Benefits of agroecological techniques, an experience with women within a rural community in Mexico

Agroecology is the integration of research, education, action and changes that results in the sustainability to all that parts of the food system: ecological, economic and social. Agroecological techniques such as the use of organic fertilizers such as compost, vermicompost and digestate (effluent from bio-digesters after anaerobic digestion), contribute to reducing environmental and social problems, through methods and processes of a sustainable agriculture model. This project was carried out between 2015 and 2017 with women from the rural community of San Simón Coatepec, Puebla, Mexico. It began with a waste generation study, later, workshops were offered for the appropriation of agroecological techniques, consisting of the preparation of digestate, compost and vermicompost, using their domestic and community waste. Subsequently, each participant built a backyard vegetable garden to grow different vegetables with the use of biointensive beds. At the end of the project, the women recognized that the application of agroecological techniques allowed them to harvest their vegetables free of agrochemicals and sell the rest. In addition to make them feel more independent and with more self-assurance. The appropriation of agroecological techniques is a way in which women from rural communities can obtain economic, social and environmental benefits.