current
past
current
past
this project took place in the mixteca alta region on the borders of guerrero and oaxaca, where the mixtec people have practiced terraced agriculture for over two millennia. today, soil erosion, desertification, and migration have placed food security and cultural heritage at risk. in collaboration with the spanish and latin american students association of mcgill university and the mexican national institute of anthropology and history, we introduced sustainable agricultural technologies and environmental education to strengthen local resilience. rooted in agroecological principles and participatory development, the project sought to bridge traditional practices with modern techniques while fostering cultural pride and intergenerational continuity.
through farm visits, community workshops, and ongoing evaluation, the project validated the effectiveness of the miaf agroforestry system, which improved soil conservation, diversified crop production, and increased family incomes. beyond tangible outcomes, the work underscored how ecological knowledge, cultural memory, and community agency can align to address systemic challenges and imagine sustainable futures.
The photo below illustrates the impact of our intervention on corn production. The corn stalk on the left was grown after the intervention, showing a much thicker and therefore more resilient structure. Additionally, the size of the corn itself increased significantly, highlighting the improvement in crop health and yield.
Location: Cuquila , Oaxaca, México ; Santo Domingo Tonaltepec, Oaxaca, México
Years: 2017, 2018