Insight into the issues and challenges of adopting more environmental practices on Irish farms

Enoh, Moses E. (2015) Insight into the issues and challenges of adopting more environmental practices on Irish farms. Masters thesis, Griffith College.

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Abstract

This work is a contribution to the discussion on the environment and climate change. It concentrates on the paradox of contributing to the growth of the economy at the expense of the environment by Irish farmers. The research objectives were: to identify government policies and opportunities that exist to farmers on addressing environmental issues; to establish the problems faced by farmers on addressing environmental issues; to identify the costs faced by farmers on addressing environmental issues; to establish the costs benefit effect to farmers on adopting environmental practices; to make suggestions on some actions appropriate to addressing environmental issues by farmers. A mixed method of collecting data was used for this research. Questionnaires, case study and interviews allowed the triangulation of the disadvantages of collecting data by just one method to be overcome. A total of 55 farmers (i.e. 35 livestock and 20 tillage farmers) responded to the questionnaire, 5 interviews were conducted and a case study on a tillage farm was carried out. The study shows that lack of environmental education, lack of involving farmers into the debate and decision making and imposing environmental policies onto them makes matter even worse. Farmers do not want to be seen as the worse emitters of GHG into the environment but want to been as contributors to the growth of the economy and food providers to the growing population. Farmers do acknowledge that adopting green technology in their farms will be more beneficial but the problem they are facing is affordability. Even though minimal grants are given, it is not enough to acquire the necessary green technology and earn a living despite the long run benefits. Malthus (1798) asserted that unless population growth is checked, there will be shortage of food to feed them. However, Malthus did not foresee alternative ways of food supply which we have today. In the same line of thinking, population is growing and farmers are under immense pressure to feed this growing population of the world. If farmers do not adopt more environmental practices on their farms for a green harvest and green environment, the world would be an unsuitable place for any living creature and this will be more costly. This study did not go without some limitations. It would be a good idea if further study could be carried out with a larger sample size.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Environmental agriculture, Environmental sustainability, Farming, Climate change
Divisions: Graduate Business School > MSc in Accounting & Finance Management
Depositing User: Ms Dimphne Ni Bhraonain
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2016 15:42
Last Modified: 10 Nov 2016 15:42
URI: http://go.griffith.ie/id/eprint/31

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