INDEV 617 - Field Course in Xalapa, Mexico
Reading Week February 17 - 21, 2020, Masters of Development Practice (MDP) students, along with some Masters of Economic Development (MEDI) students, had the opportunity to enroll in INDEV 617 - "Field Course" and spend the week in Mexico where they increased their knowledge about food systems and the mountains of Xalapa in Veracruz State.
The group visited different projects that focussed on developing clean and sustainable food chains for people in the region. Using ancestral indigenous practices incorporated with their actual food necessities to enhance nutrition and at the same time protect the forest and their mountains from pollution and erosion.
The students also had the opportunity to visit a beautiful project that aims to protect the foggy forest from deforestation while enhancing sustainable food production named "Las Canadas." Part of the trip was dedicated to visiting the community of La Mancha, where a cooperative of agricultural, fishery and other people gather together to protect the river basin against a mining company that threatens the area. They have developed an ecological and touristic project where the group had the opportunity to visit el Golfo de Mexico and its majestic views.
The students were also invited to enjoyed a full day in Mexico city, full of cultural manifestations visiting different markets and enjoying the warm and kind Mexican culture. MDP Alumni 2019, Mariana Sanchez, was the guide and organizer for this fantastic trip and the students were very thankful to learn about food, agriculture, sustainability and community development that will be a great enhancement for future MDP practitioner's career.