Suchergebnisse

ABSTRACT Objective: To gather some knowledge on maize landraces evolution within Juchitepec municipality, as well as describe and analyze those strategies carried out by peasant families in its use and conservation. Design/methodology/approach: A survey on 20 farmers from Juchitepec municipality was carried out, they were randomly sampled from "Producción para el bienestar" state program beneficiaries list. Additionally, a series of key informants semi-structured interviews were taken prior to the survey in order to address the main topics of importance in relation to maize within the region. Results: The studied population presented an advanced age (=61), nonetheless some young farmers has an important role within their production units. 75% own less than 6 Ha, mostly on ejido land. 89% maintains maize landraces cultivation. This task is achieved through adapting their practices and knowledge to specific conditions on cropfields. Some adjustments are made i.e.: changing sowing date, using different varieties or species, alternating crop fields. 17% grows hybrid maize varieties. Two native introduced landraces were identified, Ancho y Cacahuacintle, as a way of improving farmers' income. Some practices like the "de dos" cultivation are suffering changes as a result of machinery and economic resources availability. 100% of farmers use chemical fertilizers and herbicides. Commercialization of corn husk is an important economic activity. Seed exchange is frecuent, commonly between same community members. Ozumba market represents an important commercialization channel for native maize. Government settled prices for maize in 2019 weren´t high enough for native maize. Juchitepec farmers don´t get organized for maize production purposes. 65% consider themselves campesinos. Limitations on study/implications: Local agrarian system studies focused on peasant strategies should consider changes in behavior of peasants under different circumstances in order to better understand its adaptability. Findings/conclusions: Native maize survives within Juchitepec region sustained by peasants through knowledge and strategies applied on the reproduction and recreation of this varieties. Peasant strategies strengthen native maize conservation. Keywords: in situ conservation, plant genetic resources, traditional knowledge ; Objective: To determine the evolution that native corn has had in the municipality of Juchitepec, as well as to describe and analyze the strategies that peasants families are currently implementing for its use and conservation. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was carried out with 20 peasants in the municipality of Juchitepec, chosen from a random sample obtained from the register of the Producción para el Bienestar program. Additionally, a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants, in order to identify the most important issues around corn in the region. Results: An elderly population was found (=61), but with some young people working decisively in its production units. Seventy-five percent own less than 6 ha, mostly communal land property. Eighty-nine percent of the farmers interviewed continue to grow native corn. They achieve this by adapting their practices and knowledge to the soil and climate conditions of their plots, modifying, for example, the sowing date, the variety or species cultivated, and the place of cultivation. Seventeen percent grow hybrid corn. Two native varieties have recently been introduced as a strategy to obtain greater profitability: ancho and cacahuacintle. Some practices are being modified based on the equipment and the economic resources available, such as the "de dos" labor that only 50% of the farmers carry out. Eighty percent do not have agricultural equipment. The use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides is widespread. The sale of corn husks is an economically important activity. Peasants frequently exchange seeds, usually with other members of their own community. The Ozumba market represents a vitally important marketing channel for native corn. The guaranteed prices established in 2019 were low for this type of corn. Peasants are not formally organized for corn cultivation. Sixty-five percent consider themselves peasants. Study limitations/implications: The study of local agrarian systems with a focus on peasant strategies should contemplate acting under different circumstances, preferably in several work cycles, to better understand their adaptability. Findings/conclusions: Native corn survives in the region, preserved in a socio-productive system based on peasant knowledges, strategies and socio-technical practices that enable its reproduction and recreation. Peasant strategies for the cultivation and use of these corns strengthen their conservation.