BACKYARD AGRICULTURE AND AGROECOLOGY IN THE STRATEGIC FOOD SECURITY PROJECT (PESA-FAO) OF THE STATE OF PUEBLA

This study had the objective of evaluating the degree of knowledge and transference of agroecological innovations by Rural Development Agencies (Agencias de Desarrollo Rural, ADRs) that participate in the PESA-FAO, in the state of Puebla, under the hypothesis that those that have this knowledge and transfer it to their groups of attention develop better capacities for food security and sovereignty. Ten micro-regions were selected from the North, Negra and Mixtec regions of Puebla, where an equal number of ADRs operate. A semi-structured interview was applied to the technical staff of the ADRs and a survey to beneficiaries. Within PESA, the backyard is one of the most relevant spaces, with the potential of complementing a good part of the diet of rural families. Sustainable agricultural practices play an important role in the ADRs' work, although the technicians do not have theoretical knowledge about agroecology; on the other hand, the beneficiaries carry out several techniques with an agroecologic approach. This is not explicit within PESA's theoretical proposal, so it is recommended that it is included in a clear way and for technicians to have agroecological knowledge that they can share with the families.