The Otomi milpa (ra huähi hñähñu): agroecological biocultural heritage of the state of Mexico

Abstract

The industrial agrifood model has impacted on the peasant way of life and the traditional milpa system. For this reason, it was analyzed which elements currently make up the Otomi milpa and which remain in use; likewise, its social, ecological, and cultural perspectives in the field of food were discussed. The research was developed from a historical context, applying ethnographic techniques; two semi-structured interviews were designed and applied to twenty-eight peasant opinion leaders in seven municipalities of the High Valleys region of the state of Mexico. It is indicated that the milpa is a biocultural, sustainable, strategic, and broad construction that is integrated by traditional knowledge and practices, environmental complementarity, communality, and rituality. At present, it is still used and is vigorous and dynamic as a food source for indigenous and peasant families in the High Valleys; in addition, it safeguards the know-how that generates ecological balance and the reproduction of native corn, ya k’ani (native vegetables), and forage weeds. In perspective, the milpa is Otomis’s own alternative in the face of food, environmental, and health catastrophe; therefore, it can be revalued and strengthened by the new generations without violating its biocultural essence and putting its productive and ecological tradition first.