Family farming and sustainable agriculture: A research on strawberry growers, the case of Hüyük district

Family farming refers to the direct participation of family members in agricultural production processes and their roles in these processes. This concept includes the active participation of family members in agricultural work, the division of labor in production processes and the contribution of these activities to the family economy. Additionally, family farming is associated with local food security and sustainable agricultural practices. The concept of sustainable agriculture refers to agricultural practices that reduce environmental impacts, preserve natural resources and support long-term agricultural productivity. This definition covers agricultural activities that take into account ecological balance, protection of soil and water resources, maintenance of biodiversity and socio-economic sustainability of agriculture. The research investigates the awareness of family farmers in Konya's Hüyük district on agricultural production and sustainable agriculture. While focusing on rural sociology, agriculture-food sociology and the effects of capitalism on agriculture, it examines the historical development and modernization process of agriculture. The research addresses the social, economic and political dimensions of agriculture and the dynamics and changes of rural life and offers an in-depth look at the definition, dynamics and development policies of rural societies. Additionally, while discussing the development of agriculture and its effects on society, it is aimed to understand the awareness of family farmers about agricultural production and sustainable agriculture. In this context, the research consists of five parts. In the first chapter, the conceptual and theoretical framework for agriculture and agricultural production is included. The second part focuses on concepts related to family farming. In the third chapter, the concept of sustainable agriculture is evaluated especially in the context of food security and food safety, and these concepts are also discussed within the framework of sociological theories. In the fourth chapter, the purpose, scope and importance of the research are included. In the last section, the data obtained from the field research were interpreted within the scope of the theoretical parts of the study.