Participatory Action Research in Latin America

Lead Organization:

Vermont Caribbean Institute Inc

Partner Organizations:

The partnership is based on the existing SOCLA network, which includes members from Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Key collaborators include: Institute for Agroecology (IfA), University of Vermont: Strengthening collaboration with IfA for research, co-learning, and advocacy; and CRFS: Engagement in international events organized by CRFS, especially those focusing on Farmer Research Networks and Participatory Action Research projects in the Andes, West Africa, and East/South Africa.

Community of Practice:

Andes

Countries:

Latin America (including Spanish-speaking Caribbean)

Duration:

10/2024—10/2027

Overview:

Agroecology in Latin America has advanced significantly in the last few decades, although national initiatives have sometimes been hindered by political changes. SOCLA, a Latin American agroecology network, has become a reference for agroecology networks worldwide, evolving from an academic association to include peasant, Indigenous, and small-scale farmers. Despite its impact, SOCLA faces challenges in sustaining funding and maintaining initiatives. The project aims to expand and strengthen SOCLA’s agroecology work through improved communication, networking, and collaboration with other global networks, particularly in the Global South.

Grant Aims:

To promote agroecology through participatory action research and integration of diverse knowledge systems, fostering sustainable rural communities and food systems across Latin America. This project will strengthen SOCLA’s network, enhance South-South exchanges, and improve the dissemination of agroecological knowledge.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Outputs

  • Improved SOCLA website and network.
  • A successful SOCLA X Latin American Congress on Agroecology in Paraguay in October 2024.
  • At least three SOCLA-supported publications on agroecology in Latin America (in Spanish).
  • A successful SOCLA engagement in at least two South-South learning/cooperation processes.
  • At least three SOCLA courses on relevant issues in agroecology and agroecological transformations.

Outcomes

  • Strengthened, deepened, and expanded the work of SOCLA in agroecology.
  • Deepened learning and networking of SOCLA leadership through South-South exchanges.
  • Expanded capacity for dissemination and trans-media communication of SOCLA’s agroecology content.
  • Deepened co-learning in agroecology among networks and diverse actors through courses, exchanges, and publications.