Stakeholder Views on Agrobiodiversity - A literature review

Agricultural intensification practices such as land use intensification and conversion of natural habitats drive biodiversity loss and degrade the natural environment and multiple ecosystem services essential for human well-being and food security. Agrobiodiversity refers to the diversity of species and genetic materials found in agricultural landscapes. Comprehensive study of agrobiodiversity and developing ways to promote biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes requires a multidisciplinary approach. In addition to ecological understanding, research must also focus on the social and cultural factors that drive biodiversity loss in the agricultural landscape. The aim of such comprehensive study is to provide the foundation for enhancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable transformation of agricultural production. These goals are explicitly stated in the EU’s policy frameworks such as EU Biodiversity 2030 and Farm to Fork Strategies.

The agricultural sector comprises multiple stakeholders whose views and understanding of agricultural biodiversity are essential for conservation efforts to maintain biodiversity. The aim of this literature review is to study stakeholders’ agrobiodiversity perceptions. Four scientific article databases were used to identify social science studies that emphasize stakeholder views on agrobiodiversity. A total of 1110 articles fitting the criteria were found. Qualitative content analysis was used to categorize and distinguish emerging themes on perceptions about agrobiodiversity by farmers, consumers, citizens, politicians, and organizations. Preliminary results indicate that farmers’ perceptions are most studied, but all stakeholders’ views are important. Emergent research themes center around agrobiodiversity as a concept and a wide range of stakeholders’ perceptions. Understanding social constituents and socially constructed ways of viewing agrobiodiversity can enhance sustainable transformation of the agricultural sector while still maintaining or improving conditions for biodiversity. This research is part of an EU funded BioMonitor4CAP project to study advanced biodiversity monitoring systems and stakeholder participation to enhance biodiversity conservation and support the development of agricultural policies and rural areas. If biodiversity targets are not achieved, biodiversity loss will undermine food production and aggravate global food security.