Towards sustainable agriculture: the Impact of the Instituto Nacional de Colonización on smallholder farmers in Uruguay"

This study investigates how the National Institute of Colonization (INC) in Uruguay can contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) – Zero Hunger, with a specific focus on sustainable agricultural practices, equitable access to land, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers. By examining the INC’s historical role and contemporary strategies, the research seeks to understand how this institution can align its efforts to effectively contribute to modern challenges and SDG 2 targets in the Uruguayan context. The research analyses INC’s contributions to SDG 2 through a case study approach, particularly targets 2.3 and 2.4. The study incorporates semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including INC beneficiaries, the institution’s technical and political staff, and external experts, to gather diverse perspectives on the institution’s impact and challenges. The findings highlight INC’s successes in improving access to land for smallholder farmers, promoting gender equality, and supporting sustainable land management practices. However, the study also identifies areas where INC’s impact could be further enhanced, for example, by increasing technical assistance, expanding market access, and encouraging wider adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The research underscores the importance of INC’s adaptive capacity and its potential to serve as a model for similar institutions across Latin America. By offering a detailed analysis of INC’s strategies and their alignment with Uruguay’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to balance agricultural productivity with sustainability and social equity. The findings also suggest avenues for future research, including the need to explore the long-term impacts of INC’s programs on rural development, intergenerational handover, and climate change adaptation.