Empowering Family Farming Through Participatory Mapping, Land Suitability Analysis and Sustainable Practices

Abstract

This study integrated participatory mapping methods and land suitability analysis to address sustainability challenges in family farming in Guerrero, Mexico. Through workshops with farmers, we identified the types of family farming and their problems, such as pests, diseases, low productivity, land degradation, and lack of resources. The solutions proposed include value‐added projects, better financing, and improved farmer organization. A land suitability analysis for cacao, coffee, maize, and mango revealed that these crops are often grown in low or medium‐suitability areas, causing degradation and low profitability. Significant associations between land suitability and farming types were found. Farmers agreed on the utility of relocating or switching crops based on suitability results. This study provides essential insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to develop strategies for transitioning family farming toward sustainability. The research ensured its findings were grounded in local knowledge by directly involving farmers. The participatory framework empowered farmers as co‐creators, enhancing the relevance and feasibility of proposed interventions. The study provided actionable insights bridging science, policy, and practice. Its scalable methodology offers a valuable model for addressing similar global challenges in marginalized regions.