The impact of uncertainty on rural resilience
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PATHWAY TO PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT FUNDING 2018/19: Feasibility study exploring the impact of uncertainty on resilience and health amongst farmers and rural communities
IRAS ID
266874
Contact name
Alisha Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Public Health Wales
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 29 days
Research summary
Brexit will potentially have significant implications for the public’s health and wellbeing, so it is important that we understand the impacts, develop and evaluate a model for wellbeing and resilience to support those most vulnerable. Agricultural businesses across the UK are facing severe challenges and need to plan for transition to a range of possible post-Brexit trading. The period of transition pre- and post-Brexit will likely result in significant financial uncertainty for the agricultural sector. Farmers already operate at considerable economic vulnerability, less than 50% farmers are making a living from farming and levels of borrowing have nearly doubled in the last ten years (2014/15 figures). The Welsh Government’s ‘Securing Wales’ Future’ white paper highlights that Welsh farmers and landowners currently benefit from around £274m per year in direct subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy. Studies suggest that farmers already experience higher levels of stress and anxiety due to worries about family, finances, farming practices (disease and weather), farming process (competition and regulation), with a lowering sense of control, feelings at times of life not being worth living, and higher rates of suicide. Family members are often a source of support, but can themselves suffer mental ill health. The uncertainty they are facing as a result of Brexit could have further detrimental impacts on the health and wellbeing of farmers, families, and rural communities. This work is key to understanding the feasibility of identifying and engaging with farmers and rural communities to be recruited to in the HealthWise Wales cohort, to take part in a future ‘Rural Health Module’. Effective engagement strategies to uptake and retention will be identified, and acceptability of a resilience support programme for farmers explored, through interviews and focus groups with the farming community. The Rural Health Module questions will be developed and piloted.
REC name
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REC reference
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