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Agroecology from the ground up: a critical analysis of sustainable soil management in the highlands of Guatemala

Author

Listed:
  • Nathan Einbinder

    (Schumacher College)

  • Helda Morales

    (El Colegio de la Frontera Sur)

  • Mateo Mier y Terán Giménez Cacho

    (El Colegio de la Frontera Sur)

  • Bruce G. Ferguson

    (El Colegio de la Frontera Sur)

  • Miriam Aldasoro

    (El Colegio de la Frontera Sur)

  • Ronald Nigh

    (Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Anthropología Social)

Abstract

A persistent problem in the dominant agricultural development model is the imposition of technologies without regard to local processes and cultures. Even with the recent shift towards sustainability and agroecology, initiatives continue to overlook local knowledge. In this article we provide analysis of agroecological soil management in the Maya-Achi territory of Guatemala. The Achí, subject to five decades of interventions and development, present an interesting case study for assessing the complementarities and tensions between traditional, generally preventative practices and external initiatives which tend to be curative. Our findings reveal a complex farming system that continues to rely on ancestral knowledge and practices, many of which display a high potential for sustainability and are deeply embedded in local culture. While some new practices have been incorporated into the traditional system, abandonment rates are high, and some extension methods have been paternalistic. The Achí are thirsty for new ideas to help them confront their current, unprecedented challenges. However, future collaborations should be built on existing local knowledge, which has contributed to the development of preventative and restorative practices still in use. Introduced technologies must coincide with local needs and socioecological context in a manner that encourages beneficial synergies, as well as horizontal learning/teaching processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Nathan Einbinder & Helda Morales & Mateo Mier y Terán Giménez Cacho & Bruce G. Ferguson & Miriam Aldasoro & Ronald Nigh, 2022. "Agroecology from the ground up: a critical analysis of sustainable soil management in the highlands of Guatemala," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 39(3), pages 979-996, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:39:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10460-022-10299-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-022-10299-1
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    1. Rub?n Dar?o Sep?lveda Vargas & Mar?a Alejandra Taborda Caro & Deivi David Fuentes Doria & Carlos Eduardo Maldonado Casta?eda & Iv?n Dar?o Sep?lveda Calderin, 2023. "Socioecological practices and community resilience strategies for sustainable agriculture in lower Sinú, Colombia," Economia agro-alimentare, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 25(1), pages 65-91.
    2. Vargas, Rubén Darío Sepúlveda & Caro, María Alejandra Taborda & Doria, Deivi David Fuentes & Castañeda, Carlos Eduardo Maldonado & Calderin, Ivan Darío Sepúlveda, 2023. "Socioecological practices and community resilience strategies for sustainable agriculture in lower Sinú, Colombia," Economia agro-alimentare / Food Economy, Italian Society of Agri-food Economics/Società Italiana di Economia Agro-Alimentare (SIEA), vol. 25(1), May.

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