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Agroecological management of spontaneous vegetation in Bachajón’s Tseltal Maya milpa: a preventive focus

Author

Listed:
  • Betsabe Guillen Pasillas

    (Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur, Barrio de María Auxiliadora)

  • Helda Morales

    (Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur, Barrio de María Auxiliadora)

  • Bruce G. Ferguson

    (Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur, Barrio de María Auxiliadora)

  • Evelio Gómez Hernández

    (Corral de Piedra 2 Ciudad Universitaria Intercultural)

  • Guadalupe del Carmen Álvarez Gordillo

    (Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur, Barrio de María Auxiliadora)

  • Mateo Mier y Terán Giménez Cacho

    (Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur, Barrio de María Auxiliadora)

Abstract

In recent years, a great deal of evidence has accumulated on the health risks and environmental impacts of some herbicides. Both conventional agriculture and agroecology are searching for alternatives to address the challenges posed by the consequences of herbicide use. In this search, peasant and indigenous agroecosystems have much to contribute since their crops evolved thousands of years ago together with diverse communities of weeds, and farmers have carried out sophisticated strategies to manage them. Through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, free lists, and botanical collection, we document a milpa design that integrates and manages spontaneous vegetation to take advantage of its presence and minimize risks of crop loss. The objective of this article is to critically contrast agroecological mechanisms in this milpa design which matches the prevention principle with a set of recommendations recognized as preventive in conventional weed science.

Suggested Citation

  • Betsabe Guillen Pasillas & Helda Morales & Bruce G. Ferguson & Evelio Gómez Hernández & Guadalupe del Carmen Álvarez Gordillo & Mateo Mier y Terán Giménez Cacho, 2024. "Agroecological management of spontaneous vegetation in Bachajón’s Tseltal Maya milpa: a preventive focus," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 41(1), pages 331-344, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:41:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10460-023-10490-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-023-10490-y
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