Redefining local participation in sustainable rural development in Chile: the case of small farmers in Ñuble Province

Abstract

A consensus on the need for participation by all stakeholders in processes affecting them, including sustainable rural development, has been growing in Chile since democracy was reassumed. However, this consensus may be limited by an instrumentalist conception of participation, by inadequate methodologies or because the stakeholders themselves resist joining in participatory processes. This article employs a case study of small farmers in central Chile to characterise participation in rural livelihoods and identifies factors associated with local participation. We discuss participation of less-favoured stakeholders in production and social organisations, as an effective way to build up more sustainable rural areas, by strengthening innovation in production, social capital and local governance. The results show that personal characteristics and factors linked to farm management are significant for their participation. Public and municipal institutional initiatives directed at promoting partnership also take on a decisive role in reinforcing effective participation, supporting the sustainability of rural areas.