Resistance or proposal? Situation and perspectives of agroecological sheep production in the Uruguayan Metropolitan Region

Abstract

In recent years, sheep production has shown signs of growing in the Uruguayan Metropolitan Region (RM) and emerge as a possibility for family farmers in that region. In particular, sheep production based on agroecological management is proposed as an alternative for these farmers. The present study analyzes the situation of sheep production in the RM, especially that based on agroecological management principles, seeking to identify and evaluate this production proposal as a possible alternative of resistance to family farmers in the Region. To this end, its main possibilities and limitations were analyzed. Documentary and bibliographical research was done in order to analyze the transformations in the agrarian reality and in sheep production in the Region in recent years. Interviews were conducted with technicians and farmers involved with and with experience in the field, and a discussion group was implemented as well. In this research, it becomes clear that the growth of sheep production in the last fifteen years in the RM occurred especially in small properties of family farmers, contrasting with the historical development of this production in the whole country. In relation to agroecological sheep production, there are incipient experiences that spark the interest of consumers as well as some producers, but its space in research and public policies is almost null, with very little accumulated knowledge. The instigation of research, education and above all of the debate about the need for changes in technological models inside the organizations of family farmers emerge as necessary moves to once again make agroecological sheep production a viable alternative.