Horne, Sarah L.
Abstract:
The attainment of food security has long been an important issue in the
field of development. Interestingly, a large percentage of those considered to ‘food
insecure’ belong to the households of small‐scale agricultural producers. The
practice of agroecology is emerging as an accessible and secure means of production
for such households. Moreover, it has been argued that producers can earn higher
incomes due to the increasing demand for certified ‘organic’ products. Using the
case of small‐scale producers in Chiapas, Mexico, this thesis seeks to explore the
impact that agroecological practices can have on food security within producer
households. As it shall be argued, the diversity and stability inherent in the practice
of agroecology provides producers with a means of achieving household food
security. Moreover, producer participation within a local food market, which
provides them with fair selling conditions and a sense of community, strengthens
such conditions.