Food Security and Sovereignty in Tucumán (2010–2020): Contributions of the Prohuerta Program at the Family-Local Scale

Abstract

This article analyzed the contribution of the ProHuerta Program (PPH) to food security and sovereignty in Tucumán (2010–2020) through a qualitative and territorial approach. Based on a case study that included 33 interviews with family and community gardeners, promoters, technicians, and key informants, three dimensions were examined: (i) food security and sovereignty at the family–local scale, (ii) agroecological production practices, and (iii) improvement proposals. The findings showed sustained increases in food availability, quality, and diversity, with immediate consumption and lower exposure to residues; they also revealed strengthened household autonomy and social capital (seed exchange, fairs, and networks). The PPH was configured as a socio-productive public policy that integrated assistance, agroecological education, and community organization. Among the constraints, budget restrictions since 2015, limited input provision, and reduced technical assistance stood out. Low-cost, high-impact actions were proposed: community seed banks, modular training itineraries, light monitoring, and interinstitutional partnerships. It was concluded that the PPH constituted a paradigmatic experience of agro-food policy with a territorial perspective, capable of articulating food security, sovereignty, and agroecology in contexts of structural inequality.