La Via Campesina Agroecology Training Schools and Processes

In this context, political-agroecological training represents for LVC a continuous, broad and systematic process that reflects on practices and integrates socially produced knowledge. A process in which new knowledge based on people’s experience on the ground is created and shared; a process that also acknowledges the multiplicity of knowledge and social and human diversity.

Discussing and implementing political-agroecological training in each movement and organization is important because it makes it possible to understand the historical process, and the progress, limits and challenges of the praxis of struggle. Theoretical characterisation and analysis by social movements are fundamental to prepare and strengthen us before the onslaughts we will face. Without a deep knowledge of reality and theories, it becomes difficult to develop social transformation struggles. In an increasingly complex and difficult global political context, it is essential that the training of activists and political and technical cadres provide them with a capacity to critically interpret reality to transform it.

The agroecological training policy includes a set of pedagogical, organisational and struggle actions, in which different methodologies and contents enrich and expand on the knowledge and consciousness of the base, activists and leaders, to achieve the cultural and political growth of individuals and the organisation as a whole.

Our training processes focus especially on peoples’ sovereignty, food sovereignty, agroecology and territory. Moreover, territory is seen not only as a geographic area, but also as the full defense of human beings and Mother Earth, water, mountains, seeds, air, nature and biodiversity.