https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/69944 2026-04-04T22:18:32Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/73298 Title: Maltese full-time, arable farmers’ perceptions on sustainable development Abstract: Farming is an integral part of sustainability. The agricultural products farmers grow help to maintain an ever increasing world population. Nonetheless, over the past years, farmers may have adopted some unsustainable practices, which have helped increase their yield and guarantee better income. At what cost has this been done? This thesis presents a local analysis of farming and sustainability in Malta by analysing farmers’ knowledge of their agricultural practices through their life experiences. Additionally, it aims to understand farmers’ perceptions on sustainable development and to seek the most viable means of moving towards more sustainable agricultural practices. A special emphasis is given to explore the farmers’ attitudes in view of sustainable development, whether they are willing to implement sustainable strategies and promote a change in mindsets and current unsustainable practices. A mixed methods approach was deemed the most viable means of obtaining a clear and thorough picture of the farming situation amongst full-time, arable farmers on the Islands. This involved the use of both questionnaires (n=168) and interviews (n=12) which were conducted to gain as many farmers’ opinions and perspectives as possible. The findings of this study revealed that although the majority of farmers already practice some sustainable measures in their farming practices, there is still work to be done. The interviews were able to reveal the reality behind the everyday farming practices in Malta and Gozo, providing farmers with a means of voicing their opinions of current farming issues, such as the use of artificial chemicals and extraction of groundwater. Through the research findings, a number of recommendations are suggested to aid farming practices become more sustainable. The results from this research will help policy makers in the agricultural sector to seek the best means to collaborate with farmers and to give them the opportunity to voice their opinions and to help in the designing of a training programme for farmers that utilise Education for Sustainable Development principles. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/73265 Title: Attitudes and perceptions of the Maltese population (aged 30 - 45 years old) on local biodiversity and its effect on human health and well-being Abstract: In recent years, several trends have emerged that profoundly and negatively impact human lives in Malta. These trends include an increase in construction activity and an increased incidence of health conditions or illnesses, such as asthma. These trends may be justified through a multitude of reasons, but several contributing factors have been identified and mainly involve the weakening of the human-nature connection. These factors illustrate how humans are becoming increasingly isolated from nature and biodiversity. This dissertation presents an analysis of the attitude and perception of the local adult population (aged between 30 and 45 years old) towards biodiversity, and the extent to which it regards biodiversity as integral to its health and personal wellbeing. Additionally, the study aimed to identify gaps in knowledge and behaviour, and to point out opportunities for these to be addressed through transformative educational campaigns. The study shows that the target population is aware of the effect of biodiversity on human wellbeing, and a positive environmental attitude is prevalent. However, behaviour patterns do not support the positive attitude observed, and knowledge regarding local biodiversity and the effect of biodiversity on human health is lacking. Through the research findings, several recommendations are suggested to increase awareness within the local adult population regarding the links between human health and biodiversity and promote environmentally responsible behaviour patterns. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z