TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRESERVATION OF AGRODIVERSITY. THE CASES OF LA TRINIDAD, MEXICO AND KOKONUCO, COLOMBIA

Abstract

Background: traditional knowledge embedded in the memory of communities and related practices gradually are disappearing. Objective: this study analyzes agents and ways of communication of traditional agroecological practices applied to agrodiversity preservation in two territories: La Trinidad, Mexico, and; Kokonuko Indigenous Reserve, Colombia. Methodology: through applying participatory methodologies and a comparative analysis of both contexts, this study was carried out. Results: knowledge and practices are communicated locally through orality and praxis at the family and community-scale; however, they are despairing. Implications: in communities studied, young people's migration threatens the preservation and daily knowledge practice. Conclusions: in both communities, women are fundamental agents in the communication of this knowledge. In Colombia, the Custodios de Semilla group promotes seed recovery, exchange, and conservation initiatives, hence the greater agrodiversity and applied practices compared to Mexico.