Characterization of production and commercialization systems of camedor palm (Chamaedorea elegans Mart.).

Resumen

Objective: To describe the cultivation systems of C. elegans through the analysis of production and commercialization in three municipalities in the high mountain region of Veracruz, Mexico.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in Tepatlaxco, Zongolica, and Omealca, Veracruz, Mexico. From January to July 2022, a survey was administered to 84 producers of Camedor palm using convenience sampling. In addition, interviews with key informants and participant observation were conducted.

Results: Camedor palm production occurs in small production units ranging from 1 ± 0.05 to 7.0 hectares, primarily managed by male producers (93%) with an average age of 48 years and 6 years of schooling. Planting densities range from 35,000 to 100,000 plants per hectare, and leaf cutting is conducted on a quarterly basis, yielding between 1000 to 3700 rolls per hectare at an average price of $14.00 Mexican pesos per roll paid to the producer. Prior to cultivating Camedor palm, 56% of producers were growing coffee. The main driving factor for cultivation is the steady generation of income.

Limitations/Implications: This is a specific case study; therefore, the results are limited to descriptive statements about the study area.  

Findings/Conclusions: Producers utilize non-timber forest products as alternatives to crises in other crops and investment constraints within production units. The production of C. elegans is accessible, requires low investment, and is compatible with family farming. However, yields in some cases are low, and the marketing network shows high intermediation.