Epistemic Description of The Fruit Tree-Based Intercropped Milpa System (MIAF) in Veracruz, Mexico

The Fruit Tree-Based Intercropped Milpa System (MIAF) is characterized by its systemic approach, which considers the interactions among the biological, physical, and socioeconomic components of the agroecosystem. The objective of this research was to analyze the MIAF system as a complex productive model, integrating into Rolando García’s theoretical framework of complex systems the agroecological principles underlying its design, as well as its conceptualization from complexity sciences and contemporary soil science theories. An information search was conducted, consisting of a state-of-the-art analysis and bibliometric maps of Complex Agrarian Systems (CAS) and the MIAF concept using the Scopus platform and VOSviewer. A total of 591 documents were found for the concept of Complex Agrarian System, and 53 for MIAF. For the first concept, it was found that it has been used from 1974 to 2024, primarily in 10 countries, with 65.5% being scientific articles and spanning 11 thematic areas. Meanwhile, the second concept has been used from 1985 to 2025 in 10 countries, with 90.6% being scientific articles and covering 11 thematic areas. Eighteen philosophers and 66 theories dating back to 1900, inherent to the Galilean tradition and focused on the MIAF system, were identified. Additionally, five concepts that have surpassed agroecology in contemporary discourse were identified and described. It is concluded that MIAF stands as a successful agroecological model by integrating traditional knowledge and technical innovation, enhancing biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience. Its study, framed within Rolando García’s and Bertalanffy’s complex systems theories, reveals that its sustainability depends on biological, physical, and socioeconomic interactions. Bibliometric analyses highlight a gap between the concepts of “Complex Agrarian System” and “MIAF,” pointing to opportunities for future research linking them. Therefore, INIFAP continues to advance its research while adopting the CAS framework to strengthen MIAF implementation, as this system not only represents an agroecological solution but also a practical example of the adaptability of systemic theories in sustainable agriculture.