Jordbrukslandskap under utbyggingspress – verdivurderinger og landskapsendringer
Master thesis

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Date
2013Metadata
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- Institutt for geografi [1143]
Abstract
The agricultural landscape is the crucial resource for food production. In Norway, this resource is limited as less than 3% of the total land cover is arable, and only 1% is suitable for grain production. Norway thus exercises relatively strict legislation and planning regulations concerning protection of agricultural land. Close to cities and villages agricultural land is under pressure from competing usages; such as infrastructure, housing and industry.
In this dissertation I examine the driving forces behind changes in the agricultural landscape in a municipality in growth, more spesific Vestby in Akershus county. The furniture and interior giant IKEA has designated Vestby as the only alternative place to establish a new outlet in the region. The aim of the study is to get closer to an understanding of value assessments related to changes in the agricultural landscape.
The study is qualitative and actors, respectively farmers and local politicians who carry out the assessment of values, are in focus. The study of the land use controversy is theoretically approached with a landscape perspective which provide the basis for a discussion on why different actors ascribe different values to the agricultural landscape. Values are synonymous with needs and the values manifested in the landscape are a reflection of the values that are prioritized. The study analyses what types of values that are emphasized by different groups and how they are employed when furniture (IKEA) challenges food production. I also explore how former changes in the landscape affect present and future use of the agricultural landscape.