Teaching article: Conceptual approaches to the territory from a Latin American perspective

Abstract

An interpretive, exploratory overview of certain key concepts regarding territories, and specifically rural and rural-urban areas, historically constructed by interactions among groups settled in certain places, and with a gradually transformed natural milieu. Methodologically, it is based on prior comparative discussions pertaining to Latin American territorial development, with special reference to Brazil, Colombia and Central America. Conclusions and proposals are based on lessons learned on the concept of territory in those and other documented cases in the region. The author interacted for several years with knowledgeable persons from various parts of Latin America during international, national and local training and knowledge management in the context of the Central American Area-based Rural Development Strategy 2010-2030 (Ecadert), as well as during on-line fora and shared learning workshops of the Area-based Development and Family Farming Strategic Management System – SiGET, and while preparing a set of related publications and knowledge management resources.