Characterising the Frame of Global Peasant Movements:

A Case Study of La Via Campesina

Abstract

This paper explores the characteristics of frame in La Via Campesina (LVC). LVC, a global network of peasant groups, is today an influential actor in the sphere of international discussions about food production and agriculture trade. I argue what characteristics of frame make it possible to empower small farmers and promote solidarity among them.
First, peasants are stigmatised as being poor, weak, and obsolete in the dominant discourse, but in the frame they are seen as people who are creating a future without poverty and exclusion. This frame leads to construct the identity of small farmers spreading both in the “South” and “North” who fight against the rule by agribusiness.
Second, small farmers focus on transforming food cultures. With the slogan of “food sovereignty,” they are seen as actors to fight not only for their own economic benefits but also for the right of self-determination to food. This frame enables peasants to work together with workers and consumers.
Third, peasants are viewed as people who share their knowledge with each other. The sharing of knowledge is contrasted to the monopoly of knowledge by giant food companies. This frame helps them to forge their belief that promoting mutual harmony and benefit are possible for small farmers.
Finally, peasants are seen as people who take protest actions both on streets and on farms. The peasant-style production way - producing food by their labour force, making effective use of limited resources, and avoiding complete dependence on the market - involves part-time farmers in cities as well as fulltime farmers in villages. This paper concludes that these four characteristics of frame are a source of power to mobilise a wide range of people to LVC.