Beyond impact evaluations: Discovering facets of value creation through Collaborative (agricultural) Working Practices (CWP)

Abstract

Rural regions experience de-population, ageing of community stakeholders, lack of work, socio-economic stagnation. Less successful people and places represent underutilized capacities in a modern economic narrative, creating a geography of winning and losing places (Feldman, and Storper 2018). Literature researching Collaborative Working Spaces (CWS) as tools to foster cooperation, sharing of resources and innovation, started a debate on whether and how their presence can bring some (new) forms of rural development. Though this interest proves the good intentions of policymakers and researchers in promoting rural development, it carries assumptions on the possible impacts generated by the CWS, and on the value produced through it. It is poorly debated which categories of “value” are considered; what kind of “impact” are analysed; what “development” private projects or public policies intend to support. CWS’ impact is based on quantitative (new job opportunities, reduction of commuting, production of goods and services) and qualitative indicators (individual well-being, promotion of social innovation, gentrification), looking at opportunities of new forms of mobile work, devoting less attention to place-based forms of collaboration. How this is relevant to regional and local development, for whom and with which spatial implications? The valuation implies attention to the understanding and description of the values rooted in the socio-spatial context, that result from the value scale of the established world (Stark, and Hutter 2015) and the stakeholders or communities addressed to entangle this value.

To transcend a normative approach, the research investigates CWP and CWS as an entry point for understanding processes of local and trans-local value creation, focusing on an international bottom-up network of organic farmers (WWOOF, Worldwide Organisation of Organic Farmers). The case highlights how (territorial, social, agricultural, economic) value is intended, represented and narrated by a group that is marginal or not directly involved in the decision-making. The adoption of regenerative agriculture i.e. entails not only discourses around the way of doing agriculture, but a new philosophy, ethical values and worldview (Gordon, D’Avila, and Riedy 2022). The presentation addresses the debate on the meaning of certain values (i.e. profit, productivity, work, wellbeing, and living standards) as opposed to others, less conventional in development discourse, (i.e. self-sufficiency, reciprocity, care, resilience, and community) from the perspective of this community of practice.

Feldman M.P., Storper M 2018. Economic Growth and Economic Development: Geographical Dimensions, Definition, and Disparities In The New Oxford Handbook of Economic Geography

Gordon E., Davila F., Riedy C 2022. Transforming landscapes and mindscapes through regenerative agriculture

Stark D., Hutter M 2015. Pragmatist Perspectives on Valuation. Introduction to Moments of Valuation