Diffusion or cogeneration of knowledge in Agroecology?

Reflections based on three case studies of the Metropolitan Region of Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Period 2000-2018)

Abstract

Based on her doctoral thesis, the author develops this article in order to further analyze the answers found to one of the central questions of said work: based on the results of the fieldwork carried out in three experiences of systems in transition of the AMBA, what modalities of circulation of knowledge in agroecological techniques were put into play and seem to have prevailed?

To that end, it cites authors and presents definitions of these concepts succinctly, which derive from two different currents in Rural Extension, which have often been presented as opposed: the «transfer vision» versus the modalities that bet on knowledge generated jointly by the various actors involved in the agroecological transition processes. Discussion that has been very much in vogue in the last 20 years in the Rural Extension.

The article presents a reflection on the need to carefully analyze the differentiation of both modalities, taking into consideration that there has been a tendency among extension agents to consider that most of the experiences carried out recently –especially in agroecological experiences– occurred according to a modality of circulation of knowledge cogenerated between producers and extensionists.

Alternatively, there has been a tendency to overestimate the scope and possibilities of «farmer-to-farmer» approaches, which have been widely used in agroecological transition experiences in recent decades. The author critically analyzes these modalities and gives arguments to debate about these assumptions, in order to contribute to the reflection on these extension practices in recent years.