Socioeconomic reconstruction of sustainable local food systems

Abstract

We present the experience of three grassroots organizations that are part of the Groundswell
International consortium in Latin America and the Caribbean. Their advances in the reconstruction
of local market circuits demonstrate that socioeconomic development and agroecological
innovation go beyond small farmers´ productive capacities and modalities. They address,
fundamentally, the restoration of local foods, healthy consumption patterns, and participatory
processes that support and develop small value chain innovation in food production. Furthermore,
the creation of new institutional assemblages, the re-appropriation and creative utilization
of media, and networks that articulate with each other have been key to the successful
development of these initiatives in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Haiti. Despite the diversity of
contexts herein presented, each one requiring specific mechanisms in response to local needs
and opportunities, their broader and scalable lessons and insights show us the visible pathways
to sustainable social and ecological development that rural and historically marginalized
communities are capable of rebuilding. Within these processes, there is an intrinsic restoration
of human ties between producers and consumers, and of wellbeing with nature through conscientious
and healthy eating choices.