Collective ownership as key incentive for sustainable agricultural development: a case study at the Herenboerderij in Boxtel

Abstract

This thesis research is about the Herenboerderij in Boxtel: a mixed farm of 20 hectares that is collectively owned by a community of approximately 170 members. It is a single case study in which the local case in Boxtel is extensively analysed. The analysis took place in two stages. First, a more general-level of analysis was used to assess the initiative. Therefore, I developed a framework based on an extensive literature review. The framework is composed of four different building blocks: (1) collective ownership, (2) community, (3) shared values and (4) co-management structures. To conclude the general-level of analysis I assessed the building blocks individually. Although the blocks are separable, their interaction determines the effectiveness of the organisation. Therefore, I moved to the second stage in which I assessed the interactions. I operationalised the different building blocks into indicators and used qualitative methods to collect data. I conclude that the current interactions in Boxtel are not sufficient. The main discrepancy exists between the building block (1) collective ownership and (4) co-management structures. This result in some indecisiveness. My conclusion and recommendation is the development of a platform (digital and/or physical) that can facilitate the search for consensus and common ground.