Agroecological Farming

Agroecological Farming

Sumak Kawsay

Andean; indigenous people; livestock; sustainable agriculture

As an agricultural producer with an Andean Cosmo-vision, Kichwa woman Olga from the community of San Clemente understands that the land and animals that she works with must all live in harmony. Hence the treatments towards the crops and animals and herself are same. She does not use any pesticides or inorganic fertilizers in her crops. She uses the minimal control over her animals while keeping them safe and sound within in her plot of land.

This project was funded by Bernard and Anne Spitzer Travel Fellowship for research projects involving travel abroad and incorporating the study of architecture, landscape architecture, or urbanism.

Sumak Kawsay means Good Living in the Kichwa language. It guides a harmonious life through egalitarian principles related to community and reciprocity. According to the Andean Cosmovision (the world view of the indigenous people of the Andes region); nature, mankind, and Pachamama (mother earth), are one whole cosmic family that is perpetually related. Within this spectrum transcendental elements form the fundamental bases of an indigenous society. It was my intention to return to my roots in Ecuador and experience this form of thought. From my experience I was able to conclude that Sumak Kawsay is manifested in the coexistence between all beings. Within the Kichwa community it is manifested through the solidarity and reciprocity held in daily activities.

Delgado, Michael

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Michael Delgado

Humanities and Social Sciences

T0382

San Clemente, Ibarra, Ecuador