Local Development and Agroecological Approach

the Experience of the Territorial Food Sovereignty Plan in the Department of Treinta y Tres

Abstract

From 2005 to 2010, an innovative proposal of local rural development was developed in the Department of Treinta y Tres (Uruguay), promoted by the local government. Its main purpose was to achieve territorial food sovereignty through an agroecological approach. The initiative involved family farmers, «quinteros» (urban farmers), rural schools and educational experiences with young poor of Treinta y Tres city. This study aims at critically analyzing the experience using two approaches: Community Capitals Framework and an agro-ecosystem approach. The characteristics and context of the development proposal, considering the role of civil society, the state and the market, are analyzed using the Community Capitals Framework, while the characteristics of the participating farms are described using the agro-ecosystem approach and the survey of critical points for sustainable development. Intrinsic factors that favor or limit the application of agroecological principles in the area of study are identified. Peasants, local government and other stakeholders from academia and civil society participated in the process. This paper examines the process of adoption and resistance to agroecology as a new approach to agriculture vis-a-vis technical and institutional changes required under a hegemonic socio-technological regime and strategic niche management for agriculture.