Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


13922.pdf (24.37 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

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

Wight, Robert
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1427798047

Abstract Details

2015, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Educational Studies.
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.
Mary Brydon-Miller, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Lisa Markowitz, PhD (Committee Member)
Todd Haydon, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Christopher Swoboda, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
307 p.
Environmental Education
Community Supported Agriculture; Public Education; Environmental Education; Action Research; Networks; Food Movement

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wight, R. (2015). Community Supported Agriculture as Public Education: Networked Communities of Practice Building Alternative Agrifood Systems [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1427798047

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wight, Robert. Community Supported Agriculture as Public Education: Networked Communities of Practice Building Alternative Agrifood Systems. 2015. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1427798047.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wight, Robert. "Community Supported Agriculture as Public Education: Networked Communities of Practice Building Alternative Agrifood Systems." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1427798047

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1427798047
1,051
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.