Abstract
Despite the digital divide that exists between the developed and developing world, communication technologies such as the Internet are providing new opportunities for transnational advocacy. This paper explores issues of identity and co-operation between actors participating in the Global Campaign for Agrarian Reform (GCAR), led by the peoples’ movement La Via Campesina, focusing on the application of Internet-based services. While the movement has successfully reframed the land reform debate within the global public sphere, and makes use of the World Wide Web in its role as a strategic bridge-builder within the Campaign, digital connectivity does not necessarily overcome challenges of participation and representation.
Highlights
When union leader and peasant farmer Henry Saragih was named one of the “50 People Who Could Save the Planet” by The Guardian this year, it may well have been the first time many readers had heard of La Via Campesina, the global movement Saragih heads as General Coordinator (Vidal 2008)
Based in Indonesia, La Via Campesina is an international peasant movement comprised of over 130 organizations actively campaigning for land reform in 60 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas (Menser 2008)
With the Food First Information and Action Network (FIAN), La Via Campesina initiated the Global Campaign for Agrarian Reform (GCAR) to unite local movements in promoting “food sovereignty” - the right for people and nations to define their own agricultural and food policies according to the needs and priorities of their own communities
Summary
When union leader and peasant farmer Henry Saragih was named one of the “50 People Who Could Save the Planet” by The Guardian this year, it may well have been the first time many readers had heard of La Via Campesina, the global movement Saragih heads as General Coordinator (Vidal 2008). Based in Indonesia, La Via Campesina is an international peasant movement comprised of over 130 organizations actively campaigning for land reform in 60 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas (Menser 2008). This global alliance of peasant, family farm and landless peoples’ movements continues to play a leading role in promoting agrarian reform at World Social Forums, Latin American Social Summits and anti-FTAA meetings. With the Food First Information and Action Network (FIAN), La Via Campesina initiated the Global Campaign for Agrarian Reform (GCAR) to unite local movements in promoting “food sovereignty” - the right for people and nations to define their own agricultural and food policies according to the needs and priorities of their own communities. Messages must appeal to the agendas of distant audiences to gain support (Warkentin 2001; De Chaine 2005) while the movement itself potentially alienates its base through promoting goals and targets that are incompatible with local initiatives
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
