16
J. Zahra and M. C. Mifsud
More distribution points are also needed. The future of the farming industry in Malta,
according to the farmers is in a dire state, noticing the decrease in the number of
younger full-time farmers.
5 Conclusion
This research project, carried out through the University of Malta highlighted sustainability issues pertaining to the local farming community that require clarification,
better understanding and increased engagement from the farming community. This
was the first phase of the research project. In the next phase the university will design
outreach activities in order to address these lacunae in the form of training workshops
and short courses in order to help farmers
i. better integrate sustainable farming strategies in their work
ii. improve farmers’ social and economic status
iii. develop the skills necessary that lead to increased empowerment.
The main thrust will be to support local communities, helping reduce the costs
and carbon footprint related to transportation of goods. Further studies should focus
on how consumers can aid local farmers and how the local economy may benefit
farmers, the community and the environment through increased sustainability. The
university should also research ways in which it can increase its engagement with
schools and the younger generations. Schools may be a potential platform through
which farmers and the public together with the younger generations engage together,
encouraging dialogue and build up trust and understanding.
References
Alonge AJ, Martin RA (1995) Assessment of the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices:
implications for agricultural education. J Agric Edu 36(3):34–42. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.
1995.03034
Ary D, Jacobs LC, Razavieh A, Sorensen C (2006) Introduction to research in education, 7th edn.
Thomson Wadsworth, Belmont, USA
Blaxter L, Hughes C, Tight M (2001) How to research, 2nd edn. Open University Press, Buckingham,
United Kingdom
Boyatzis RE (1998) Transforming qualitative information: thematic analysis and code development.
SAGE Publications, London, United Kingdom
Caruana C (2015) Civic action for sustainable futures: what role for adult environmental education?
In: Leal Filho W et al (eds) Intergrative approaches to sustainable development at university
level. World Sustainability Series, pp 663–674. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10690-8_45.
Retrieved from https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41926
Clover DE (2002) Environmental adult education. Retrieved from http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/
abs/10.1177/104515950201300201
Cohen L, Manion L, Morrison K (2007) Research methods in education, 6th edn. Routledge, Oxon,
United Kingdom
J. Zahra and M. C. Mifsud
More distribution points are also needed. The future of the farming industry in Malta,
according to the farmers is in a dire state, noticing the decrease in the number of
younger full-time farmers.
5 Conclusion
This research project, carried out through the University of Malta highlighted sustainability issues pertaining to the local farming community that require clarification,
better understanding and increased engagement from the farming community. This
was the first phase of the research project. In the next phase the university will design
outreach activities in order to address these lacunae in the form of training workshops
and short courses in order to help farmers
i. better integrate sustainable farming strategies in their work
ii. improve farmers’ social and economic status
iii. develop the skills necessary that lead to increased empowerment.
The main thrust will be to support local communities, helping reduce the costs
and carbon footprint related to transportation of goods. Further studies should focus
on how consumers can aid local farmers and how the local economy may benefit
farmers, the community and the environment through increased sustainability. The
university should also research ways in which it can increase its engagement with
schools and the younger generations. Schools may be a potential platform through
which farmers and the public together with the younger generations engage together,
encouraging dialogue and build up trust and understanding.
References
Alonge AJ, Martin RA (1995) Assessment of the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices:
implications for agricultural education. J Agric Edu 36(3):34–42. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.
1995.03034
Ary D, Jacobs LC, Razavieh A, Sorensen C (2006) Introduction to research in education, 7th edn.
Thomson Wadsworth, Belmont, USA
Blaxter L, Hughes C, Tight M (2001) How to research, 2nd edn. Open University Press, Buckingham,
United Kingdom
Boyatzis RE (1998) Transforming qualitative information: thematic analysis and code development.
SAGE Publications, London, United Kingdom
Caruana C (2015) Civic action for sustainable futures: what role for adult environmental education?
In: Leal Filho W et al (eds) Intergrative approaches to sustainable development at university
level. World Sustainability Series, pp 663–674. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10690-8_45.
Retrieved from https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41926
Clover DE (2002) Environmental adult education. Retrieved from http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/
abs/10.1177/104515950201300201
Cohen L, Manion L, Morrison K (2007) Research methods in education, 6th edn. Routledge, Oxon,
United Kingdom