Food sovereignty: Empowering Indigenous peoples in the face of globalisation and climate change. A case-based research study from Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract: Worldwide, Indigenous peoples have played a critical role in preserving ecosystems and biodiversity. Historically oppressed by colonial institutions, they are today confronted with detrimental effects of the global food system and increasingly pronounced changes in climate that jeopardise their ability to produce food. In reaction to globalisation, food sovereignty advocates the right of peoples to self-determinate their food and agriculture systems. In an Indigenous context, Indigenous food sovereignty also calls for revitalising Indigenous knowledge and practices. In this research, I investigate how an (Indigenous) food sovereignty approach empowers Indigenous peoples in the face of globalisation and climate change. I conducted semi-structured interviews among 13 local actors in Oaxaca, Mexico. Findings show that sustainable farming and regenerating local food systems enable local actors to reconcile livelihood opportunities with environmental protection, health benefits, social values, and Indigenous cultures revitalisation. Yet, economic limitations and climate change are still compromising their right to food sovereignty.