Evaluation of sustainability of agricultural systems of indigenous people in Hidalgo, Mexico

Agricultural sustainability depends on complex relationships between environmental, economic and social aspects, in particular with the small farm holders from indigenous communities. This work was centered in two municipalities of Hidalgo State in Mexico, Ixmiquilpan (mainly irrigated systems) and El Cardonal (rainfed systems). Our objective was to understand the relationships between the small farm-holders and their agricultural systems. We evaluated the sustainability of their agricultural systems and did some recommendations. We applied the Framework for the Evaluation of Management Systems using Indicators (MESMIS, Spanish acronym), thirty-one indicators were identified, and the quantitative indexes were established to assess sustainability. The results showed that adaptability was a critical factor for irrigated and rainfed systems, the main problem identified was youth migration. Additionally, the access to water and economic resources, as well as environmental resources management, are imperious needs to increase the yield of agriculture crops. Therefore, a holistic approach taking into account the organization of small producers and synergy between indigenous knowledge and modern technologies, are required for the territorial development of the communities.