Mexican farmers protest against water-intensive avocado farming
As a severe drought persists, local farmers in Michoacán, Mexico, are clashing with avocado orchards over the drastic depletion of their water sources.
Armando Solís reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Farmers are dismantling illegal water systems in avocado orchards to combat local water shortages in Villa Madero, a small hamlet in Michoacán, México.
- Last year, México received half the amount of rainfall it usually gets, making water a sought-after resource.
- The conflict is heightened by the involvement of drug cartels in the avocado trade, posing significant dangers to activists.
- Authorities are slowly responding as community members take drastic measures to reclaim water resources.
Key quote:
"In the last 10 years, the streams, the springs, the rivers have been drying up and the water has been captured, mainly to be used for avocados and berries. There are hamlets in the lower part of the township that no longer have water."
— Julio Santoyo, local activist.
Why this matters:
The situation in Michoacán illustrates a critical intersection of environmental degradation, local livelihoods, and corporate and criminal interests.
Extreme weather and temperature swings are estimated to cut major crop production by 23% over the next 30 years, scientists warn.
