Towards more sustainable agricultural landscapes: Lessons from Northwestern Mexico and the Western Highlands of Guatemala
Autor
Dale, Virginia H.
Kline, Keith L.
Lopez-Ridaura, Santiago
Eichler, Sarah E.
Ortiz-Monasterio, Ivan
Ramirez, Luis F.
Institución
Resumen
A systematic process for assessing progress toward landscape sustainability goals is developed and
tested. Application of the approach builds capacity and promotes continual improvements in
management practices, thus enabling timely action to address changing conditions while progressing
toward locally defined goals. We consider how the approach applies to agricultural landscapes, that is
farm ecosystem interactions with the environment and human well-being. We present lessons learned
from applying the assessment approach in two contrasting situations: large, high-input, commercial
agriculture in northwestern Mexico and small, low-input family farms in the Western Highlands of
Guatemala. Applying the approach reveals five attributes required for success and the means to achieve
those conditions. (1) Having a capable local champion for the project is critical. (2) Implementation of
the approach must be in concert with local people and organizations as well as with regional and
national policies and programs. (3) Identification and engagement of key stakeholders is essential. (4)
Application of the approach is not meant to be a one-time effort but rather an ongoing and systematic
process. (5) Engagement and buy-in from stakeholders including multiple agency levels is essential for
allocation of necessary resources and logistic support in the continuing implementation of the approach.