| An increasing number of articles in professional and scientific journals, as well as in the public press, provide evidence of the rising number of conflicts that exist in rural communities. These conflicts arise from changes in farming practices, the increasing number of large-scale production units, resource use, and demographics. The conflicts are complex, protracted, evidence escalation and polarization, involve multi-stakeholders and encompass a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues. It is imperative that fair, effective and efficient approaches for resolving these conflicts be found: approaches that will help prevent public cynicism and costly litigation and result in better public policy choices and stronger rural communities.; To that end, this research began with an extensive review and analysis of the literature on conflict resolution, and resulted in the development of: the problem statement, a conceptual framework for analyzing conflicts using a multiple case study approach, and a provisional theoretical model. This model was tested and a final empirical model was developed using an explanatory case study approach. Prior to the selection and study of five complex, multiple stakeholder, high profile conflicts over agricultural resource use and farming practices, a pilot case study was conducted to refine data collection.; The conclusions of this research are as follows. Conflicts over resource use cannot be addressed directly through settlement or integrative approaches alone. An inclusive interactive approach, with respect to both participants and topics, that contributes to participants' recognition, empowerment, and shared learning, increases social capital and paves the way for stable, positive outcomes or integrative solutions. Initial extensive, informal outreach in which the emphasis is on sharing information, communication, positive interactions and building relationships, is key to realizing an integrative resolution. Also key, are intermediaries who build trust, legitimacy, and personal relationships through interpersonal skills, who use a democratic and affiliative leadership for problem solving and decision making, and who provide physical, transactional and epistemic safety through the use of strong facilitation skills.; In summary, this research finds that having the right person, doing the right things, the right way, is essential to increase the likelihood of resolving conflicts over agriculture resource use and fanning practice. |
