Exploring local farmers’ attitudes and beliefs on their role in community health

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore farmers’ attitudes and beliefs as members of local public health systems, using the socio-ecological model (SEM) as a guide for framing their identities. In-person, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 farmers between May and September of 2019. The interviews were recorded and averaged 40 min. The farms were located within a 100-mile radius of Dayton, Ohio. The interviews were completed on the farmers’ properties. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select 24 farm owners and/or operators in Indiana and Ohio. The sample included eight farmers from each farming method: conventional, certified organic, and non-certified organic. Key themes discovered using the SEM included: farming and nutrition policy; community outreach and education; institutional healthcare partners; farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Farmers shared how intrapersonal factors, including their own knowledge and attitudes, framed their perceptions of their ability to influence community food systems and nutrition education. Farmers defined their influence based on interactions in their community organizations and outreach programming. They also discussed how policies can affect their farming decisions. Farmers have innovative ideas about health, nutrition, and the future of community/public health. Healthcare professionals should consider farmers as part of the healthcare and food systems network. The ideas and suggestions gathered from farmers in the current study could be the beginning of partnerships and programs to help promote health in communities, especially rural locations.