The Condition of the Rural Sector in Colombia Having an Integral Rural Reform in View. The Case of Antioquia

Abstract

The rural sector in Colombia has been the scene of various forms of violence. In order to build peace interventions based on a territorial approach, which recognizes that land and food production are not only part of the market, will be required. Moreover, in order to enforce the first point on the negotiation agenda between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP, titled “The Integral Rural Reform,” a profound diagnosis of the rural sector will be also needed. The present article investigates the conditions that affect the rural sector and the multiple processes that have shaped it through an examination of existing bibliography, a comparison between different National Agriculture and Livestock Censuses, and a rural characterization study carried out in the state of Antioquia. With the aim of constructing a strong framework for reconciliation it is necessary to first understand the social conditions of the most vulnerable population, followed by the implementation of strategies and policies that foster greater equality, the effective use of resources and the participation and visibility of a number of different actors.