Sustainability Assessment of Two Farming Systems

Abstract

Objective: Assess the sustainability of two agricultural production systems (native maize and improved maize) by applying the MESMIS methodology
 Design/methodology/approach: Knowing the social, economic and environmental factors that make up the production systems in the municipality of Jilotepec, State of Mexico, as well as their forms of management, allow us to develop strategies for sustainable rural development. The study contemplated at 30 production systems and compared the level of sustainability between producers of native maize and improved maize. The collection of information in the field was carried out in September 2022 and consisted of participatory workshops, semi-structured interviews and surveys; this information was complemented by soil sampling to analyze fertility
 Results: The two systems studied have high costs of agricultural production and high dependence on external inputs, especially those using improved maize. Most systems depend on external economic income. Agriculture is increasingly exposed to the conditions of drought and changes in rainfall regimes, in this situation having livestock becomes an important economic support. Changing climate conditions are forcing people to implement adaptability measures. Regionally the soil is fertile and suitable for corn cultivation. The perception of happiness of the inhabitants interviewed is high, they consider that the quality of life is good and therefore do not migrate
 Findings/conclusions: The present study is the result of the integrated analysis of several methodologies used in the measurement of sustainability indicators.