Variations of the agroecological potential of Moringa oleifera Lam., in the presence of climate change scenarios in Veracruz, Mexico

Objective: This research aimed to identify the area variations with agroecological potential for Moringa oleifera Lam. cultivation (Moringa), derived from the effects of climate change at the near horizon of 2039 in the State of Veracruz, Mexico.Methodology: The current climatic agroecological potential layers for the state of Veracruz were used, and a general circulation model (MGC) HADGEM2-ES for the RCP8.5 scenario projected to the near future 2039, with five categories: Very High, High, Medium, Low and Very, Low potential.Results: An area with a Very High category of 1,057,415 hectares (ha) was identified, which, corresponds to an expansion of 4.9% with respect to the current size. determining that climate change favors the cultivation of Moringa in three sizes of the State. The most significant variation with an increase in the Very high category (115.58%) was identified in the south of the Veracruz state, followed by the central size (110.17%). The greatest decrease (-4.53%) occurred in the north of the entity.Limitations on study: Only the regions with Very High potential were identified without considering those with High, Medium, Low, and Very Low agroecological potential.Conclusions: The projections under climate change conditions to the horizon of 2039 highlight the expansion of regions with Very High potential in 19% of the Veracruz territory for the cultivation of the species.Objective: This research aimed to identify variations in areas with agroecological potential for Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringa) cultivation, derived from the effects of climate change to the near horizon of 2039 in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The future scenario considered the current agroecological potential in the State and the general circulation model (GCM) HADGEM2-ES for the RCP8.5 scenario projected to the near future, 2039, with five categories: Very High, High, Medium, Low, and Very Low potential. Results: An area with a Very High category of 1,057,415 hectares (ha) was identified, which corresponds to an expansion of 4.9% with respect to the current size. It was determined that climate change favors the cultivation of Moringa in three areas of the state. The most significant variation with an increase in the Very High category (115.58%) was identified in southern Veracruz, followed by the central area (110.17%). The greatest decrease (-4.53%) occurred in the north of the state. Limitations on study/implications: Only the regions with Very High potential were identified, without considering those with High, Medium, Low, and Very Low agroecological potential. Findings/conclusions: The projections under climate change conditions to the horizon of 2039 highlight the expansion of regions with Very High potential for cultivating the species in 19% of the Veracruz territory

Sustainability of Four Agroecosystems in the State of Veracruz, Mexico

ABSTRACT Objective. Evaluate the sustainability of four agroecosystems in the state of Veracruz, sugarcane, grain corn, orange and moringa. Methodology. Semi-structured interviews were applied to 19 producers who provided information on the management of the crops and critical points affecting sustainability. The indicators were pondered using the Bottom up criteria and the PER model. Results. The crop with the highest sustainability was moringa, and the one with the least was corn. Conventional crops are characterized by being monocultures demanding large amounts of non-renewable external inputs that compromise their sustainability. The lack of technical training of the producers was identified as a critical point. Limitations. The results obtained are limited to the analysis of four production systems and their environmental, economic and social dimensions. Findings. Moringa is presented as an alternative crop with a low environmental impact that generates jobs and strengthens social capital.  Objective: To evaluate the sustainability of four agroecosystems in the state ofVeracruz, Mexico: sugarcane, maize grain, orange and moringa.Design/Methodology/Approach: Producers that provided information about thecrops’ management were located. Semi-structured interviews were conducted toidentify critical points affecting sustainability, and the indicators were weighted usingthe bottom-up criterion and the PSR model.Results: The most sustainable crop was moringa, and the least sustainable wasmaize for grain. Conventional crops are characterized by being monocultureplantations and demanding large amounts of non-renewable external inputs thatundermine their sustainability. Lack of technical training for producers was identifiedas a critical point.Study Limitations/Implications: The results obtained are limited to the analysis offour production systems and their environmental, social and economic dimensions.Findings/Conclusions: Moringa is presented as an alternative crop with lowenvironmental impact that generates employment and strengthens social capital