Within LEREPS, Lorine Maretz explored access to resources for agroecological transition in West Africa and Occitanie.
Lorine Maretz, chercheur·e au sein de LEREPS (Université Toulouse Capitole).
Thèse soutenue en 2025 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Temps, Espaces, Sociétés, Cultures (Toulouse).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Contemporary agriculture, in all its complexity, faces unprecedented challenges that test the capacity of food systems to meet the growing needs of the global population. Food security, which is a fundamental issue, is threatened by factors such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and land degradation. At the same time, poverty reduction remains a crucial priority, especially in regions like West Africa, where a large part of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Finally, the preservation of natural resources, essential to life on our planet, has become an unavoidable imperative. In this context, agroecological transition (TAE) appears as a necessary response to mitigate environmental impact and strengthen the resilience of food systems. But how can communities access the necessary resources for this transition? This is the central question posed by Lorine Maretz's thesis, which highlights the role of social relations and endogenous knowledge in this vital process.
The study focuses on two distinct regions, namely West Africa and Occitanie, which, although geographically distant, share similar challenges in sustainable agriculture. By analyzing the dynamics of access to resources in these varied socio-economic contexts, Maretz reveals significant similarities and differences. For example, in West Africa, farmers often face constraints in accessing water and quality arable land, while in Occitanie, the issues are more related to water management and soil preservation in the face of erosion. Traditional knowledge, often overlooked in modern discourses on agriculture, proves essential for adapting agricultural practices to climate change. Farmers who integrate this knowledge into their methods tend to adopt more sustainable practices, thereby contributing to better resilience against climatic hazards. For instance, techniques such as agroforestry, which combines crops and trees, are successfully used in both Africa and Occitanie, allowing for the diversification of income sources while protecting soils.
Social networks also play a key role in sharing this knowledge. They facilitate exchanges among farmers, enabling rapid dissemination of best practices and innovations. This sharing dynamic is crucial for strengthening local capacities and fostering a successful agroecological transition. In West Africa, initiatives like "field schools" allow farmers to meet regularly to exchange experiences and techniques. Similarly, in Occitanie, emerging digital platforms connect farmers and promote knowledge exchange. However, it is necessary to revalue this endogenous knowledge and encourage knowledge exchanges between different regions to maximize their impact. This involves institutional recognition of local practices and support for the continuous training of farmers.
The strategic recommendations of this research emphasize the importance of an integrated approach that recognizes the value of local knowledge and social relations. Indeed, the transition to sustainable agricultural systems cannot occur without taking into account the cultural and social specificities of communities. For example, agricultural practices are not just techniques, but also cultural elements that reinforce the identity of communities. This thesis thus paves the way for new reflections on agricultural and environmental policies, both in West Africa and in Occitanie. Policymakers must question how they can support these local dynamics and promote the emergence of solutions adapted to the realities on the ground. This could involve policies supporting family farming, the establishment of tailored training programs, or the promotion of short supply chains that value local products.
In conclusion, the agroecological transition is a complex process that requires a holistic approach, taking into account endogenous knowledge and social relations. Communities, whether in West Africa or Occitanie, must be at the heart of this transition, as they hold the keys to their own agricultural future. By promoting access to resources and valuing local knowledge, it is possible to build more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems.
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Sources et accès
Lorine Maretz. L'accès aux ressources par les communautés dans la transition agroécologique : une analyse croisée entre Afrique de l'Ouest et Occitanie. Economies et finances. Université de Toulouse, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025TLSEJ124⟩. ⟨tel-05603619⟩