Perspectives on agroecological transition: the case of Guacheta municipality, Colombia

Abstract

Specialization of agriculture in the Colombian Andes has increased smallholder vulnerability to climate change and global price fluctuations and has also affected the socio-economic and environmental conditions. Promoting sustainable agriculture in the region requires a holistic understanding of complex agroecosystems. This study identifies and analyzes the main challenges for agriculture and possibilities for agroecological transition of small-scale farms in Guacheta, Colombia. Using the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), 10 elements of agroecology and core performance criteria were evaluated on seven farms. Several key actors were then interviewed, to triangulate data and understand current challenges and possible future pathways. It was found that drier climate and variations in rainfall patterns pose major challenges to current production systems. Limited possibilities for participation in land governance, lack of interest in agriculture among young people, and lack of access to markets hinder the development of sustainable agriculture. Current specialized practices in dairy and potato production are associated with reduced agricultural biodiversity and dependency on agrochemicals, leading to weak synergies and low profitability within agroecosystems. Implementation of agroecological principles and practices such as crop and income diversification and promoting joint action in agricultural development could help overcome sustainability issues in Guacheta.

Keywords

Agroecology; agroecological assessment; TAPE; small-scale agriculture; climate change; participation

Published in

Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
2023, volume: 47, number: 3, pages: 382-412
Publisher: TAYLOR AND FRANCIS INC

SLU Authors

• Barrios Latorre, Alejandro

  • Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Sadovska, Vera

  • Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Chongtham Iman, Raj

  • Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Global goals (SDG)

SDG2 Zero hunger
SDG13 Climate action

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2022.2163449

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/120602