Resilience processes and positioning of agroecological farmers in an urban horticultural fair in northwest Patagonia

LADIO A H; LONGO BLASÓN, MELISA STEFANIA; MOLARES, S.

Ethnobotany Research and Applications

University of Hawai Press

Lugar: Hawai; Año: 2023 vol. 25

1547-3465

Background: Horticultural fairs are spaces that promote regional agrobiodiversity, transmitting and recreatingmultiple knowledge and emotions between horticulturists and customers. The adaptive processes by which fairsare sustained over time in the face of socio-economic, climatic, and sanitary changes are still little known.Considering the principles of socio-environmental resilience, the aims of this research were: 1) to analyze thepositionings of horticulturists that favor the process of resilience in the Free Fair of Family Farmers from NahuelHuapi, San Carlos de Bariloche (Patagonia, Argentina) and 2) to reflect on the vulnerabilities and challenges facedby this fair for its sustainability over time.Methods: A qualitative study was carried out that included interviews, participant observation, and virtualethnography.Results: One hundred and eighty-six ethnospecies, mostly of exotic origin (99%) are part of the agrobiodiversity ofthe fair. The main principles that foster the resilience of the fair are: high agrobiodiversity and functionalredundancy that reflect and promote local food customs; learning and connectivity for innovation and informationexchange; and cooperation and adaptive systemic thinking based on experiences, attachment to the land, andreciprocity. The affective dimension crosses each of these principles, strengthening the cultural fabric ofhorticulturists and customers. However, the economic and cultural viability of the fair is uncertain, mainly due tothe drastic socio-environmental changes that the region is experiencing.Conclusions: To reduce the vulnerabilities of the fair, it will be necessary to strengthen the principles mentionedabove and to increase the participation of the broader levels of governance (technical and governmental sectors).