Rural Resistance in Mexico City: Agroecology as an Integrative Model

Abstract

The Conservation Land (CL) of Mexico City (CDMX) sustains essential environmental, productive, and cultural functions, which are threatened by urban pressure, land-use change, and the loss of agricultural viability. The objective of this article is to analyze the importance of agroecology as an integrative model between agricultural production, alternative markets, and institutional intervention to strengthen rural resistance in CDMX. Based on a review of recent academic and institutional sources, data on the CL surface area, agricultural production models, the expansion of irregular human settlements (IHS), alternative markets, and institutional actions are examined. The analysis shows that, in response to urban expansion and the reduction of agricultural land within the CL, several producers have adopted agroecological or organic practices linked to alternative markets oriented toward a selective urban demand interested in local, differentiated foods produced under environmental criteria. It is concluded that rural resistance requires the articulation of complementary measures, such as productive organization, differentiated certification mechanisms, territorial regulation and oversight, as well as inclusive public policies. These measures can be integrated through agroecology as a framework to strengthen rural permanence and contribute to the sustainable development of CDMX.