Introduction

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the book, which argues that an interdisciplinary approach should be used to reach a better understanding of (1) consumers’ and producers’ motivations for participating in AFNs, (2) AFNs’ operating mechanisms and the conditions for their sustainability over time, and (3) their impact on the environment and on the local area. Hence, the book starts with a theoretical discussion of AFNs from different disciplinary approaches, proceeding then to analyse them from the consumers’ viewpoint, from the producers’ viewpoint, and in terms of their environmental and geographical impacts. A final chapter deals with future perspectives for AFNs.