Actors, Viewpoints and Vulnerable Spaces Related to the Use of Agrochemicals in the City of Guichón, Paysandú: First Approach to This Field

Abstract

The changes brought about by agribusiness in the Southern Cone of South America have led to an intensification in the application of agrochemicals. The import of these substances grew in Uruguay from the beginning of the 21st century and, with their use, the reporting of issues associated with fumigations close to population centers increased. In particular, in the city of Guichón, Paysandú, different problems associated with the use of agrochemicals have been reported since 2012. In order to collectively monitor this situation, vulnerabilities related to the exposure to agrochemicals in this agro-city were investigated. This paper describes and analyzes the first stage of the study, which entailed an approach to the problem in conjunction with the local community. Using a qualitative participatory approach, the social actors linked to the issue were mapped, their points of view understood, and vulnerable areas located. Twenty semi-structured interviews, ten social mappings and two stakeholder mappings were conducted to this end. A multiplicity of groups, organizations and establishments are involved in the contexts of exposure to agrochemicals in the agricultural city of Guichón. Depending on its provenance, each actor favored certain issues over others. Urban-rural transition zones, rural schools and watercourses were identified as vulnerable spaces. The different points of view give rise to a controversial context of dispute over the social use of the territory. A dialogic, pluralistic and active listening approach facilitated the involvement of communities from the very initial stages of the research.