Violence, Insecurity and Hybrid Organisational Forms: A Study in Conflict-Ridden Zones in Colombia

Abstract

We study organisational forms in conflict-ridden zones of rural Colombia and analyse the impact of violence and subjective perceptions of insecurity on the choice of organisational modes. Based on a survey of 742 rural producers in five geographical regions, we find that perceptions of insecurity and objective measures of violence are positively related with the adoption of hybrid forms of organisation in production and distribution. This result is interpreted as an adaptation on the part of peasants and landowners who associate to seek protection in a violent environment.