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Biodistricts and Local Human Development: a conceptual framework and an Italian case study

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  • Alberto Sturla,
  • Giulio Guarini
Alberto Sturla
CREA PB
Giulio Guarini
University of Tuscia, Department of economics, engineering, society, business organization
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/rea-16568

Published 2026-09-17

Keywords

  • Biodistricts,
  • Local Agri-Food Systems,
  • Capability approach,
  • Local human development

How to Cite

Sturla, A., & Guarini, G. (2026). Biodistricts and Local Human Development: a conceptual framework and an Italian case study . Italian Review of Agricultural Economics. https://doi.org/10.36253/rea-16568

Copyright (c) 2026 Alberto Sturla, Prof.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This paper explores the role of Biodistricts (BDs) in fostering Human Development (HD) by relying on their nature of localized agri-food systems (LAFS) whose action is based on organic farming principles. Using the Sustainable Territorial Evolution for Human Development (STEHD) framework, elaborated by Biggeri and Ferrannini (2014), which integrates Sen’s capability approach with industrial district theory, this study describes the place-based dynamics that facilitate the expansion of freedoms enjoyable by local actors. It investigates how Biodistricts (BDs) activate the dynamics that facilitate the expansion of new freedoms and enhance individual and collective agency. A qualitative case study of the “Growing Resilient Landscapes (GRL)” project in the Biodistretto della Valle Camonica, Italy, illustrates how BDs convert local resources into territorial functionings, enabling farmers with the means to transform them into individual capacities, so as to facilitate action for local change. The analysis reveals how BDs activate participatory processes to support cooperation, access to new markets, knowledge, and sustainable practices. Findings emphasize the need of evaluating BDs beyond indicators to include dynamic aspects such as well-being, empowerment, and cultural identity.

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