The Socio-Economic Context of Green Economy Implementation in the Agriculture Sector

Abstract

The green economy is a multidimensional concept which aims to address social, economic and environmental issues and to achieve multiple objectives. Although the term ‘green economy’ is often interpreted in a narrow environmental sense; many of the principles of a green economy address socio-economic imperatives and human well-being issues. In order to realise the potential benefits of a green economy and to achieve agricultural objectives, green economy implementation in the agriculture sector has to fully consider the socio-economic environment and its implications for agriculture at a practical level. Implementation should be informed by socio-economic factors which include green economy principles; local and national development issues and global factors. Local realities such as poverty, inequalities, peoples’ rights and unemployment have to be addressed in green economy implementation. Relevant global factors such as trade in agricultural commodities and activities on financial markets which affect the welfare of farmers and the viability and sustainability of agricultural enterprises are central to green economy implementation; as are opportunities and challenges presented by the rapidly changing technological context including disruptive emerging technologies. An appropriate enabling environment comprised of suitable policies , legislation and governance arrangements is also crucial. This chapter discusses socio-economic factors that have to be accommodated at project implementation level.