Co-creating a common language for an agroecological transition through local food governance: lessons learned from discussion and practice in Mashue, Los Ríos, Chile

Abstract

In Mashue, Los Ríos Region, Chile, agroecology emerges as a response to environmental degradation and loss of water efficiency, underscoring the need for an agroecological transition to recover the vitality of agricultural soils and promote sustainable intensification. However, the gap in familiarity and understanding of agroecological principles hinders this transition and effective public funding allocation. This study addresses the lack of a common language around agroecology by co-creating and implementing educational workshops in collaboration with the Mashue Agroecological Association, Albatros consultancy, and the University of Edinburgh. Through a qualitative methodological approach, including n = 3 participatory workshops and n = 16 semi-structured interviews, it examined how agroecological principles can inform local governance practices and the transition toward sustainable food systems. Results indicate that co-creation of knowledge through workshops fostered greater understanding and application of agroecological practices, while interviews revealed a positive valuation of autonomous food production and a direct connection between the field and the table. Results confirm that community engagement is crucial in facilitating agroecological transitions and improving food and nutritional security. However, future research should address the long-term impact of these interventions on local agricultural and economic practices, as well as the need of expanding its geographical scope to broader Chilean reality.