Webinar: Transdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Rural Development in the Mexican context: knowledge co-production and rural change

How can we promote sustainable development in disadvantaged rural areas such as those in Latin American countries? Rural areas are socio-ecological systems inhabited by peoples and societies that have unique and valuable knowledge and perspectives for sustainable development. Unfortunately, these areas are affected by systemic traps that lead to a deterioration of living conditions for current generations and destroy opportunities for future generations. Theoretically, transdisciplinary research provides the best framework for fostering successful innovative rural processes to improve livelihoods while respecting local identities, cultures, and ecosystems. Integrating diverse perspectives, co-producing knowledge, and co-creating solutions are key processes for addressing urgent problems and adapting to the uncertain future while considering the impacts of climate change. But rural areas urgently need answers, and linking knowledge and action becomes essential. This connection is only possible with genuine social processes, participatory structures, social and academic engagement, and appropriate public policies to avoid the imposition of external management plans and the isolation or even extinction of local initiatives. Given the substantial context dependency and existing urgencies of rural areas, we have to answer the following question: To what extent and how could TD research be an effective tool for rural transformation?

In this webinar, Ana Burgos (Centre for Research in Environmental Geography, National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM) will provide insights into her research about sustainable rural development. In her research, Ana Burgos focuses on methods and strategies to integrate transdisciplinary research in rural development by using participative and cooperative research designs fostering knowledge production. Based on her experience in Rural Mexico (from working in Latin America) we want to address hurdles and opportunities of transdisciplinary research in rural contexts. We want to unravel the science-policy interface to tackle challenges in communication and appropriation of knowledge.

This webinar offers an interactive space for questions and discussions about transdisciplinary research in rural areas. Subject to the discussions are ways to promote transdisciplinary and collaborative practices in rural regions to tackle sustainability issues and enhance social as well as scientific responsibility. This exchange aims to further the understanding of complex societal structures in rural areas to enable a sustainable rural development.

Please register for the online event by sending an email to Jasmin Dietzsch: jasmin.dietzsch@stud.leuphana.de. You will receive the login information for the Zoom meeting shortly before the event.