What drives farmers’ sustainability performance? Application of the CSP Modell for the analysis of farmers’ Conditions, adaptation Strategies and sustainability Performances – a case study analysis of German and Swedish producer groups in times of change

Summary

This paper aims to explore farmers' conditions, strategies and performances in a context of multi-dimensional policy requirements, market imperfections and globalisation. The basic assumption sees conditions as drivers for farmers’ strategies that then result in performances of the sector. The methodological approach is based on the Conditions-Strategies-Performances (CSP) model which is used for the analysis of three case studies. The model helps to identify changes in framework conditions over time, resources among relevant groups of primary producers, adaptation strategies and finally, to explore the related social, economic and environmental effects. The analysis is based on three case studies, three farmers’ groups in Germany and Sweden. Results show that the approach provides a suitable conceptual framework. Its particular strength is the holistic nature of the assessment and that it focusses on changes, dynamics, strategic decisions and impacts that matter in societal terms. It helps to identify factors that affect the sustainability of specific farming industries.