Blockchain in Agroecological Certifications: Innovation and the Challenges of Socio-Environmental Autonomy in the Face of Technological Colonization

Objective: This article explores the application of blockchain in agroecological certifications, through the theoretical framework of Socially Disruptive Technologies (SDTs), focusing particularly on technosocial disruption, examining how these innovations transform technical processes and the social and cultural dynamics involved. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical foundation relies on Bruno Latour’s Actor-Network Theory (ANT), which considers technology as an active actor in socio-technical networks. In this context, blockchain is analyzed as a tool that can modify interactions among farmers, consumers, and certifiers. This perspective incorporates discussions proposed by Jürgen Habermas and Herbert Marcuse to explain the risks of technological colonization and instrumental rationality, which may occur when technologies like blockchain are implemented without regard for traditional knowledge and local practices. Method: Using a qualitative approach and integrative literature review, the research addresses local governance and the risks of technological colonization through observation in rural communities. Results and Discussion: The results suggest that the disruptive blockchain technology can promote greater transparency and traceability, yet it also presents challenges to the socio-environmental autonomy of rural communities. The social and cultural context of these communities needs to be respected, and blockchain implementation should promote participatory governance that values local knowledge. Research Implications: This study discusses how the results may be applied or influence practices in the field of agroecology, highlighting the consequences for governance and local autonomy. These implications span areas such as participatory governance, the management of disruptive technologies in agricultural practices, and the preservation of socio-environmental autonomy in certification systems. The research proposes a hybrid governance model for the implementation of socially disruptive technologies, ensuring that they are used as support tools rather than as replacements for local practices. Originality/Value: This study contributes to essential reflections on transformations occurring in agroecology by exploring the interaction between socially disruptive technologies (SDTs) and their interconnections with environmental autonomy. The research takes a critical perspective on the impacts of SDTs on the traditional practices and knowledge of rural communities. Additionally, it offers an approach that balances technological innovation and the preservation of sustainable practices, thereby promoting the ethical and inclusive use of emerging technologies in agroecological certification and production, serving as a reference for future policies and sustainability practices.