Search

The central question explored in this paper is whether agricultural policy decentralization in Cuba resulted in the creation of a series of social networks. No assumptions are made that creating social networks was the end goal for President Fidel Castro and his administration. Rather, I seek to include agricultural reform as a possible avenue for increased social and economic participation in Cuba. To this end, I trace policy changes beginning with the re-institution and expansion of People's Councils, the establishment of "incentive" based agricultural reform and the legalization of farmer's markets. My argument is that the economic crisis in the 1990's prompted the need for local administration of formerly centralized responsibilities. Relationships formed between agricultural workers and delegates to the People's Councils creating social networks. Further, networks were formed when agricultural workers became (partially) responsible for their own production and when non-farm workers began practicing urban agriculture. The formation of "weak" networks coupled with both the experience and organization gained during this period produces a potentially new political actor in Cuba's future. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]