Back to the roots: understanding current agroecological movement, science, and practice in Mexico

ABSTRACTIn the middle of the last century, there were two types of agronomic scientists in Mexico. One group perceived traditional agriculture as backward and in need of modernization with advanced technologies. The other group, engaged in intensive fieldwork, studied and found inspiration in peasant and indigenous systems. This latter group of researchers who studied and described the biocultural richness of these systems provided the foundations for the development of agroecology in Mexico. Mexican indigenous systems also inspired many of the pioneers of agroecology at the global level. In this review, we strive to describe the historical landmarks of the development of agroecological education and research in the past and present in Mexico, while elaborating on the challenges that this discipline faces today and in the future.