Situation of agriculture of Mayos and Mestizos in northern Sinaloa, México

Abstract

A mixed study was carried out in the locality of Jahuara II, with the objective of systematizing and comparing environmental, social, cultural and economic information about maize agriculture, which is practiced traditionally by Mayo and Mestizo indigenous farmers. The methodology included documentary review, participant observation, and interviews and surveys with intentional sampling with 53 ejidatarios of 49 to 80 years old. The interpretation of environmental data suggests that the limitations for maize production are scarce rainfall and low temperatures. In sociocultural terms, both groups conserve elements of their identity associated to agricultural knowledge. Technologically, they practice a commercial agriculture and similar in its components; however, Creole maize seed is used more by Mayos, who compared to the Mestizos obtained slightly higher yields both with irrigation and rainfed. Economically, there is a favorable cost/benefit relationship average in both groups of farmers, although the production costs per hectare sown are high in both cases. The Mayos have lost cultivation lands because of socioeconomic reasons, they have ceased to cultivate surfaces of Creole maize, and have abandoned traditional practices. The erosion of knowledge about indigenous agriculture is observed in the possible extinction of the diversity of Creole maize breeds in the region, situation that impacts the biocultural patrimony of the Mayos and Mestizos. It is urgent to assess the ancestral knowledge of agricultural management, whose genetic potential is recognized by the agricultural research centers and which mean a favorable expectation of study to face the regional climate problem.