Solidarity networks of production and consumption: an experience of linking UIEM and peasants of the northwest of the State of Mexico, Mexico

Abstract

As an educational model, the Intercultural University of the State of Mexico (UIEM) has as its
substantive task the relationship with the community; with the aim of promoting the sustainable
development of communities of influence. The UIEM, through its agency of sustainable development,
students, and teachers develop projects of production and commercialization of food
free of pesticides. The projects are developed with the active participation of peasants of the
Mazahua and Otomí ethnic groups in the northwest region of the State of Mexico, Mexico. The
experience is documented from participative planning of vegetable production, production of
staple foods through the agro-ecological system Intercroped Milpa with Fruit Trees (MIAF) until
commercialization. The construction of these networks of solidarity is strengthened with concrete
processes such as the formation of university tianguis, university cafeteria and weekly
distribution of a food basket.