FROM SEEDS TO ASSEMBLIES. AGROECOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR POLITICAL PARTICIPATION A Case Study on Q’qechi’ Mayan Peasant Women in Zona Reina, Guatemala

Abstract

Indigenous women’s political participation remains limited due to intersecting inequalities. Nevertheless, sustainable initiatives such as agroecology have proved to empower communities and promote social engagement. This research investigates the political dimension of agroecology by examining how it can affect Indigenous women's political participation. Social Capital Theory and Empowerment Theory are used to identify the mechanisms through which agroecology fosters such participation investigating the case of Q’qechi’ women in Zona Reina, Guatemala. Using a qualitative case study approach with ethnographic participatory methods and semi-structured interviews, mechanisms from both theories are identified. Capabilities, resources, bonding and bridging social capital and ancestral knowledge have been shown to have a big influence in expanding social capital and empowering participants, which has a positive impact on political participation despite the presence of some barriers. The findings provide a guideline for institutions and communities to start similar initiatives in other parts of the world. Future research should replicate this study in other contexts to identify whether the mechanisms are context-dependent and analyse the time dimension of the effects.