Agricultural and societal perspectives on pasture-based livestock production systems in Germany

The dissertation studies factors and attitudes influencing farmers’ behavior and societal preferences in context of pasture-based livestock production systems. The particular topics are the adoption of grazing practices from the farmers and preferences for pasture landscapes from the public perspective. The first paper studies influences on the decision to adopt grazing practices as well as on the extent of these practices. The second paper studies the adoption of grazing practices in terms of a structural equation model based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). The third paper studies public preferences for pasture usage by the means of a discrete choice experiment. The paper discusses the implications of different econometric models and the role of preference heterogeneity on the results. The fourth paper continues the analysis by applying a latent-class logit model and identifying different preferred landscape types. The four papers of the thesis contribute to the understanding of the perception and attitudes of both farmers and the public towards the land utilization of pastures and different aspects of pasture-based livestock production systems in Germany. The results provide insights for policy makers as well as individuals involved in communication with both farmers and the public. Each of the papers contributes to its particular body of literature and shows potential directions for future research.