Between the desire to act and the reality of achieving the objective: indigenous rural youth and agroecology

New Rimisp paper explores the tensions limiting the adoption of agroecology by rural indigenous youth in Mexico, Guatemala and Bolivia.

Between the desire to act and the reality of achieving the objective. Tensions of indigenous rural youth regarding agroecology

This study explores the tensions faced by rural indigenous youth in Latin America with respect to agroecology in three territories: Sierra Norte de Puebla (Mexico), Alta Verapaz (Guatemala) and Torotoro (Bolivia). The objective was to understand how these young people perceive agroecology and the barriers they face in implementing it. A qualitative methodology was employed, including participatory visual techniques (photovoice) and semi-structured interviews with 22 youth who participated in a leadership training program. Key findings revealed four critical problem areas: (1) the conflict between the desire for healthy, chemical-free agriculture and the predominant use of agrochemicals; (2) the gap between learning agroecological techniques and the lack of land or decision-making power to apply them; (3) valuing traditional food systems while increasingly consuming processed foods; and (4) skepticism about the scalability of agroecology amidst generational disenchantment with rural life. The study highlights the need for policies that address access to land, inclusion of youth, and innovative approaches to make agroecology viable for younger generations.

Brazil: Rodrigo Yáñez speaks on agroecological transitions at the international seminar on family farming

The director of Rimisp in Chile participated in the panel “Agroecological Food Transition” at the International Seminar: “Family Farming: Challenges and Perspectives 10 years after the International Year of Family Farming”, held from March 25 to 27 in Porto Alegre.

Chile: Rimisp participates in a week of field work for the formulation of the Extreme Zones Development Plan in Rapa Nui

Rimisp researchers together with SUBDERE and the Regional Government of Valparaiso traveled to initiate the formulation of the PDZE, prioritize problems to be addressed and build the Plan’s area of intervention on the island located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Formulation of the Extreme Zones Development Plan for Rapa Nui

The objective of this project is to provide technical, logistical and methodological support to the Regional Government of Valparaiso in the elaboration of the Extreme Zones Development Plan (PDZE) for Rapa Nui (Chile) and its respective Investment Portfolio. The project is financed by the Undersecretary of Regional Development (SUBDERE).

Rimisp participates in congress on Water Insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean

Rodrigo Yáñez, Director of Rimisp’s Chile Office, was present in Cuernavaca, Mexico, during the 20th Congress of Public Health Research (CONGISP).

Rimisp Academy presents its 2025 courses

Our training offer is based on the connection of theoretical and practical knowledge emerging from Rimisp’s applied research deployed in different Latin American territories. The courses have been designed to strengthen and expand the capacities of actors involved in territorial development in Latin America. More than 2,000 students have participated in the Rimisp Academy.

Author: Alexandra Sepúlveda