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Participatory Action Research in Agroecology: Building Local Organic Food Networks in Spain

Author:
Guzmán, Gloria I., López, Daniel, Román, Lara, Alonso, Antonio M.
Source:
Agroecology and sustainable food systems 2013 v.37 no.1 pp. 127-146
ISSN:
2168-3573
Subject:
agroecology, case studies, environmental impact, farming systems, food supply chain, organic foods, photosynthetically active radiation, technological change, Spain
Abstract:
The serious problems of agrarian unsustainability cannot be solved through technological changes that lessen environmental impacts. Although technological change is important, it is also necessary to change the agri-food system as a whole. Participatory action research (PAR) is a methodological approach to collaborate with local communities. It enables us to advance in the restructuring of physical flows, economies, and information that support local farming, as a means to achieve greater autonomy and self-management. This article presents several case studies in Spain in which PAR has been applied to build local organic food networks. These are characterized by a more sustainable use of local resources and the development of short food supply chains.
Agid:
352568