Keywords
Small-scale agriculture, Regenerative agriculture, Narrative inquiry, Self-Determination Theory, Food security.
Abstract
Regenerative agriculture (RA) offers an ecologically grounded and socially conscious alternative to conventional farming, yet the motivational dynamics that sustain small-scale RA farmers remain underexamined. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study used narrative inquiry to provide a nuanced understanding of the lived experiences and psychological needs of 15 small-scale urban RA farmers in Ohio, United States. Findings show that farmers’ engagement in RA is largely driven by intrinsic motivations rooted in community food security and ecological responsibility. The fulfillment of autonomy, competence, and relatedness emerged as central to sustaining long-term commitment to RA practices, though broader structural and policy contexts also shape these needs. The study extends SDT by situating motivation within a relational and ecological framework, challenging its traditionally individualistic orientation. Practically, the results highlight the importance of participatory Extension approaches that empower self-direction, strengthen peer-to-peer and context-specific learning, and build community and institutional support, particularly for low-resource farmers. These insights offer guidance for designing Extension, policy, and outreach programs that cultivate intrinsic motivation for resilient and equitable food systems. Future research should examine cultural and international variations of these processes.
Rights Statements
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0
Recommended Citation
Alabi, S. T., & Rumble, J. N. (2026). Narrative Inquiry of Small-Scale Regenerative Farmers’ Experiences: The Self-Determination Theory Approach. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 33(1), 44-61.
