The coloniality of development: dialogue between development, territory and rural development in Latin American countries

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the socio-spatial contexts and the theoretical foundations that gave rise to the Rural Territory Development Policies in Brazil and Mexico. Therefore, the methodological approach used was historical-dialectical materialism, with emphasis on the Latin American Marxist tradition. Data collection was carried out through secondary data, in bibliographic and documentary sources. Based on the experiences analyzed and on the specialized literature on the subject, it can be said that some elements and guidelines are essential to advance this process in Latin America. One of these elements is the recognition that when we deal with development, we must bear in mind that it is multidimensional, and not overestimate the economic dimension, that is, recognize the multiple dimensions (environmental, social, cultural, economic, political and institutional) according to reality, with the identity and priorities of each territory. It was concluded from the results of the present work that regional diversity must be analyzed and identified according to its historical context and through the recognition of the multidimensional dynamics resulting from the use of the territory by the subjects who live there.

Key words: public policy; multidimensionality; Brazil; Mexico.