Why is a sociological component necessary?
Following preliminary discussions, it was observed that a majority of the agricultural community surveyed is reluctant to install treatment systems. The reasons given include the price of installation and operation, regulations that are not yet binding, and changes in practice that are difficult to implement. This “social sciences” component therefore aims to support the development of the project for a better acquisition by players in the agricultural world.
Getting to know the participants in the Life-Phytobarre project
For three years, participants in the project (farmers, experimental stations and agricultural high schools) will be followed by a sociologist and a documentary team from the University of Aix-Marseille (LESA).
How will this innovation be received in the agricultural world?
What will the consequences be (direct or otherwise) on the activities of these participants? The team will also analyze the elements of discourse and practice that will be linked with environmental concerns such as the preservation of water resources, soil pollution and occupational health.
What regional integration will the project have?
Based on interviews with the institutional participants, the sociologist will focus on the regional environment of the project. The goal of this is to define the best delivery conditions, both technical and political, for the development phase following the project.
A wider diffusion of information
In an effort to expand the target, the sociological component plans for a series of meetings with an audience comprising schools, administrations, elected officials and residents. Exchange spaces, in the form of round tables and interviews (among others), will be set up to discuss the relevance and utility of this project in the framework of preserving land and the environment.
Mathieu Leborgne – Independent sociologist and researcher associated with the Laboratoire Méditerranéen de Sociologie of Aix-en-Provence.
