Spatial characteristics of agricultural modernization process in Chilean semiarid

Abstract

This paper studies the agricultura[ modemization process in irrigated valleys of the semi arid region in Chile, identifyng its historial context, the forces working and the natural resources support basis. Likewise is analised the diffusion of this innovation inside the study area. The study area covers five vaUeys between 27 and 32g south lat. The most importantfactors alfecting the diffusion process are the following: the distance between farms, the farm size, the interaction between social groups and the imitation actitude. Special attention deserves the different responses to the process into the jive valleys. That is explained by the different beginning conditions reported by each one.