Organización y liderazgo en la construcción de un Sistema Agroalimentario Localizado. Un estudio de caso sobre el nopal en Hidalgo, México.

Organization and leadership in the construction of a Local Agrifood System. A case study about prickly-pear cactus in Hidalgo State, Mexico.

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the role played by the organization and leadership in the construction of the Localized Agri-Food Systems (LAFS). In this sense, It is described the organizational performing and the role of leadership through of a case study of an organization whose main activity is the production of organic prickly-pear cactus in the locality of El Rincón, located in Hidalgo state, Mexico. Methodology: Was participatory, as it consisted of field visits, semi-structured and unstructured interviews, meetings with producers and SWOT analysis. Results: show that vertical organizations and centralized leadership can promote a development of the LAFS at first, but they are an obstacle and a limitation in other moments that are distinguished by the leader’s disappearance, virtual or physical. Limitations: This study is that although it is a first work that intend to support the development of a LAFS, it is necessary at first to rebuild the trust relations among the community. Conclusions: In addition to the restoration of trust relations, the organization must be more open to promote and value the prickly-pear cactus as a differentiated product with a high potential for territorial development.

Objective: Analyze the role played by the organization and leadership in the construction of the Localized Agri-Food Systems (LAFS). In this sense, It is described the organizational performing and the role of leadership through of a case study of an organization whose main activity is the production of organic prickly-pear cactus in the locality of El Rincón, located in Hidalgo state, Mexico. Methodology: Was participatory, as it consisted of field visits, semi-structured and unstructured interviews, meetings with producers and SWOT analysis. Results: show that vertical organizations and centralized leadership can promote a development of the LAFS at first, but they are an obstacle and a limitation in other moments that are distinguished by the leader’s disappearance, virtual or physical. Limitations: This study is that although it is a first work that intend to support the development of a LAFS, it is necessary at first to rebuild the trust relations among the community. Conclusions: In addition to the restoration of trust relations, the organization must be more open to promote and value the prickly-pear cactus as a differentiated product with a high potential for territorial development.