Abstract
In the Huasteca region of Mexico, certain food plant species have been neglected due to public policies that have reduced support for family agriculture and favored the commercialization of processed and ultra-processed foods. It is important to identify and characterize these underutilized food plant species in the context of climate change and food and nutritional poverty. A survey was conducted among 45 participants in four rural localities, and field visits were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed thematically and through descriptive statistics. The study area is experiencing a progressive abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society. abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society.
Biography
Dr. Fernando Barrios studied the International Baccalaureate at United World College Costa Rica, graduating in May 2020. He received his Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economy and Theater from The College of Idaho in the United States in May 2024. Fernando was awarded a grant to develop a “Davis Project for Peace” focused on the preservation of indigenous midwives in La Huasteca, Mexico, during the summer of 2024. He has participated in multiple projects in collaboration with Mexican higher education institutions for the conservation of traditional knowledge about underutilized, medicinal, and edible plants. He is currently enrolled in a one-year course on French Studies: Language and Culture at the University of Caen, Normandy.