Community Supported Agriculture as Public Education: Networked Communities of Practice Building Alternative Agrifood Systems.

摘要

This project investigates the learning and educational opportunities happening within Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. I approach this study from an Action Research and Critical Ethnography orientation. Employing a system of theoretical frames and using mixed methods, I conducted a series of case studies, collecting qualitative and quantitative data through over 100 hours of participant observation, organizational document analysis, and 31 semi-structured interviews with shareholders and growers at ten CSAs in the Cincinnati area. Furthermore, to gain a regional perspective, I conducted a telephone survey with 140 CSA growers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Findings indicate that the number of CSAs and shares offered are growing in all three states. Along the lines of education, many CSAs provide recipes, newsletters, farm tours, and classes. Other CSA programs offer opportunities for learning and education by training new farmers, conducting research, building community partnerships, and organizing outreach, volunteer, service learning, and social events. Findings indicate a dynamic and constant evolution of the CSA model as organizations adapt from season to season. The case study data reveals and a rich network of people, organizations, and resources that are working together to build alternative agrifood systems.