Evaluating the Adoption of Small Scale Agroecological Farming Practices in Lebanon

Abstract

The agri-food sector is a major driver of environmental degradation worldwide. Conventional farming practices have been associated with the destruction of soil, depletion of water and emission of greenhouse gases. Agroecology is presented as a sustainable alternative to current food production systems. Literature on agroecology provides evidence of its potential to improve productivity, resilience, and livelihoods. However, the state of agroecology adoption in Lebanon remains unclear. This research evaluates the adoption of small-scale agroecological farming practices in Lebanon through the conceptions, practices and experiences among farmers and advocates. The study utilizes an exploratory approach to evaluate the adoption of agroecology in Lebanon relying on focus group discussions with farmers and interviews with agroecology advocates to assess local perceptions and experiences. The data was analyzed using Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior situated within a broader perspective of the current agrarian political economy. The results reflect complex adoption behavior among farmers influenced by farmer perceptions, fragmented support, and weak markets. The findings confirm the need to combine psychological and sociopolitical perspectives in framing sustainable farming transitions.