ORCID
0000-0003-3647-9220
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Food Systems
First Advisor
Ernesto V. Mnedez
Abstract
The dissertation emphasizes the vital relationship between collective action, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable food systems, positioning agroecology as a pathway to achieving ecological and social justice. It utilizes Participatory Action Research to engage communities in actively exploring and implementing agroecological practices.
Chapter 1: This chapter explores the historical context and the role of collective action in facilitating agroecological transitions in two communities in Ecuador and Bolivia. It emphasizes the importance of communal decision-making and collective historical analysis in informing sustainable practices and highlights the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge.
Chapter 2: This chapter assesses the applicability of the agroecological transition framework from the University of Vermont in three rural Bolivian communities. It examines critical factors such as soil health and agrodiversity through participatory diagnosis, ultimately identifying potential projects for improvement based on community feedback and local practices.
Chapter 3: This chapter emphasizes the role of collective action rooted in Aymara's ancestral knowledge in the Bolivian Highlands, positioning it as a counter-narrative to individualistic agricultural practices. It explores concepts from Aymara cosmovision—Pachacentric, which fosters cooperation and respect for nature while promoting sustainable management of agroecosystems. The research highlights “uywaña,” or mutual nurturing, as essential for supporting life and reproduction, in contrast to Western models of domestication and extractivism. Additionally, it employs Anderson et al.'s (2019) framework to identify factors that influence self-organization in agroecological transformations.
Chapter 4: Building on previous insights, this chapter synthesizes knowledge from Indigenous agrifood systems and agroecological principles to formulate a vision for sustainable transitions. It emphasizes the importance of including community perspectives in evaluating agroecological practices and illustrates the practical application of various agroecological methods across the community. The chapter ultimately advocates for a shared vision that integrates Indigenous wisdom and fosters resilience amid ongoing challenges.
Language
en
Number of Pages
363 p.
Recommended Citation
Carrasco Torrontegui, Amaya, "Collective Action And Agroecological Transitions: Participatory Action Research In Ecuador And Bolivia" (2025). Graduate College Dissertations and Theses. 2009.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/2009
