Agrarian extractivism in Latin America

"This book investigates the many ways in which industrial capitalist agriculture has penetrated and transformed contemporary Latin America. Using a range of case studies from across the region, the book considers the socio-economic, political and ecological implications of the agro-industrial model when compared to alternative, less intensive models based on cooperative, smallholder or peasant agriculture and with agroecological farming methods. The concept of agrarian extractivism challenges the idea that industrial agriculture is bringing lasting local benefits, instead arguing that it is characterized by a few multinational corporations controlling both ends of the value chain, and extracting natural and surplus value, whilst exploiting labour and contaminating the ecological material base. At a time when most influential development institutions are promoting the agro-industrial model for combatting rural poverty and feeding the world, this book provides a nuanced assessment of the social, economic and environmental implications of intensification. Highlighting the importance of adopting a critical engagement with the dominant model of agricultural development, this book provides a timely contribution to debates regarding agrarian and environmental change and rural transformations. It will be of interest to scholars across critical development studies, rural studies, environmental studies, and Latin American studies."