Typology and land use in agroecosystems of Guamuez Valley, Putumayo, Colombia

ABSTRACT

The objective of this research was to analyze different agroecosystems located in a region of the Departamento de Putumayo (Colombia) and its sociocultural relationship with productive and land conservation contexts, based on the conceptual and methodological aspects of agroecology. A mixed methods study was carried out, and soil testing methodologies and assessment of cultural aspects with research tools such qualitative interview and focus groups, were designed. The analysis was based on the concept of principal ecological landscape structure (PELS) and agroecology principles, guided by an ethno – agricultural analysis of the phenomenon. Three types of production systems, where indigenous groups coexist with settlers and migrant population who have developed different processes of ecosystem adaptation, were identified. This heterogeneity implies at least two different livelihoods: first, “endogenous type” in peasant – settlers linked to indigenous communities, and second, mediated by the classical view of economic development. All people, no matter what livelihoods have, are forced to overcome biophysical and ecosystem limiting of territory, indeed the processes of forest logging and poor land use, which have generated severe processes of environmental degradation including irreversible phenomena of rill and gully erosion. This deterioration is expressed in limiting subsistence possibilities and accumulation decrease of local inhabitants.

Keywords:
Agroecology; Culture; Land Use; Putumayo; Territory