From dust to a must: Investigating the social barriers to farmers’ adoption of soil conservation practices in Hungary, with recommendations for an effective information-based soil governance

Abstract: Soil as a fundamental, conditionally renewable natural resource is increasingly under threat from unsustainable farming practices in a changing environment. In Hungary, expansive areas of land are susceptible to soil degradation, while only a small percentage of farmers currently applies soil conservation practices (SCPs). Degraded soils have an impact on food production, climate adaptation, climate regulation, clean water, and biodiversity. Introducing soil conserving farming methods is integral to protecting the ecosystem services that soils provide. The primary aims of this research are to provide an overview on existing information-based policies in Hungary for agricultural soil conservation; to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced view on social barriers that hinder farmers’ adoption of SCPs; to understand what farmers need in order to adopt more sustainable practices; and to explore how information-based policy instruments can better support a wider uptake of SCPs. The research builds on qualitative data gained from 23 semi-structured interviews and an observed event with stakeholders from ten different stakeholder groups, as well as on quantitative data from an online survey with 83 responding farmers. The research is guided by an expanded version of the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses framework, as well as relevant aspects of the Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Agroecological Transition theory. The research provides an overview on existing information-based policies for soil conservation, and outlines dominating themes, with illustrative examples, on the most common social barriers in the way of widespread adoption of SCPs by Hungarian farmers. With recommendations and best practices, targeting policy makers and relevant authorities, the thesis wishes to contribute to and inspire future steps towards an effective information-based governance for soil conservation, and an improved understanding and cooperation among stakeholders.