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An important new study shows that long hours, working alone, and feelings of being underestimated and disconnected from the general public are key factors that lead to loneliness in farming communities.
Research by the Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) of the University of Exeter and the National Charity Agricultural Community Network (FCN) has identified the reasons why farmers and farming families feel isolated and lonely-while exposing many challenges that farmers often face in their careers pressure.
Studies have found that loneliness is related to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
The study conducted in-depth interviews with 22 farmers/agricultural family members and 6 farm support practitioners in England from March to July 2021 via telephone or video call.
Farmers said that despite the low returns, they work long hours to maintain their business and have little time to socialize, relax or spend time with their families.
Other challenges include lack of social opportunities, geographic isolation, and reduced business-related connections.
Poor rural broadband and transportation connections add to this sense of isolation, as well as the general public’s general feeling of limited understanding of what agriculture involves and the set of challenges farmers face in producing food and managing rural areas.
A 40-49-year-old farmer said: “I just can’t see anywhere to go. Because of everything I did, I worked 15-18 hours a day on average. I would sit in a tractor seat all day. Trying to make money to keep the business running."
An 18-29 year old peasant woman said: "Living on a remote farm...you are in a difficult situation in the agricultural field...the Internet is rubbish, you can’t send a message to someone quickly, you can’t call Calling someone, because you have no signal, there are many obstacles to reach anywhere, both physically and mentally. It will really pay the price and will only slowly disappoint you."
Another farmer between the ages of 50-39 said: "I don't understand what people want from British agriculture. It makes me feel a little lonely and really sad."
The study found that farmers are keen to emphasize the important role they play in food production and the positive actions they take to protect and improve the environment, but they believe that these are often overlooked in media reports on environmental issues such as agriculture and climate. . This may cause farmers and their families to feel undervalued and cut off from the wider society.
The study also provides many important suggestions for improving support for farmers, including continuing to invest in rural broadband; further education and publicity to help the public understand agriculture and its challenges; normalizing time away from farms and finding a healthy work-life balance .
The research was conducted by Dr. Rebecca Wheeler and Professor Matt Lobley of the Rural Policy Research Center of the University of Exeter, and Dr. Jude McCann and Alex Phillimore MCIPR of the Agricultural Community Network (FCN).
Dr. Rebecca Wheeler of the Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) at the University of Exeter said: “Farmers are currently facing many challenges and many people tell us how they work hard to find time to socialize or get rid of stress.
“For farmers and their families, agriculture may be a lonely life, and the public’s negative perception of agriculture will further exacerbate the sense of isolation. We need to do more to celebrate what farmers have done in producing food and managing rural areas. Work and support them to make positive changes where needed."
Participants told the researchers that "working hard" is an accepted and valued part of what it means to be a farmer, which leads to pressure and expectations, regardless of the situation, to work harder. Loneliness and other mental health problems are exacerbated by their reluctance to talk about their worries, sometimes even with the people closest to them.
FCN CEO Dr. Jude McCann said: “Agricultural culture needs to change, not only to make farmers feel that they can take a break without worrying about judgment, but also to actively promote it as an essential part of successfully managing the farm business. Leaving the farm to rest Or taking a break from get off work is not a waste of time. The truth is, this is one of the most productive things you can do.
"Farmers told us that they should be strong and resilient. Admitting that they are struggling and needing help would be an admission of failure and to some extent not a'good farmer'. This prevents people from seeking help due to loneliness and related mental health issues. . We need to encourage an active farm life balance and do the same at the same time.
"Participants also talked about the culture of not discussing mental health in their families, partly because of the wider taboos in the agricultural industry regarding this issue."
The recommendations made in the report include:
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