When ability and willingness is not enough : A study of Swedish family farmers implementation of circular agriculture practices based on ability, willingness, awareness and the role of institutions

Abstract: Background: The agricultural industry has a damaging impact on the environment and great potential for sustainable development. The concept of circular agriculture (CA) is proposed as an answer to this challenge. However, the implementation of CA is dependent on the farmers since they are in control of implementing new farming practices. Furthermore, since family farmers operate 75% of the world's land, it is crucial to understand their specific characteristics, challenges, and opportunities. Researching family farmers could provide important implications for transforming the industry. This study investigates how Swedish family farmers' ability and willingness guide their actions through the ability and willingness paradox.  Purpose: This study aims to explore Swedish family farmers' ability and willingness to implement circular agricultural practices. Method: The study follows an interpretivist approach through five case studies. Qualitative semi-structured interviews are conducted along with observations at the farms. The empirical data is analysed through a coding procedure, where themes emerge from the data both by semantic and a latent analysis approach. The research elaborates existing theory through an inductively inspired approach. Conclusion: This study suggests that the theory of the ability and willingness paradox in the context of Swedish family farms might be inverted. This means that there is a high willingness to implement CA practices among the family farmers and ability is the factor that is preventing CA implementation. In addition to this conclusion, findings also suggest awareness and the role of institutions as influencing factors that both enforce and restrict CA implementation.