engleski

Is sustainable life for small family farmers in rural Dubrovnik surroundings possible?

Potentials of organic food production have already been recognized by some authors (Puđak and Bokan 2011, Znaor et al 2014) as development possibilities at the national as well as at the regional levels. Dubrovnik, predominantly recognized as the major tourist destination, and its surrounding area, consisting of more than 30, mostly rural, settlements, represent almost an ideal case where developing competitive sustainable organic farming could meet the perfect market for organic and traditional agricultural products. The significance of dynamic conservation or, if necessary, revitalization of traditional knowledge systems recognized as agricultural heritage are recognized as important for the long-term sustainable development of Dubrovnik and its surroundings. However, the question is to what extent this potential can actually be used. Also, one could rightfully ask should the tourist market be the only one to focus on, since there are several options available. Finally, if the sustainable development in the rural Dubrovnik surroundings is set as the primary goal, creation of regional agricultural heritage networks interesting to tourism should be complemented with market networks for organic products active during the whole year. This paper presents preliminary results of the research carried out among small family farmers in the rural surroundings of Dubrovnik regarding the current situation and problems they face in efforts to live in the rural area and from organic agriculture.

sustainability; rural development; small family farmers; rural Dubrovnik surroundings

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