Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Kristen Crossney PhD

Committee Member

Allison Turner PhD

Committee Member

Angela Kline PhD

Abstract

This study aimed to understand how Collaborative Governance processes have been used to promote farmland ownership among racial minorities in Maryland. The ownership of farmland within the state of Maryland has been influenced by historical, political, and social dynamics, specifically those pertaining to racial and cultural minorities. The study attempted to gain clarity on this topic by incorporating a mixed-methods research methodology that included narrative interviews and an online survey. Over 200 potential participants were identified using internet-based sourcing, including personal websites, social media pages, and farming-related publications. However, only five participants completed the narrative interview portion of the study, while just eight online surveys were completed. The qualitative analysis of interviews and the quantitative analysis conducted on the online survey found that responses between the two data collection instruments were closely aligned. Central themes that emerged from the data analysis process were: obstacles and challenges, collaboration with others, farming assistance programs, and collaborative governance. Ultimately, this demonstrated that the farmland ownership experiences of racial minority farmers in Maryland may be characterized by a variety of obstacles and challenges while also showing significant involvement in collaborative governance processes. Due to the small number of farmers willing to participate in the study, these findings develop a baseline understanding of potential perspectives, but cannot be generalized across the entire population of racial minority farmers in Maryland.

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