Indigenous women in Oaxaca revive ancestral farming amid water crisis

In the rugged terrain of Oaxaca, Mexico, where ancient traditions and modern challenges intersect, indigenous women like Agustina Ortiz are leading a resilient movement. Faced with escalating water scarcity and climatic uncertainties, these women are reclaiming ancestral farming practices to sustain their communities and ensure food security.

In the rugged mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, where water scarcity threatens agricultural livelihoods, indigenous women like Agustina Ortiz are spearheading efforts to revive traditional farming methods to sustain their communities.

After returning from a decade in the United States, Ortiz was confronted with a stark reality: dwindling water sources and a landscape increasingly hostile to traditional crops and medicinal plants, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Oaxaca, perched 2,000 meters above sea level, faces recurring heatwaves and shortened rainy seasons, exacerbating drought conditions. A map from Mexico's National Water Commission highlights widespread water stress across the region, with nearly 80% of Oaxaca experiencing severe drought during the 2015 crisis, severely impacting agriculture and food security.

Revitalizing Farming Practices

Upon her return to the indigenous Zapotec community of Xixovo in Santa Maria Velato, Ortiz faced daily challenges fetching water from the river, a burden intensified during pregnancy. The changing climate had decimated local vegetation, making the survival of native plants like chicalote uncertain. In response to these challenges, Ortiz and other mothers initiated a vegetable patch at Porfirio Diaz Elementary School in 2019, aiming to secure nutritious food for their children amid uncertain agricultural conditions.

However, the success of their initiative was soon tested by the intensifying drought. Seeking sustainable solutions, Ortiz and her community turned to the Group to Promote Education and Sustainable Development (Grupedsac), a nonprofit dedicated to teaching indigenous women water management and traditional farming techniques.

Empowering Women Through Education

Grupedsac's approach emphasizes community engagement and knowledge-sharing. They facilitated the construction of a 20,000-liter ferro-cement water tank at the school, employing a communal effort known as tequios, where community members contribute labor for communal projects. This tank collects rainwater, crucial for irrigating the school's crops and reducing reliance on scarce water sources.

Beyond infrastructure, Grupedsac offers comprehensive training programs at their center in Ejutla de Crespo, educating women on efficient water use, composting techniques, and natural water filtration methods. Ortiz and five other women from Xixovo participated in these workshops, equipping them with skills to manage their own 20,000-liter water tanks at home, effectively transforming their farming practices and improving family nutrition.

Transforming Lives and Ensuring Sustainability

For Ortiz, the impact of these initiatives has been profound. The water tank on her property has become a lifeline, enabling her to collect rainwater and store greywater for household use. This sustainable approach not only enhances agricultural productivity but also safeguards against waterborne diseases, ensuring the health and well-being of her family.

As Mexico grapples with its worst drought in over a decade, initiatives led by indigenous women like Agustina Ortiz serve as beacons of resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change. By blending ancestral wisdom with modern practices, these women are not only preserving cultural heritage but also forging sustainable pathways to food security and community resilience.