From strong to weak agrarianism. A consequentialist approach to protecting rural communities and the environment

The paper critiques traditional agrarianism, particularly Wendell Berry’s version, proposing a new form of agrarianism called weak agrarianism. Strong agrarianism holds local communities as morally valuable entities because they produce good moral qualities in human beings. However, weak agrarianism supports rural communities based on their positive environmental and economic contributions. Having unique local knowledge, rural communities are essential in combating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture. The paper highlights agroecology as a sustainable approach integrating ecological, social, and economic principles, emphasizing bottom-up policies and the farmer-back-to-farmer method. These policies address local problems through collaboration between farmers and scientists, ensuring effective, culturally integrated solutions. The paper argues for protecting and incentivizing rural communities not as static reserves but as dynamic, inclusive entities, promoting their development to counter rural depopulation and enhance environmental sustainability.