Urban agriculture in the metropolitan zone of Mexico City: changes over time in urban, suburban and peri-urban areas

This paper describes the scale and nature of agricultural production in urban, suburban and peri-urban zones of Mexico City and how these have adapted to the changing demands from urban populations for food, wood and recreation. It also demonstrates how agricultural producers have successfully adapted their products and their production methods, including building on traditional production systems, despite the environmental deterioration brought about by urban development and the lack of support from government. These agricultural producers have also devised new ways of using degraded land and large volumes of waste. The authors also describe how appropriate support for this diverse production brings many ecological advantages and supports a great range of jobs – but also implies important changes in the ways in which city authorities manage urban expansion.