Feel the Grass Grow: Ecologies of Slow Peace in Colombia

The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia signed a revised peace accord in 2016, marking a political end to over a half-century of war. Feel the Grass Grow explores the less visible aspects of moving from war to peace, focusing on the decades of campesino struggle to defend life, land, and territory prior to the national accord and the challenges of the state's post-accord reconstruction efforts. Angela Jill Lederach advances a theory of slow peace, which emphasizes grassroots practices of peace grounded in multigenerational struggles for territorial liberation. Lederach's book examines the various layers of meaning embedded within campesino theories of the times and highlights the holistic understanding of peacebuilding found among campesino social leaders. The call to slow peace gives primacy to the everyday, where relationships are deepened, ancestral memories reclaimed, and ecologies regenerated.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

On November 24, 2016, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a revised peace accord, marking a significant political end to over half a century of war. However, the journey from war to peace extends beyond the formal agreement and encompasses the less visible aspects of the transition. "Feel the Grass Grow" delves into these overlooked dimensions, shedding light on the decades of campesino struggle to defend their lives, land, and territory before the national accord. It also explores the engagement of campesino social leaders with the challenges of the state's post-accord reconstruction efforts. According to the campesino organizers, true peace is not merely signed but is built through grassroots practices and multigenerational struggles for territorial liberation.

In her book, Angela Jill Lederach advances a novel theory of "slow peace." Contrary to the notion that slowing down undermines the urgency of territorial defense in the context of ongoing political and environmental violence in post-accord Colombia, Lederach demonstrates how the call to slowness actually re-centers grassroots practices of peace. These practices are rooted in the long-standing struggles of campesinos for territorial liberation and are deeply embedded in their multigenerational experiences. By examining the various layers of meaning within campesino theories of time (los tiempos), this book directs analytical attention to the holistic understanding of peacebuilding found among campesino social leaders. Their experiences of peacebuilding shape their perception of time as embodied, affective, and embedded in the broader social and ecological context.

The call to slow peace prioritizes the everyday, where relationships are deepened, ancestral memories reclaimed, and ecologies regenerated. It recognizes that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the cultivation of a sense of belonging, harmony, and sustainability. Through their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to their land and communities, campesino social leaders are paving the way for a more peaceful and just future for Colombia and beyond.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503635685