Agroforestry in the Andean Araucanía: An Experience of Agroecological Transition with Women from Cherquén in Southern Chile

Abstract

Agroforestry is a practice used for the establishment of integrated production systems as an economic alternative. In Chile, the most significant experiences have been developed with rainfed farmers in the central zone, where the arboreal component is the predominant one. This study analyses the agroecological transition process of a group of women from the Andean foothills of southern Chile in the establishment of an agroforestry system based on rosehip. The field work was developed in 4 stages: (1) problem survey and definition of strategy; (2) identification of an alternative market; (3) perception of the data collection work and; (4) implementation of a demonstration unit; which included (a) workshops and meetings for discussion, reflection, and feedback on what had been done and to agree on the actions to be implemented; and (b) the development of different activities to implement the actions agreed in the workshops and meetings. The results of this research show that agroecological projects open doors to the participation, visibility, and valorization of women’s work while moving towards sustainable agroforestry systems integrated into the landscape.

Multifunctional Plants: Ecosystem Services and Undervalued Knowledge of Biocultural Diversity in Rural Communities—Local Initiatives for Agroecological Transition in Chile

“…Considering that endogenous agroecological strategies involve participatory designs, we based our work on the fact that nature and communities co-evolve. In this sense, we operated with five elements applied to all experiences [55]. These elements are as follows: (a) the environment, understood as the biophysical environment in which the members of a group find local material resources for their subsistence; (b) the values involved in the beliefs and worldviews that give a group identity, aimed at articulating their life plans in relation to their environment and appropriate resources; (c) local knowledge, referring to the repertoire of abilities and skills a group uses to appropriate "pieces" of their environment; (d) appropriate technology, focused on productive practices, including the different uses and management of natural resources (collection and exchange); and (e) organization, referring to all forms of collective action aimed at the sustainable management of its resources [50].…”

Transforming agroforestry through gender practice: Challenges and opportunities

“…In many projects, the involvement of women has been proven to be essential for success. In southern Chile, Peredo Parada et al (2020) highlighted the key role of peasant women in the establishment of agroforestry due to the importance of the knowledge they hold. This was also observed by Singh (2023), who noted that the knowledge possessed by women in male-headed households regarding seeds, compatibility of crops used in intercropping and mixed cropping, manure and pest management was crucial for the adoption of a successful practice.…”

Harnessing Soil Potential: Innovation in Strategic Tillage and Management – New Perspectives

“…These systems not only provide multiple income streams but also enhance soil fertility, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Agroecology, on the other hand, promotes a systems-thinking approach, focusing on enhancing the ecological interactions within the farm ecosystem [97]. Data-driven decision making: big data and sophisticated analytics are revolutionizing the agricultural industry.…”