Capital social, redes sociales y liderazgo en agricultura familiar periurbana en México

Abstract

En 2014, el gobierno federal promovió en el país a través de la SAGARPA, el componente de agricultura familiar, periurbana y de traspatio (CAFPT). Su finalidad fue fortalecer la seguridad alimentaria con el cultivo de hortalizas, la cría de conejos y aves de postura en los hogares. Dentro de este marco se destacó una figura de liderazgo autogestivo que de forma voluntaria se integró en la organización de los grupos de trabajo. Al mismo tiempo surgieron diversas redes sociales, configurando nuevos arreglos de convivencia asociados a capital social. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el impacto del CAFPT en la creación de capital social y el papel del liderazgo emergente. La información se obtuvo a través de narrativas y cuestionarios en talleres realizados en 2015 con 27 actores de San Luis Potosí y Veracruz. Los resultados muestran la emergencia de un tipo de liderazgo regido por compromisos morales cuyas acciones favorecieron la detonación del capital social. Los elementos más importantes fueron el reforzamiento de vínculos comunitarios que trascendieron la producción de alimentos y modificaron diversas esferas de la vida cotidiana, promoviendo la revalorización cultural de personas unidas en la pobreza, siendo fundamentales los principios de confianza y solidaridad.

Food Producers in The Peri-Urban Area of Mexico City. A Study on the Linkages between Social Capital and Food Sustainability

“…Although this case does not concern agroecological production, this research is interesting because it highlights that subjective and intangible elements are involved in the establishment of changes in small units, which are expressed in relationships of cooperation and reciprocity based on socially accepted norms that generate trust. Other works have also highlighted the relationships of reciprocity and trust [34,38], and propose that in the implementation of peri-urban agriculture programs, these relationships should be considered and promoted as an axis for their viability, access to technical resources and negotiation capacity with buyers, among others. In this sense, the analysis of social and cultural capital is essential for the transition to more sustainable food systems.…”

“…It should also be noted that these relationships can generate different levels of dependency and power. An investigation on the role of the impact of government programs for the promotion of backyard family farming in different areas of Mexico shows that it has effects on the generation of social capital, trust, and the emergence of emerging leaders with certain ethical-moral standards [34].…”

“…In a slightly earlier publication, the authors [33] propose social capital as a relevant element for the design and implementation of regional development policies aimed at promoting the sustainable management of peri-urban areas, emphasizing the importance of regional networks for the collection of and access to urban markets, the dissemination of agroecological technologies and the implementation of economic compensation mechanisms such as payment for environmental services. Del Ángel-Pérez et al [34] and Ingasia [35] meanwhile discuss the results of public policy interventions in strengthening social capital in peri-urban areas. In the first case, the authors focus on relationships of trust and solidarity within the community in two Mexican cities, while in the second the author circumscribes the discussion to the empowerment of women based on a case study developed in Kenya.…”