Story Behind the Research: Meet David Caicedo Sarralde, Exploring Ancestral Knowledge Towards Seed Sovereignty in Colombia

David is one of our new DocNet members who recently joined the Sustainability Transformations (SusTra) Doctoral Education Pilot, a program financed by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Research Council of Finland. In this blog post, David tells us about his research journey and why protecting seed sovereignty is a pivotal step toward sustainable transformations.

Hi there! My name is David Caicedo Sarralde, and I would describe myself as a happy and passion-driven person who enjoys being part of a community and a sense of belonging that is ontologically connected to nature. I am very thankful to the University of Helsinki, the Sustainability Transformations cohort, the Doctoral Pilot Program, and the Ministry of Education of Finland for allowing me to materialize my passion through research. Research is a crucial way for me to contribute to something greater than myself.

I strive to align my professional and personal activities with a broader purpose. My research, hobbies, interests, and daily actions are guided by a desire to serve a meaningful cause. While it may not be a popular perspective in academia, I describe myself in terms of my roots, purpose, and faith. My belief in God is the ultimate reason I wake up every morning energized and eager to learn and be happy.

My Background and Passion for Social and Environmental Justice

Throughout my career, I have engaged in social and environmental justice movements. I have worked with NGOs advocating for agroecological models for coffee smallholders and the protection of ancestral ways of life. During my advocacy work, I realized how academic discussions could fuel policy debates and influence political decisions. This led me to see research as a tool for collective struggles, particularly for seed sovereignty against agrochemical use, intellectual patents, and transgenic seeds.

As a researcher embedded in a community of farmers and advocates in southwestern Colombia, I feel part of something much larger than myself. My research is not abstract but directly connected to real struggles with tangible consequences. It translates knowledge into practices and policies to combat transgenic seeds, spiritual disconnection, and biodiversity loss. This sense of belonging extends beyond my fieldwork. I have found like-minded colleagues in Finland and across Europe who share my passion for environmental justice and sustainability transformations.

My Research on Seed Sovereignty

At the core of my research is seed sovereignty from an agroecological and political economy perspective. Seeds are the foundation of life and food sovereignty but face threats from socio-political, economic, and environmental pressures. Native and traditional seeds are essential for agrobiodiversity, making their protection crucial.

Protecting seeds is not just about safeguarding their physical existence but also preserving the knowledge that accompanies them. As Seed Guardians emphasize, "Half of the seed is the physical part, but the other half is composed of knowledge." This includes traditional knowledge about cultivation, medicinal uses, adaptability, and resistance qualities.

My research explores how indigenous and ancestral knowledge in southwestern Colombia can consolidate seed sovereignty. By studying ontologies and practices related to native seeds like corn and potatoes, I highlight how these knowledge systems function as political resistance against agrobiodiversity loss caused by transgenic seeds, monocrops, and soil erosion. Recognizing and protecting these traditional knowledge systems allows for policies that safeguard both seeds and cultural heritage.

Bridging Spiritual and Material Perspectives

My research interests include agroecology, indigenous knowledge systems, epistemologies of interconnectedness, and traditional ecological knowledge. These topics connect to what, in the indigenous medicine wheel, I refer to as my heart and soul. They embrace the spiritual interconnections between human communities, nature, and the Earth—an idea that aligns with my Catholic faith.

At the same time, I am interested in critical questions of power and how economic, environmental, and social systems shape relationships. This has led me to engage with critical frameworks like cultural political economy and historical materialist policy analysis, which examine the material dimensions of power and their intersection with spiritual and epistemic struggles.

The Importance of Purpose in Research and Life

Having a clear life purpose is essential for excelling in any endeavor, including a PhD. My sources of inspiration—God, family, friends, and the people I meet—keep me motivated. I find inspiration in human connections, whether through conversations with old friends, chance encounters, or appreciating nature.

I actively seek meaningful interactions, engaging with people in various settings, from university cafés to gyms and restaurants. Every person has a unique story, and these moments of connection shape my understanding of the world and my place in it.

Beyond Academia: My Hobbies and Interests

While my PhD is important, it does not define me. I am also a musician and enjoy playing in a rock-Latin band in Helsinki. If you are a bassist, singer, or guitarist, feel free to reach out—we are always looking for passionate musicians!

In addition to music, I enjoy sports, particularly calisthenics and basketball. I love languages and believe they offer unique worldviews. I speak six languages, though Finnish is not yet one of them—hopefully, that will change!

I also find inspiration in reading novels, watching romance series, and meditating. Meditation has been essential for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking clarity and peace.

Final Thoughts

I am grateful to UNIPID for providing a platform to connect with passionate colleagues. It is exciting to be part of a collective effort dedicated to societal transformation. As I continue my journey, I remain committed to seed sovereignty, indigenous knowledge preservation, and a more just and sustainable world.

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Thank you, David for sharing your very inspiring research journey.

What is next? If you are a PhD researcher and have not joined us yet, do not hesitate to register as a DocNet member here. Make sure you hear the latest news via our social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn), website, and mailing list.

Photo credits: Markus Spiske, 2016 on Unsplash