Agrobiodiversity management in Northern Patagonia: A Comparative Study in Two Contrasting Ecosystems

Abstract

Agrobiodiversity arises from the interaction of cultural and biological diversity, includingboth domesticated plant and animal species, as well as wild species within agroecosystems.Family farmers develop strong ties with their environment and manage agrobiodiversitythrough a variety of local management practices. Although these practices are essential forthe conservation and sustainability of ecosystems, they are often neglected by mainstreamscience. This chapter aims to present family farmers and their agrobiodiversity in the light oftheir management practices, by comparing two case studies of IP&LCs living in ecologicallycontrasting environments, the temperate forest and the steppe in Northern Patagonia,Argentina. A total of 136 species of cultivated plants and domesticated animals wereidentified in both environments. This rich and varied agrobiodiversity underlines thecomplexity and adaptation of family farmers in meeting their food requirements. Localpractices regarding crop, water, soil and post-harvest management were identified. A positiverelationship was found between the number of local practices and species richness, indicatingadaptive processes in the face of perceived environmental change. Our results support thevalue of agrobiodiversity for family farmers and its management through sustainableagricultural practices, as a contribution to food sovereignty in a context of environmental change.