Capitals, actors, strategies and the multifunctionality of agroecosystems

an integrative model

Abstract

What endogenous factors influence the expression of the multifunctionality of agroecosystems and how do they interrelate? To answer this question, an investigation was conducted with the objective of developing an integrative model that explains the phenomenon of multifunctionality of agriculture on the scale of rural establishments. From an a priori conceptual model, based on the concepts of multifunctionality of agriculture, agroecology and actor-oriented approach, and considering human, socioeconomic and agro-environmental factors, interviews with settled farming families and participant observation were conducted in the municipality of Iperó/SP. As a result, an a posteriori model was constructed, explaining the endogenous factors and processes in agroecosystems that influence the expression of the multiple functions of agriculture, categorized as capital, actors, strategies, results and functions.