Unpacking the linkages between markets, social capital and integration : A case study of farmer markets in Bogotá, Colombia.

In this paper, I analyze if farmer markets enhance different forms of social capital that may contribute to social integration, specifically for the victims of the Colombian conflict. The overarching aim of this research is to identify the effects of the farmer markets in a post conflict scenario and to explore how the different forms of social capital embedded in the dynamics of the markets will benefit or not the victims of the Colombian conflict and foster integration. By studying three markets in Bogotá (the farmer market located in Parque Alcalá, the market of la Calle 80 and the market of la Plaza de Usaquén) in which victim and non-victim producers participated and drawing on semi-structured interviews and surveys, this paper investigates the integrative potential of the farmer markets. Hence, I attempt to illustrate how farmer markets may serve as important tools for social capital and integration for the non-victim producers, but does not (yet) enhance social capital and integration for the victims. The research shows how the results of the implementation of economic strategies are linked and depend on the social sphere and why economic inclusion is not a magic tool that generates social inclusion.