Abstract

Despite extensive research on the value of agrobiodiversity in indigenous homegardens of the Neotropics, we have made less progress unraveling its biocultural functions in an era of rapid social-ecological changes. Recently, globalization has changed the relationship between urban and rural shifting from unidirectional migration (rural exodus) to bidirectional circulation. In southern Andean Chile, lifestyle migrants (i.e. urban people voluntarily relocating to rural areas pursuing a greater connection with nature) are rapidly settling in and co-inhabiting with local campesinos (Mapuche and non-indigenous). Many lifestyle migrants have incorporated homegardens into their livelihoods. We studied what do these emergent farmers bring into the local agricultural system? In 100 homegardens (50 from local campesinos and 50 from migrants), we conducted plant surveys and interviews to explore plant biodiversity and management practices. Campesino homegardens showed higher richness of overall species and traditional varieties than migrant homegardens. However, campesinos showed more homogeneous plant composition than migrant homgardens. This result may respond to migrants’ variety of biocultural backgrounds and culinary tastes. Migrants implemented a wider range of management practices, applied less agrochemicals and used more biopreparations. Many migrants were assisted by a campesino neighbor/laborer, which resulted in an integration of local practices and traditional varieties into migrant homegardens. While most campesinos cultivate homegardens for subsistence, lifestyle migrants do it as a form of resistance to food system globalization. While migrants may be a source of agrobiodiversity and management innovation, campesinos represent a source of local expert knowledge and a repository of traditional varieties. Cooperation among both type of farmers may result in positive outcomes for agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainability.