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

Betsabe Guillen Pasillas (), Helda Morales, Bruce G. Ferguson, Evelio Gómez Hernández, Guadalupe del Carmen Álvarez Gordillo and Mateo Mier y Terán Giménez Cacho
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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

Agriculture and Human Values, 2024, vol. 41, issue 1, No 21, 344 pages

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Farmers; Agroecology; Indigenous peoples; Traditional knowledge; Weeds; Herbicides (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10460-023-10490-y

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