Decision making on mega stables: understanding and preventing citizens’ distrust

G.E. Breeman, C.J.A.M. Termeer, M. van Lieshout

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The expansion of intensive livestock farming, especially the construction of mega stables, is highly con-tested in the Netherlands. In this context, local authorities try to make decisions about situating megastables on their territory by balancing out various interests. However, many become entangled in esca-lating processes and lose the trust of both citizens and farmers. On the basis of an evaluation of adecision-making process about a mega stable project in a small Dutch town, this article analyzes whydistrust occurs and what local authorities could do to prevent this. In-depth interviews and participantobservations show how different configurations of stakeholders became fixed in their own convictions,values, and fears, resulting in mutual annoyances, misunderstandings, blaming, and, finally, distrust. Themore information public officials provided to dispel doubts about the mega stables, the more citizensstarted to distrust the local government. Trust is not enhanced by more information and transparencyalone. The paper concludes that, once a decision-making process escalates and distrust arises, it is verydifficult to revitalize the process and regain trust. The paper offers suggestions on governance actionsthat could help prevent spirals of distrust
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)39-47
JournalNJAS Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences
Volume66
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords

  • trust
  • agriculture
  • governance
  • motives
  • farm
  • risk

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