its western version in its inclination towards nature‐based spirituality and a specific land structure still influenced by the forced collectivisation of the communist era.