Bellwork: November 29th

1. What are the red dots in the picture?

2. Why do you think they are there?

Miguel’s story

Miguel is 37 years old and lives in Mexico with his wife and two young children; 7 year old Juan and 4 year old Anna.

Miguel was raised by his grandfather since his father died of disease and his mother died shortly after his younger sister was born.

Miguel grew up helping his grandfather on the family farm. They grew almost everything they needed to survive.

They raised chickens and a few cattle in addition to a garden for fruits and vegetables.

Miguel’s Story

They sold any extra that they could produce.As Miguel grew older and had a family of his

own, he continued farming.The soil in southern Mexico is not very fertile, so

Miguel must constantly irrigate and fertilize his lands. Eventually that gets so expensive that Miguel must find new land.

Miguel has discovered that we he finds cheap, rugged, forested land that no one is using he can burn a few acres and use it for his new farm.

Miguel’s Story

His family must move every few years, but they don’t mind because the crops are so abundant that first year, that his children do not go hungry.

The ashes from the burning actually fertilize the soil so it is very rich for that first planting!

Sometimes, Miguel even has an abundance after that first year and can sell some of his crops for money to pay off some debts.

Miguel’s Story

Sadly, some people in Mexico’s Congress are trying to stop Miguel from doing this.

How can he survive as a farmer if the land won’t grow crops? How will he feed his children?

Pretend you are Miguel and about to write a short letter to your Congressional representative explaining why you should be able to continually purchase new lands to burn and raise his farm.

List as many reasons as you can to keep this practice of farming.

List your reasons under “Pros” on page 5 of Burrito Book.

Reasons for Slash and Burn Agriculture

Pros Provides for families like

Miguel Gives farmers jobs Allows more food to be

grown Fertilizes soil Cheaper food for

Mexicans and USA (NAFTA)

Page 179Burrito Book page 5

Read the “Satellite View” and “Agriculture.”

Slash and burn agriculture is when forests are burned to make room for planting. The ashes from the burn fertilize the soil.

Complete the “Pros” and “Cons” of Slash and Burn Agriculture

Pros Provides for families like

Miguel Gives farmers jobs Allows more food to be

grown Fertilizes soil Cheaper food for

Mexicans and USA (NAFTA)

Cons Deforestation – destroys forests

and animal homes Pollutes air in Mexico and

southern United States Harmful to health of people

nearby Will run out of space one day Risk of fire burning out of

control and damaging homes Discourages crop rotation or

healthy farming practices

Other Mexican farmers’ stories

Miguel is not alone. Many Mexicans make their living by farming.

Read “Economy” Mexico is a developing country.

Turn to page 95 and read the far right paragraph.

“Most of their citizens work in farming or other primary industries. Although these countries have large cities, much of their population lives in rural areas.”

Burrito Book notes – page 5

NAFTA has benefited Mexico. Mexico’s agricultural and industrial exports have increased since NAFTA came into effect in 1994.

Do you think NAFTA has caused “slash and burn” agriculture to increase?

Do you think the Mexican government should outlaw “slash and burn” agriculture?

Political Cartoon

How does the person who created this picture feel about “slash and burn” agriculture?

In conclusion…

Think back to Miguel’s story and other Mexican farmers like him.

Think about the produce brought to us cheaply from Mexico (avocadoes, tomatoes, etc..)

Should the Mexican government outlaw “slash and burn” agriculture?

Write a letter ( ½ page) to a Mexican Congressman explaining your point of view.

When you are through, answer the questions on the screen to help you study for tomorrow’s HW check.