Senior Research Fellow in Agroecology, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth
My background is in agroecology and human geography. For the past 15 years I have worked in the Maya-Achí territory in Guatemala, researching traditional agriculture and community development, and accompanying farmers organisations working to restore agroecological practices and the local food system.
My work here began as a human rights observer. I also belonged to a group of academics studying some of the problems that were developing from international projects in indigenous areas, including mining, hydroelectric schemes and other infrastructure. My master’s research concerned the displacement of indigenous people and violence committed against them. My interests soon led me towards farming and food systems.
Through a university in Mexico called El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, I conducted my PhD investigating the motivations for adoption and maintaining agroecological practices in the Maya-Achi territory.
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