I mezzi (e i modi) di sussistenza nei campi dell’Almeria: uno sguardo storico/The means (and ways) of subsistence in the fields of the Almeria: a historical look

Abstract

The intensive agriculture in Almeria (Andalusia, Spain), based on a smallholding model, is the major exporting area for out of season products on Europe. The intensive use of the space and natural resources, the high work needs as well as the strong capital requirements sustain the productive capacity of vegetables in this territory. From a historical approach, this article examines the main stages of the productive model: the origins and consolidation of this agriculture, the expansion of the model and the third period characterized by indications that point towards a relative exhaustion of the productive system. For doing that, the analysis explores the social, economic and environmental sustainability and both the socioeconomic processes and cultural meanings. The research employed a qualitative methodology which involved in-depth interviews and participant observation and the fieldwork was carried out during the agricultural seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14. This study is part of the research project called “Social sustainability of the new agricultural enclaves: Spain and Mexico” (ENCLAVES), financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (2012-2014, CSO2011-28511).

Keywords:Intensive Agriculture; Almeria, Historical Approach; Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability.