Agroecology in peasant territories: A vision from farmers

Abstract

The development of agroecology was evidenced from the peasant perspective in the lower basin of the Pachanlica River in Ecuador. The evaluation process consisted of field trips and a survey directed at 175 users with irrigation management who are distributed in different agricultural areas. Farmers who produce short cycle crops had a low level of familiarity with the term agroecology. However, once the dimensions of this approach and the main associated techniques were explained, the farmers considered that their farms could meet some of its postulates, because they carry out some practices such as the use of animal fertilizer and diversified production. Nevertheless, they are aware of its low integration and limited application in vegetable production. In spite of this, producers considered this agroecological approach as important to obtain healthier products and conserve natural resources, mainly soil. The lack of knowledge and technical support were the most limiting factors to implement agroecology and the proposals to promote its adoption were identified as training, specialized technical assistance and the socialization of the principles on the subject. The results show limited development of agroecology in the study area and the need for comprehensive actions to strengthen this productive approach.