Articulations/coalitions to support political processes toward an agroecological transition in Latin America

 

Over the past five decades, agroecology has challenged the idea that simply improving production may be sufficient to guarantee the food security, health and wellbeing of populations. Agroecology takes a more holistic approach; it addresses economic, environmental, social, nutritional, health and cultural factors in an integrated manner, at different scales, while being adapted to different environmental and cultural contexts. However, in Latin America, the efforts of social movements to demonstrate the potential of agroecology to support food production while conserving natural resources and strengthening social and health benefits are limited by public policies that continue to encourage conventional agriculture and globalized food markets.

This project will explore the potential role of coalitions of actors to support and advance an agroecological transition towards healthy and inclusive food systems. Based on four case studies — Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia —, the project will document, analyze and synthetize experiences on the development and implementation of national agroecology policies and will strengthen the capacity of national coalitions to support agroecology. This research will be systematized to inform the development and implementation of a regional strategy to support an agroecological transition of food systems in individual countries.

The project is part of an initiative exploring the potential role of coalitions to influence policies and transform food systems in Latin America, South Asia and Southeast Asia. These coalitions combine collaborative learning networks and communities of practice at multiple scales. They aim to support the production, consumption and access to healthy diets that contribute to the health of the most vulnerable and of the ecosystems on which they rely.