Agrobiodiversity Management in Northern Patagonia: A Comparative Study in Two Contrasting Ecosystems
摘要
Agrobiodiversity arises from the interaction of cultural and biological diversity, including both domesticated plant and animal species, as well as wild species within agroecosystems. Family farmers develop strong ties with their environment and manage agrobiodiversity through a variety of local management practices. Although these practices are essential for the conservation and sustainability of ecosystems, they are often neglected by mainstream science. This chapter aims to present family farmers and their agrobiodiversity in the light of their management practices, by comparing two case studies of IP&LCs living in ecologically contrasting environments, the temperate forest and the steppe in Northern Patagonia, Argentina. A total of 136 species of cultivated plants and domesticated animals were identified in both environments. This rich and varied agrobiodiversity underlines the complexity and adaptation of family farmers in meeting their food requirements. Local practices regarding crop, water, soil, and post-harvest management were identified. A positive relationship was found between the number of local practices and species richness, indicating adaptive processes in the face of perceived environmental change. Our results support the value of agrobiodiversity for family farmers and its management through sustainable agricultural practices, as a contribution to food sovereignty in a context of environmental change.