Kuojtakiloyan facts for kids
Kuojtakiloyan is a special word from the Masehual people. It means 'useful forest' or 'forest that produces'. It describes a unique way of farming called an agroforestry system. This system was created and is cared for by the native people of the Sierra Norte mountains in the State of Puebla, Mexico.
This 'useful forest' has become a very important source of things for the local people. It provides food, medicinal plants, wood for fires, and even flowers. But it's more than just a farm; it's a way of using the land that helps nature. It keeps many different plants and animals safe, protecting the area's biodiversity. The idea of Kuojtakiloyan comes from the old knowledge of the Nahua and Totonaku people about their natural world. Even though many people in Mexico don't know about it, many farming experts around the world see it as a great example of sustainable farming that helps the environment and is done by the whole community.
What Grows in Kuojtakiloyan?
Kuojtakiloyan is like a mini-jungle where many different plants grow together. This is called a polyculture. Farmers grow fruits like avocados, sweet potatoes, cinnamon, black cherries, chalahuits (a type of Inga tree), citrus fruits, gourds, macadamia nuts, mangoes, bananas, and sapotes.
Besides these, they also gather many kinds of wild edible mushrooms and herbs called quelites. They plant jonote trees because their strong fibers are used to make baskets. Fast-growing bamboo is also planted to build small cabins and other structures.
Shade Coffee and Bees
Along with the 'useful forest', farmers also grow shade coffee. In Spanish, this is called café bajo sombra, and in Masehual, it's kafentaj. Growing coffee in the shade is very important for getting high-quality coffee beans.
The local people also help a special type of stingless bee called pisilnekemej to thrive. They plant flowers that these bees love to pollinate. From these bees, they collect honey, pollen, wax, and propolis, which are all very useful.
See also
In Spanish: Kuojtakiloyan para niños
