RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN AGRICULTURE: AN ANALYSIS OF FARMERS’ ATTITUDES IN POLAND

<ns3:p>Modern agriculture encounters emerging challenges characterised by heightened exposure to risks stemming from the accumulation of adverse factors, which substantially threaten farm stability. This article aims to examine farmers' attitudes towards various risk management strategies within the context of agricultural operations under conditions of uncertainty. An investigation was conducted to address two primary research questions: 1) what are farmers’ attitudes towards various risk management strategies and 2) do these attitudes correspond with the respondents’ and their farms’ characteristics. The study employed a survey method in 2019, involving a sample of 205 active agricultural producers. Cramér’s V coefficient was employed as a research instrument alongside the chi-square test of independence and multiple correspondence analysis. The most commonly cited strategies included the intensification of production, systematic investments, utilisation of credits, enhancement of agricultural qualifications, and collaboration with other farmers. The findings indicate that diversifying income sources and human capital enhances an active, pro-investment approach to risk management. Furthermore, cooperation and learning serve as critical complements to financial strategies. Two primary levels of action are identified: external security (non-agricultural income, credits, investments) and internal resilience (diversification and intensification of production, membership in groups, agricultural preparedness). Decision-making is predominantly influenced by perspectives on farm development, specialisation in production, and engagement in non-agricultural activities, whereas structural and demographic factors appear to exert a comparatively lesser influence</ns3:p>