Socio-cultural and environmental benefits from familiar orchards, in semirural localities at central highlands of Mexico

The aim of the study was to analyze the sociocultural and environmental perception of agro ecosystems with familiar orchard (AEFO) owners, in semirural localities at ecological transition zone of the State of Mexico. Methodology includes four steps: Geographic characterization of localities and AEFO; 2) Analysis of social benefits that orchards provide; and 3) Analysis of the influence that AEFO has over familiar life quality. The investigation was realized at twelve localities in three municipalities of the State of Mexico, mean bye structured and semi structured interviews, accomplished with on field direct observation Familiar orchards provide to families multiple social, environmental, ecologic, economic and cultural benefits; they contribute to have medicinal, condiments, ornamental, even ceremonial plants; for familiar consumption, sales or exchanges. These spaces are also managed for small scale domestic animals nourishment, to obtain fuel material, raw material for construction and fences for protection. Therefore, familiar orchards are considered important agro ecosystems at semirural localities, that function mean bye complex relations between all their components. The sociocultural and environmental benefits provided by these multifunctional productive agro systems, may become an important strategy of social cohesion and alimentary security for rural families, and at same time, one way to preserve the regional natural resources