Consumer well-being in alternative food networks: the case of Hungary

Abstract

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER

This research project aims at understanding the nature of subjective well-being (SWB) in relation to alternative food networks in the frame of one of the sub-projects of the EFOP-3.6.2-16-2017-00007 research. The study of alternative food networks (AFNs), including food cooperatives, community gardens and community-supported agriculture and box schemes, enables the analysis of hybrid organisations, networks and value-chains of social innovations. The paper introduces the concept of subjective well-being from the perspective of consumers of AFNs.

METHODOLOGY

An exploratory qualitative research approach was chosen to investigate subjective well-being in AFNs. Data was collected through 23 in-depth interviews. Sample consisted of men and women from Budapest with middle and upper middle status who have been members of different types of AFNs for maximum one year or minimum three years. As a result, the study covered opinion of both new and experienced AFN members. The data analysis strategy followed a combined approach of deductive (literature-based) and inductive (derived from the data) coding and thematic analysis.

MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS

Results show that the participation in AFNs contributes to consumers’ well-being, nevertheless some of the AFNs’ characteristics have a negative influence on consumer SWB. Differences between new and experienced users, users with different motivations and across different types of AFNs have been detected.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recent results are able to contribute to a better understanding of consumers in these networks, therefore AFNs can be improved in order to better serve consumer needs. It is also highlighted what constitutes the main limitations of the current business models for AFNs.

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by the project nr. EFOP-3.6.2-16-2017-00007, titled “Aspects on the development of intelligent, sustainable and inclusive society: social, technological, innovation networks in employment and digital economy”. The project has been supported by the European Union, co-financed by the European Social Fund and the budget of Hungary. The authors are grateful to the whole research team on social enterprise and social innovation for their continuous intellectual support and their critical feedback in multiple phases of the research process.