Agroecology as a strategy against the depreciation of the rural environment

The case of AMAP - Chuchubio in Portugal

Abstract

Since 1960, Portugal face a process of unruralization aggravated by the rural exodus and the aging of the rural population, a scenario that presents itself as a serious problem in the social, political and economic spheres. In this context, this work seeks to understand the impacts of these issues and to propose agroecology as a viable alternative for truly sustainable territorial development, as well as a strategy for closer relations between the countryside and the city and, also, the promotion of greater territorial cohesion. The proposal starts from the observation of the high demand for organic products in the country and its consequent importation, given the insufficient local production. The presented case exemplifies how the reoccupation of rural spaces can be accomplished by adding incentives to the younger population and using the agroecological production method to promote a real appreciation of the land and use of idle spaces of high potentiality.