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Constructing an Indigenous knowledge approach to agroecology and regenerative agriculture: The case of Yucatec Maya

Francisco J. Rosado-May,José M. Tec Tun,Valeria B. Cuevas-Albarrán,Jorge H. Ramírez-Silva

Published 2025 in Elem Sci Anth

ABSTRACT

Yucatec Maya farmers are abandoning traditional sustainable practices. At least 75% are already using conventional practices related to unprecedented challenges from climate change, loss of biodiversity, natural resources degradation, and the like. Thus, the call for transforming broken food systems also includes Indigenous systems. Two major approaches are being implemented in the region to transform broken Yucatec Maya food systems: one is based on agroecology and the other one on regenerative agriculture. However, there is basically no research that shows how to articulate these approaches with Indigenous knowledge. Under the premise that the more Indigenous thinking regarding their food systems is understood, the stronger the co-creation process of knowledge is with nonlocal ways of knowing (e.g., science), thus increasing the probability of long-term success in transforming Yucatec Maya broken food systems through agroecology or regenerative agriculture. Our article uncovers key Yucatec Maya thinking about the design and management of their traditional food system. Concepts such as food system, diversity, certainty of uncertainty, food security, sufficiency, and sovereignty are present in the planning of the Yucatec Maya food system, which in turn explains their high level of resilience and sustainability. This type of knowledge should be appreciated, recognized, and incorporated into the processes of food systems transformation.

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