Indigenous Agroecological Territories (INDAGAR) A Potential for Up-Scaling Sustainable and Just Food System Transformation

What are the interactions between agroecological and indigenous territories - potential collaborations and possible conflicts?

Project Summary

In today’s world, where the population is growing rapidly and the environment is facing serious challenges like soil depletion, there’s a promising solution called “agroecology” that can help create fair, sustainable, and resilient food systems. Agroecology focuses on reducing emissions, recycling resources, and supporting local supply chains. It carries similarities with the agricultural practices of indigenous populations, which have been shaped by traditional knowledge.

To further enhance agroecology’s impact, the idea of “agroecological territories” has emerged. These territories aim to integrate indigenous knowledge, safeguard indigenous food systems, protect biodiversity, and build resilience to climate change. However, there’s a challenge, as these territories have developed separately from one another, lacking a clear connection with indigenous knowledge and practices.

This research project seeks to understand the interactions between agroecological and indigenous territories, shedding light on their potential collaborations and possible conflicts. The study uniquely involves a global analysis of indigenous agroecology initiatives, a network analysis of agroecology and related policies in Bolivia, and a collaborative knowledge-sharing process involving indigenous communities from the country.

By examining issues related to sustainability transitions across cultures, studying power dynamics within agroecological movements, and providing guidance for fair and sustainable transformations in our food systems, this research will contribute valuable insights and practical perspectives to this emerging area of study and practice.

Research Team

Sébastien Pierre Boillat
Coordinator
Bern University of Applied Sciences

Christine Jurt Vicuña Muñoz
Co-Coordinator
Bern University of Applied Sciences

Elvira Carmen Serrano Caballero
Principal Member
Universidad Mayor de San Simón

 

Maria del Carmen Ledo García
Principal Member
Universidad Mayor de San Simón

Sergio Vásquez Rojas
Principal Member
CENDA

Fabiola Vargas Elío
Principal Member
CENDA

Johanna Jacobi
Associate Member
ETH Zurich

Colin Ray Anderson
Associate Member
University of Vermont

Wilson Rocha
Associate Member
FAO