Forms of Agricultural Production and Land Policies in Venezuela during the 20th Century

Abstract

Agrarian Production Forms and Land Policies in Venezuela during the 20th Century

Abstract. The objective of this research was to analyze the evolution of agrarian production forms framed within the land policies of 20th-century Venezuela. Methodologically, it was carried out from a qualitative perspective, using a bibliographic method and hermeneutics as a tool for document interpretation. Findings: Historically, the analysis was divided into three periods. In the first three decades, the predominant production model was the agro-export estate system, with large landowners dominating the market and no relevant public policies. The second milestone (1936-1957) marked significant changes, evolution, modernization, and investments; the estate continued to lead, although large ranches and family producers were modernized and mechanized, generating a new concentrated peripheral pattern. The third milestone (1958-1999) began with the Agrarian Reform (1960), which became a model for Latin America; however, land redistribution was insufficient, with technical and financial support for family agriculture weakening, medium-sized producers emerging, and regularization and privatization of public land. Nevertheless, the last two decades were marked by an economic crisis, increased imports, and a decline in production. It is concluded that the reforms carried out did not achieve all the proposed objectives: while the latifundia decreased, family production did not grow as expected. Instead, the emerging production form (medium-sized producers) was more efficient and technologically advanced. As for public policies, the country’s geographical diversity, with five very distinct regions, means that both agrarian production and the policies to boost it require sectorization. On the other hand, the public policies developed during the study period did not take this particularity into account and were general for the entire country.

Keywords: Venezuela, forms of production, land policies, agrarian reform, geographical diversity, public policies