Sustainability of Four Agroecosystems in the State of Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract
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.