Local Agri-Food Systems as a Cultural Heritage Strategy to Recover the Sustainability of Local Communities. Insights from the Spanish Case

Abstract

One of the factors threatening the sustainability of rural territories is the hegemonic agro-industrial model, whose environmental and social impacts strongly limit rural life. Here, we want to call attention to the opportunities provided by alternative agri-food systems, based on agroecology and food sovereignty, as a cultural heritage to support sustainable local development. We have carried out exploratory research to draft the main agroecological initiatives in Spain, particularly those having explicit support or encouragement from public administrations. An on-line questionnaire (n = 40) was delivered, and in-depth interviews (n = 15) were carried out among a sample of people working in the Spanish agroecology sector (public and private). The results demonstrate how the recovery and promotion of traditional ecological knowledge can help to increase the capacity of the social-ecological systems to cope with shocks and disturbances and maintain long-term resilience. In addition, agroecological practices allow collective identities to emerge around the characteristics of the territory strengthening local life, placing the society-ecosystem coevolution at the center of local identity. In conclusion, although still a minority, we have showed how several types of policies conceiving agroecological practices as an intangible collective heritage, with significant transformative potential towards local sustainability, have already been implemented.

Traditional knowledge 10 min far from Barcelona: ethnobotanical study in the Llobregat river delta (Catalonia, NE Iberian Peninsula), a heavily anthropized agricultural area

“…Studying other uses is vital due to their strong cultural importance and potential economic contributions [ 82 ]. Traditional knowledge is crucial for enhancing agricultural sustainability, fostering self-sufficiency and promoting the responsible use of local resources [ 83 ]. Unlike some ethnobotanical studies, applying botany for non-food or non-medicinal purposes, particularly in agrosilvopastoral management, holds real value.…”

Potential of traditional Chilean blood-fleshed peach to support livelihood opportunities in local agriculture

“…In addition to the role as a nutrient, traditional crops and vegetable species are part of the cultural heritage of rural communities. The human activities related to traditional knowledge to producing food, based mainly in agroecology, are one of the rural world's main assets (Espluga-Trenc et al, 2021). Our interview reveal that the agricultural practices are highly influenced by tradition and popular beliefs passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition.…”

Identifying Urban Agriculture Needs and Challenges for the Implementation of Green Labeling in Xochimilco, Mexico

“…Among the potential strategies to make the public, visitors, and consumers aware of the chinampa's social, cultural, and economic values are the integration of chinampa production system into the Mexico City urban planning to make food affordable and to improve access to nutritious food (Cabannes and Marocchino, 2018); urban agriculture products diffusion and promotion through direct sales, consumer cooperatives, alliances between producers and restaurateurs, and agro-ecological public purchases such as in school, community kitchens, hospitals or elderly nursing homes (Espluga-Trenc et al, 2021), and food festivals (Fontefrancesco and Zocchi, 2020). Another approach is urban agriculture education, at least in North America (Russ and Gaus, 2021), which has helped understand food systems and healthy eating, especially among the young population.…”