Agricultura urbana en la ciudad de méxico y su área conurbada: situación y perspectivas

Abstract

Urban agriculture in Mexico City and the conurbated area: situation and perspectives. A panorama of urban agriculture in Mexico is presented in this essay in particular at the Mexico City and its conurbated area. It starts with a definition of urban agriculture, and their importance, as a complement of the goals of food security in the cities. In addition, models of forms of agricultural production in cities and their sur roundings are contrasted. These models correspond to the urban agriculture practiced at both, developing and developed countries. Mexico belongs to the first group. Subsequently how food safety goals differ, according to each model, is examined. In developed countries food (safety) tries to be insured as compared to developing countries wich main goal is foodprovision (food security). This essay then describes the main urban, suburban and, periurban production systems of the Mexico City and the conurbated area and some of their main characteristics. Finally, it is discussed, among other aspects, what is the situation of public policies as related to the encouragement of urban agriculture in Mexico City, and the conurbated area. It has not been found any special policy design to promote the urban agriculture in Mexico City and its conurbated area. However, if it is assumed that the urban agriculture can’t help to reduce the ecological tread of the cities, and poverty alleviation in their inhabitants, then it is necessary to understand the policies related to promoting this activity. Although the importance of urban agriculture is evident to the poor people in Mexico City and its conurbated area, and in all the country, the middle class and rich people, have been found in urban agriculture a healty source for food, to approach nature, even as a therapeutic activity.