Women of Mexico Revive Ancient Tradition to Combat Life-threatening Conditions: ‘It Literally Changed My Life’
In the drought-prone mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, indigenous women are drawing on ancestral knowledge to combat water scarcity and sustain their communities.
As detailed in a story by the BBC, Agustina Ortiz returned to her Zapotec community of Xixovo in 2010 after a decade in the U.S., only to find a harsher climate and dwindling resources.
With unpredictable rainfall and severe droughts, traditional farming had become a struggle. The region suffered one of its worst droughts in 2015, affecting 80% of Oaxaca’s territory, according to the BBC. Today, Mexico faces critical water shortages, with Oaxaca among the hardest-hit areas.
Ortiz, alongside other women, sought solutions to safeguard their livelihoods. In 2019, they began working with Grupedsac, a non-profit focused on sustainable development.
Grupedsac introduced techniques rooted in indigenous practices, such as building ferrocement water tanks to collect rainwater. These tanks, constructed with community participation, provide water for irrigation, cooking, and hygiene.
The women also participated in workshops focused on drought-resistant agriculture. They learned to grow native crops, such as beans, corn, and squash, that have been cultivated by Zapotec communities for centuries. In addition, they built biofilters and composting toilets to help conserve water while improving sanitation.
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