Ecofeminisms and Agroecology: a resignification of social and environmental relationships

Resumen

Agroecology and ecofeminisms are recognized as counter-hegemonic epistemologies, practices, and movements that have as their essence the respect for nature, and constitute themselves as elements of ethical, equitable, fair, and healthy development. Both cause ruptures with the capitalist model and the dominant food industry that exploit nature and women, damaging people’s health and the environment. Given the lack of publications and debates relating agroecology to ecofeminisms, this theoretical and analytical essay aims to discuss these movements and establish a dialogue between their proposals, principles, and contributions. Both have common ideals that value the achievement of environmental, social, and gender justice, as well as health promotion. These two movements combined may propose a life model in which agroecology is a fertile field to materialize ecofeminist principles, to which respect for society and nature is fundamental. Recognizing food sovereignty as peoples’ right over strategies of food production and consumption and making visible the role of women as guardians of biological and cultural diversity means placing life at the center of social organization, in addition to resignify ecosystemic relationships and reducing risk factors for various health problems, which are also decisive points for the achievement of peoples’ food security.