Collective land management: the experience of family cattle settlers in the coast of Uruguay

Abstract

Starting in 2005, the National Colonization Institute (INC) generated a change in the focus of public policy; focusing its actions on the promotion of associative efforts in its most diverse forms, to promote social and economic integration of family farmers. By surveying of the trajectory of two groups of settlers, family cattle in Uruguayan coast, we sought to understand the internal processes of collective self-management of INC lands; particularly, in aspects to the management of the natural grassland as a resource of common use. The methodology was based on semi-structured interviews carried out with extension technicians and the farmers of the analysed groups. The analysis of the information shows that, in this type of venture, trust between the members is a key factor to achieve the objectives set by the group. Of the operation, the establishment and evolution from learning, of the operative and collective rules, which have a relevant incidence in the management of the common good, stand out. The social interaction and the involvement of the members in the actions of the collective is what sustains the continuity of the venture in common.

Keywords:
Collective action; natural grassland; rural development; public policy.