A recent DairyMix – publication titled “Sosial bærekraft i landbruket. Hvor mye orker bøndene?” (Social sustainability in agriculture: How much can farmers endure?) by Hilde Helgesen and Bjørn Egil Flø (both NIBIO) in the Norwegian Journal Plan, explore the challenges faced by Norwegian dairy farmers focusing on social sustainability, economic pressures, and mental health within the agricultural sector.
The study provides a comprehensive look at the lives of dairy farmers and sheds light on the experiences of farmers who navigate the complexities of modern farming while striving to maintain personal well-being and social connections.
It concludes that social sustainability is equally important as economic sustainability for dairy farmers. The lack of social support and recognition from the broader society worsen the challenges they face, leading to increased stress and potential mental health issues. Maintaining active local communities and professional networks is crucial for the well-being of farmers and the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
The research calls for greater recognition of farmers’ contributions and the implementation of policies that support both their economic and social needs and emphasize the need for initiatives that raise community engagement and provide the social and emotional support necessary for farmers to thrive.
The full article can be read in the latest issue of “Plan”, via this link (in Norwegian): https://doi.org/10.18261/plan.56.3.12
