Sustentabilidad y democratización de las sociedades rurales de América Latina

At opening of the 4th Congress of Rural Sociology, its president reviews the main themes demanding attention from those who study the matter. Within the great impending changes - which are signaled by biotechnology and computer science and acknowledge their contributions - the existence of a "two-speed" type of agriculture is pointed out, as well as the widening the economic and citizenship exclusion. Distinct problems recurrent in rural societies are examined, underscoring the reemergence of social organizations and movements in rural areas as a valuable complement to strengthen the region's democracies.