“Timely and useful. . . . A good introduction to many of the key issues and movements in contemporary rural Latin America.”—Bulletin of Latin American Research  
 
“A true wealth of perspectives and case studies. . . . By analyzing the various ways in which these movements articulate local and global networks, advocate for gender and ethnic rights, and insist on environmental and economic justice, this collection makes a compelling case that these movements provide coherent and dedicated leadership toward creating more equitable and sustainable societies.”—The Americas  
 
“Gives a clear picture of present-day rurality and the struggles to build a better future for rural populations, including concerns high on the international agenda such as food and environmental sustainability.”—Feminist Economics  
 
“What makes the collection particularly valuable is that its different chapters are written from a range of subject positions—of activists, academics and more general movement supporters. . . . A fascinating book.”—Journal of Peasant Studies  

“An excellent starting point for research.”—Journal of Agrarian Change
 
“A lively picture of the main visions and strategies of unity (especially by majoritarian groups), but also of the fears and challenges encountered by minority groups.”—Social Movement Studies
 
"A remarkable collection. The chapters provide extremely useful information on a range of social movements generally not well covered in academic work--and the coverage is provided by people who are either activists within the movements themselves or long-time supporters."--Wendy Wolford, University of North Carolina

"An original, unique, and excellent collection. The book has great theoretical value and political relevance."--Saturnino M. Borras Jr., Saint Mary's University (Halifax)

All across Latin America, rural peoples are organizing in support of broadly distinct but interrelated issues. Food sovereignty, agrarian reform, indigenous and women’s rights, sustainable development, fair trade, and immigration issues are the focus of a large number of social movements found in countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Peru.

The contributors to Rural Social Movements in Latin America include academic researchers as well as social movement leaders who are seeking to effect change in their countries and communities. As a group they are at the forefront of some of the most critical environmental, social, and political issues of the day.

This volume highlights the central role these movements play in opposition to the neoliberal model of development and offers fresh insights on emerging alternatives at the local, national, and hemispheric level. It also illustrates and analyzes the similarities--notably the struggle for sustainable livelihoods--as well as the difference among these various peasant, indigenous, and rural women's movements.

Carmen Diana Deere is distinguished professor emerita of Latin American Studies and Food and Resource Economics at the University of Florida. A former director of the UF Center for Latin American Studies, she is the coauthor of Empowering Women: Land and Property Rights in Latin America. Frederick S. Royce is assistant scientist in the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida.   
 
A co-publication with the University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies

Sample Chapter(s):

Table of Contents

Excerpt

This book provides a remarkable collection documenting the successes, challenges and processes of contemporary rural social movements. By analyzing the various ways in which these movements articulate local and global networks, advocate for gender and ethnic rights, and insist on environmental and economic justice, this collection makes a compelling case that these movements provide coherent and dedicated leadership toward creating more equitable and sustainable societies.
--The Americas

Gives a clear picture of present-day rurality and the struggles to build a better future for rural populations, including concerns high on the international agenda such as food and environmental sustainability.
--Feminist Economics

A fascinating book that provides an enormously useful view of the current state of social mobilization in the region. . . . [and] gives the reader a clear sense of the varied and dynamic voices of contemporary Latin American social movements that are committed to creating sustainable alternatives for the future.
--Journal of Peasant Studies

Presents a very complete overview of the struggles, achievements and proposals of rural social movements throughout Latin America. . . . A must read for anyone interested in rural social movements in Latin America.
--Journal of Agrarian Change

A Lively picture of the main visions and strategies of unity (especially by majoritarian groups), but also of the fears and challenges encountered by minority groups.
--Social Movement Studies

A good introduction to many of the key issues and movements in contemporary rural Latin America and will be of wide-ranging interest.
--Bulletin of Latin American Research