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Centering farmer perspectives on a dry-fertiliser made from human urine: a case study on Gotland, Sweden

Parfitt, Nicola LU (2023) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20231
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
To reduce eutrophication and close the nutrient loop between sanitation and agriculture, innovations to recycle human waste are being further developed. As there is little research on Swedish farmer perspectives towards human urine fertilisers, this study investigates Gotlandic farmer perspectives on a dry-fertiliser derived from human urine, developed by Sanitation360. Diffusion of innovation theory is utilised to investigate urine’s relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability and how these pose as barriers or potentials for adoption. Qualitative data collection included semi-structured interviews with nine farmers, two key informant interviews and informal discussions with Sanitation360’s CEO. Findings... (More)
To reduce eutrophication and close the nutrient loop between sanitation and agriculture, innovations to recycle human waste are being further developed. As there is little research on Swedish farmer perspectives towards human urine fertilisers, this study investigates Gotlandic farmer perspectives on a dry-fertiliser derived from human urine, developed by Sanitation360. Diffusion of innovation theory is utilised to investigate urine’s relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability and how these pose as barriers or potentials for adoption. Qualitative data collection included semi-structured interviews with nine farmers, two key informant interviews and informal discussions with Sanitation360’s CEO. Findings show farmers are positive towards its circular benefits, dry-form and locally produced aspects but there is low awareness regarding that urine can be used in conventional farming. Worries about hazardous substances due to Sweden’s ongoing sludge debate, scepticism towards consumer acceptance and legislative barriers for organic farmers stand in the way of adoption. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Parfitt, Nicola LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20231
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
circular nutrient economy, human urine fertiliser, ecological sanitation, eutrophication, sustainability science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2023:012
language
English
id
9117215
date added to LUP
2023-05-31 09:38:22
date last changed
2023-05-31 09:38:22
@misc{9117215,
  abstract     = {{To reduce eutrophication and close the nutrient loop between sanitation and agriculture, innovations to recycle human waste are being further developed. As there is little research on Swedish farmer perspectives towards human urine fertilisers, this study investigates Gotlandic farmer perspectives on a dry-fertiliser derived from human urine, developed by Sanitation360. Diffusion of innovation theory is utilised to investigate urine’s relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability and how these pose as barriers or potentials for adoption. Qualitative data collection included semi-structured interviews with nine farmers, two key informant interviews and informal discussions with Sanitation360’s CEO. Findings show farmers are positive towards its circular benefits, dry-form and locally produced aspects but there is low awareness regarding that urine can be used in conventional farming. Worries about hazardous substances due to Sweden’s ongoing sludge debate, scepticism towards consumer acceptance and legislative barriers for organic farmers stand in the way of adoption.}},
  author       = {{Parfitt, Nicola}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Centering farmer perspectives on a dry-fertiliser made from human urine: a case study on Gotland, Sweden}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}