Traditional knowledge in an agroforestry system and perspectives about agroecological practices in Nahua communities

This study documents traditional knowledge tied to the corn-coffee-allspice traditional agroforestry system (TAFS) — locally called Kuojtakiloyan, or "productive forest" in Nahuat — and the perceptions and interests of Nahua communities toward adopting agroecological practices, in Yohualichan and Capola (Cuetzalan del Progreso, Sierra Norte de Puebla, Mexico). Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were applied to a sample of 34 people (from a target population of 70 farmers with at least 10 years' experience) and analysed with descriptive statistics. Of those interviewed, 74% were women, 38% were over 65, all self-identified as Nahua, and 91% reported receiving no government support to maintain the TAFS, which is managed as a family activity on mostly sub-0.5-ha plots. Prominent traditional practices include soil and organic-matter conservation (29%), promoting the diversity of cultivated and tolerated species (26%), and establishing the endemic stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana as a pollinator (9%), alongside natural regeneration via family nurseries, incorporation of organic residues (ash, manure, coffee pulp) and leaf-covered terraces. Sixty-five percent knew an agroecological practice; within that group, 42% wished to use organic fertilizers and 41% viewed soil fertility management and conservation as key to sustaining the TAFS. The main anticipated barriers were lack of resources, scarce labour, and climate change effects. The authors conclude that the Nahua worldview centres on the integral functioning of the agroecosystem rather than productivity alone — a vision aligned with agricultural sustainability — with a positive perception of agroecological practices and particular interest in soil fertility and conservation.