Intellectual Structure of the Scientific Production on Farmers' Markets and Local Agri-Food Systems: An Analysis in the Light of Co-Citations

Abstract

This paper presents the structure of scientific production that provides the basis for studies on farmers' markets and local agri-food systems through co-citation analysis. The method used was exploratory, and the data for the analysis consisted of scientific articles retrieved from the Web of Science database. The results revealed that studies on this topic began in 1944, although only from 2000 there was a significant increase in research. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) reveals that the structure of scientific production on farmers' markets and local agri-food systems is addressed in 72.24% by 84 articles. The result of EFA was grouped into five dimensions: the fundamental definitions of alternative local food economies, the characteristics of local food systems, the diversity of alternative food networks, the search for innovative practices and management improvements in alternative local agri-food networks, and the locus of the dynamics of alternative agri-food networks where the consumer-producer relationship is prioritized. This study reinforces the need for further research to seek an understanding of the vital role of farmers' markets and local agri-food systems in society. Future research is recommended to explore the ways and possibilities for producer-consumer rapprochement in the short-circuit food supply chain in farmers' markets.

Keywords: Farmers’ market; Local agri-food systems; Co-citation analysis.