Multifunctionality, as a feature of agriculture, is subject to different interpretations, depending on the state and context. The core concept of Multifunctionality of Agriculture (MFA) is that the agricultural sector...Multifunctionality, as a feature of agriculture, is subject to different interpretations, depending on the state and context. The core concept of Multifunctionality of Agriculture (MFA) is that the agricultural sector has multiple roles. These roles are not confined to food and fiber production, but also to the provision of several non-market commodities. In this study, we have interviewed 30 Syrian experts from different fields of sciences so as to examine their understanding of the concept of multifunctional agriculture and its elements and look closely into the importance of the elements of MFA in Syrian agricultural policy context from an expert’s point of view. The results show that wider roles of agriculture are highly acknowledged among the chosen experts but few of them are working on it. In its broadest sense, no undivided acceptance of the concept of multifunctionality has been found. The Syrian agriculture policies have elements which support and improve MFA, but it is not clearly recognized as such.展开更多
Agriculture is the basis of national economy. Through science and technology and the intensive utilization of land, great achievements have been made in agriculture. However, some agro-ecological and environmental pro...Agriculture is the basis of national economy. Through science and technology and the intensive utilization of land, great achievements have been made in agriculture. However, some agro-ecological and environmental problems are rising. Because of this, people have begun to reflect on agricultural developmental policy, patterns and technologies, and put forward new thoughts for agricultural development. In the late 20th century, China’s ecologists and agronomists co-sponsored the concept of ecological agriculture with Chinese characteristics. Its essence includes a series of concepts such as integration, coordination, circulation and regeneration within agroecosystems or within systems of agriculture production, processing and marketing. After nearly 30 years of practice and development, ecological agriculture in China has achieved remarkable outcomes. However, current eco-agriculture development is unsatisfactory due to the following two factors： （i） A lack of research and accounting across a variety of agro-ecosystem service functions; （ii） It is difficult to obtain remarkable economic benefits because of the lack of market-oriented guidance, scale management, specialized production and brand popularization for the traditional autarkic peasant economy. In order to further promote the development of ecological agriculture it is necessary to engage in serious reflection on ecological agriculture in China and arrive at new understandings about circular economy, multifunctional agriculture, high-quality agriculture, industrial development, integration of the traditional essence and modern technology, and finally, the sustainable development of rural areas.展开更多
文摘Multifunctionality, as a feature of agriculture, is subject to different interpretations, depending on the state and context. The core concept of Multifunctionality of Agriculture (MFA) is that the agricultural sector has multiple roles. These roles are not confined to food and fiber production, but also to the provision of several non-market commodities. In this study, we have interviewed 30 Syrian experts from different fields of sciences so as to examine their understanding of the concept of multifunctional agriculture and its elements and look closely into the importance of the elements of MFA in Syrian agricultural policy context from an expert’s point of view. The results show that wider roles of agriculture are highly acknowledged among the chosen experts but few of them are working on it. In its broadest sense, no undivided acceptance of the concept of multifunctionality has been found. The Syrian agriculture policies have elements which support and improve MFA, but it is not clearly recognized as such.
基金National Public Benefit (Envrionmental) Research Foundation of China (201009020)Global Envrionment Facility (No. GCP/GLO/212/GEF)
文摘Agriculture is the basis of national economy. Through science and technology and the intensive utilization of land, great achievements have been made in agriculture. However, some agro-ecological and environmental problems are rising. Because of this, people have begun to reflect on agricultural developmental policy, patterns and technologies, and put forward new thoughts for agricultural development. In the late 20th century, China’s ecologists and agronomists co-sponsored the concept of ecological agriculture with Chinese characteristics. Its essence includes a series of concepts such as integration, coordination, circulation and regeneration within agroecosystems or within systems of agriculture production, processing and marketing. After nearly 30 years of practice and development, ecological agriculture in China has achieved remarkable outcomes. However, current eco-agriculture development is unsatisfactory due to the following two factors： （i） A lack of research and accounting across a variety of agro-ecosystem service functions; （ii） It is difficult to obtain remarkable economic benefits because of the lack of market-oriented guidance, scale management, specialized production and brand popularization for the traditional autarkic peasant economy. In order to further promote the development of ecological agriculture it is necessary to engage in serious reflection on ecological agriculture in China and arrive at new understandings about circular economy, multifunctional agriculture, high-quality agriculture, industrial development, integration of the traditional essence and modern technology, and finally, the sustainable development of rural areas.
