Case Study
Bolaños, Mexico
A Challenging Landscape
The small town of Bolaños, located in the isolated mountainous region of Jalisco, Mexico, has been home to silver mining since the 1550s. Tucked deep within a valley, the community faces extreme environmental conditions. Temperatures can reach up to 55°C in the spring and drop to -25°C in the winter. Over time, annual flooding has washed away nutrients, leaving the soil dry, dusty, and difficult to cultivate.
Partnerships for good
EcoHuerto, the Guadalajara-based sister organization of The Growing Connection, partnered with Mines & Minerals Mexico to address these challenges.
With a strong commitment to community well-being, the company sought to introduce sustainable, organic food production to local families and schools.
Launching The Garden
In February 2019, the EcoHuerto team installed the first demonstration and training garden at a historic 1700s community centre. The site included 60 Caja growing kits and served as a central space for learning and collaboration.
Following the initial success, a second shipment of Caja containers was prepared for distribution to 11 local families. This marked the next phase of the project, expanding food production beyond the central garden.
Training & engaging the community
Schoolchildren, along with parents and community members, were trained to use the Caja system.
Workshops focused on plant germination, organic pest management, and hands-on gardening techniques.
Future plans include vermiculture systems, a seedling greenhouse, and low-impact flood control strategies to support diverse crop production.
A Replicable Model for Community
Impact
EcoHuerto and Mines & Minerals Mexico envisioned this initiative as a scalable model for corporate-led community development…
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