Typology of small producers in transition to agroecological production
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Kuupäev
2019
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Ajakirja pealkiri
Ajakirja ISSN
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Abstrakt
Agroecology is now emerging as the fundamental science to guide the conversion of
conventional production systems to more diversified and self-sufficient systems. The
agroecological transition is defined as the gradual change that farmers undergo to adapt and move
from more conventional towards agroecological farming principles, encompassing technological,
societal, institutional and organisational changes in the food system. To analyze a transition
process, it is initially necessary to understand how agroecosystems work (their structure and
processes), and the different ways human beings intervene an ecosystem in order to transform it
for productive purposes.Farm systems typology and classification techniques are used to guide
strategic lines of research, sectorial policies, and promote sustainable development in response to
farmer’s needs. Determining multidimensional classification methods in agricultural systems is
necessary, considering both the variables inherent to the production system and those of an
external nature that indirectly impact the development and long-term sustainability of production
systems. One of the purposes of this research was to characterize agricultural production based
on sustainability systems and environmental, social, and economic indicators. The study was
carried out based on data collected from 71 farm surveys, considering the social, economic,
environmental, and technological dimensions. Multiple correspondence and cluster analysis were
done. Three types of production systems were obtained: Group I, organic producers in transition;
Group II, conventional producers in transition to organic production; and Group III, conventional
producers interested in organic production. Producers need to focus on processes that allow them
to improve their skills to develop human talent and social capital in terms of integration,
collaborative work, trust, political and cultural capital, so that they can make progress easily and
start implementing agroecological, infrastructure, and natural resources management practices,
while improving their living standards. The information yielded by a typology process allows for
us to know the current state of agricultural production systems based on the implementation of
agroecological practices; thus facilitating the preparation and implementation of participatory
plans and/or integrative proposals that promote agrofood sustainability.
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sustainability, organic agriculture, rural development, articles