Participatory characterization and diagnosis for community territorial planning with an agroforestry approach in Xaltepuxtla, Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: to identify the main socio-environmental, strategic planning  of projects that trigger change in a participatory tecniques with the owners of the properties under study.

Design/methodology/approach: it was carried out based on field trips, semi-structured interviews and participatory workshops that considered the history of the community, maps of the land, natural resources available; problematic and possible solutions, as well as an analysis of Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses and Threats (SWOT).

Results: the main socio-environmental problems were identified, the vision of the producers (owners and medieros), as well as the possible agroforestry projects that triggered change as an alternative to traditional ornamental production systems that have ceased to be profitable. The restoration with endemic species of the Mountain Mesophilic Forest was also considered in the proposals.

Limitations/implications: participatory characterization and diagnosis is the first phase for the Community Territorial Planning of farms in the community of Xaltepuxtla, Puebla. A participatory methodology for the conversion of production systems at farm level is described step by step.

Findings/conclusions: participatory mapping and SWOT analysis as diagnostic tools were decisive for the identification, registration and analysis of information at the farm level. these, in addition, considered the biophysical and management variations to propose relevant detonation projects of change and accepted by the owners and medieros.