Projects in progress:
How can local agroecological food systems contribute to food sovereignty in northwestern Argentina?
Evaluating Local Agroecological Food Systems in NW Argentina to enhance food sovereignty, sustainability, and social equity for small-scale farmers.
Abstract:
Approaches like food sovereignty and agroecology are increasingly recognized for addressing the negative impacts of global agri-food systems on ecosystem, human, and animal health, as well as their inadequacy in nourishing the global population. Local Agroecological Food Systems (LAFS) specifically offer an alternative pathway toward more sustainable and equitable food systems, yet their implementation faces several challenges. Research is needed to identify the conditions under which LAFS can effectively enhance food security, sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and social equity, particularly for smallholder farmers.
This project aims to evaluate LAFS within small-scale farming in the Andean valleys of northwestern Argentina, emphasizing their potential to enhance food sovereignty for marginalized communities in mountainous regions. It has four main objectives:
- (1) to assess LAFS contributions to culturally appropriate diets;
- (2) to evaluate their ecological sustainability;
- (3) to investigate dimensions of social justice and well-being; and
- (4) to analyze LAFS governance and policy frameworks.
A collaborative team of Argentinian and Swiss researchers will conduct comparative case studies at five sites in northwestern Argentina. These studies will include a multilevel policy analysis, feeding into multistakeholder dialogues to develop supportive policies for LAFS. The project seeks to generate comprehensive knowledge about LAFS, revealing their strengths and weaknesses in areas such as health, sustainability, and gender equity.
Beyond the local context, findings will inform understanding of LAFS in other mountainous regions of the Global South. The project aims to integrate diverse knowledge systems from small-scale farmers and Indigenous communities into research processes, resulting in peer-reviewed publications and outreach tools like workshops, booklets and videos. Ultimately, the findings aim to guide better management practices for small-scale farmers, enhancing diets, productivity, and ecological sustainability.