Inclusive development in Latin America and smallholders’ interactive learning spaces. Sociology study

Abstract

Inclusive development appears as a challenge in Latin America countries after the rupture of the social inclusion as a trickle‐down effect of the economic growth. Searching development with inclusion, several public policies were implemented in Latin American during the last 10 years focusing on the agri‐food production. In order to assess the progress to reach such objectives, two cases are studied. Smallholder milk producers at the Loma Blanca community (Mexico) and smallholders olive producers at Aimogasta (Argentina) were considered. Interactive learning spaces were clearly identified as consequence of the linking among product, producers, and territory. The empirical evidence leaves to see a reflexive attachment between actor and activity in the both studied cases. Differences between dynamics in ILS (Interactive Learning Spaces) of each one of the studied cases were found. Nevertheless, opportunity windows are still opened in order to achieve successful interventions. Why does the small producer continue existing as such? Why do the small producers remain in small scale rather than creating scale or exiting from the market? These, and others, are trigger questions through which government and non‐government organization can drive their action in the field.