American International Journal of Social Science

Contextual Changes and Their Influence on the Development of Professional Skills of the Agents of the Horticultural Belt of La Plata, Argentina
Emanuel Gómez, Guillermo Hang, Cecilia Ceibane

Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to analyse the major political, socio-economic and technological changes that have occurred in recent decades and their influence on the analysed territory and to reflect on how the adaptive processes of development actors have emerged in the horticultural zone of La Plata, Argentina. Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative methodology is used to address the object of study. A non-random purposive sampling was taken of state officials and the private sector, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Findings: It was observed how changes in context have impacted the development actors, who mobilise different personal and institutional resources to adapt to the changing situations. To assess the degree of adaptation, the trajectory of the agents from their internship experience as professionals, work in the territory with other actors, training and experience reports were considered. Practical implications: In the territory under study, a professional heterogeneity is observed, comprised mostly by agronomists (both in the public and private sector), who develop different working strategies in the context of the individual policies and guidelines of each institution. The changes that have occurred in the country during the past 25 years have impacted policy related to rural development, creating situations that have led to various professional development actors to resignify their careers. Originality: The careers and competences of development agents acting in rural areas are an emerging theme under extensive discussion in Argentina.

Full Text: PDF