Back in the 14th century, when the Aztecs established their settlement of Tenochtitlán in what is now Mexico City, they encountered a challenging landscape of lakes and bogs. In response, they created an innovative system known as chinampas to adapt to their surroundings.
Research has shown that chinampa farms in the 16th century could produce far more crops than traditional dry-land farming, making them a highly productive agricultural system supporting a large population. Today, farmers like Paiz continue to benefit from this ancient method, yielding a variety of vegetables that are sold in local markets.
The efficiency of chinampas in water usage and crop production has made them an essential aspect of modern urban farming, particularly in areas facing water shortages like Mexico City. Lessons learned from the chinampas could potentially help address water scarcity issues in cities globally, as highlighted in reports like the UN World Water Development 2024 Report.
Chinampas also contribute to biodiversity conservation, with Mexico’s wetlands ecosystem hosting a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity, including endangered species like the axolotl. In addition to their environmental benefits, chinampas provide recreational opportunities, cultural significance, and economic benefits for farmers and local communities.
