Summary
This qualitative study challenges conservation narratives that frame livestock farming as environmentally destructive by demonstrating that small-scale agropastoralism in Colombia's páramos underpins re-peasantisation and agrobiodiversity conservation. Through analysis of 53 semi-structured interviews and field observations, the authors show that agropastoral mobility and interconnected social networks are essential for dynamic pasture management, prevention of overgrazing, and resource autonomy. The paper advocates for harnessing agropastoral knowledge systems as an alternative to land-sparing approaches in achieving socio-ecologically just conservation.
UK applicability
Limited direct applicability to UK farming contexts, as the páramo ecosystem and socio-economic conditions are distinct. However, the conceptual argument for mobile pastoralism as an agrobiodiversity and autonomy strategy may inform UK upland and pastoral policy discussions, particularly around moorland management and support for small-scale farming networks.
Key measures
Socio-economic network characteristics, agropastoral mobility patterns, land access dynamics, pasture management practices, and indicators of re-peasantisation and autonomy
Outcomes reported
The study documented how small-scale agropastoralism in Boyacá's páramos contributes to re-peasantisation and agrobiodiversity through analysis of socio-economic networks, mobility patterns, and land management practices. Interview data from 53 stakeholders and agropastoralists were analysed to demonstrate how mobile production systems facilitate autonomy and resource management.
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