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The Decision-Making Process of Transitioning to a Regenerative Agricultural System: How Disaster Resilience Fits In

Regenerative agriculture, a soil health focused alternative to conventional agriculture, has been increasingly popular among producers and consumers for its ability to produce nourishing food while also prioritizing the health of the environment. The practices used within this style of farming and ranching also have benefits that make operations more resilient to various agricultural hazards. Few studies have addressed the role of resiliency in the transition process to regenerative agriculture. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of disaster resilience in the decision-making process farmers and ranchers use as they transition to regenerative agricultural practices. Drawing from qualitative, semi-structured interviews with Texas ranchers that use regenerative methods, four major themes were found. First, climate related hazards are a recurring issue because agricultural operations are continually threatened by the same hazards. Next, the food system is in dire need of change, as producers recognize a major problem in the food system, and it is leading to a food insecure future. Also prevalent, disaster resilience is a built-in benefit because regenerative practices result in the creation of systems that build resilience. Finally, learning opportunities are expanding as an increased interest in regenerative agriculture is providing more opportunities for both producer and consumer. The implications of this study highlight new opportunities to bridge the gap between emergency management and agriculture, specifically focusing on the resilience capabilities of using regenerative methods.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1985799
Date08 1900
CreatorsBoyle, Cassidy
ContributorsNelan, Mary, Webb, Gary, Wu, Tristan
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
FormatText
RightsPublic, Boyle, Cassidy, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved.

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