Participation of women and men in the post-harvest of native corn in rural communities

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the post-harvest practices carried out by women and men for the conservation of native corn in Tlaxcala, identifying the limitations they face during the process. 

Design/methodology/approach: The methodological approach integrated qualitative (participant observation, workshops) and quantitative (questionnaire) methods. A survey was applied to 117 people in two communities.

Results: The post-harvest practices carried out by women and men for the conservation of native corn are very similar in the communities of Tlaxcala; however, there is greater participation of women in activities of shelling, drying, selection and transformation for self-consumption. The knowledge acquired with respect to these practices is a product of the construction of traditional knowledge, and although it has been adapted over time, women and men face various limitations during the process.

Findings/conclusions: Lack of training, implements or new technologies, economic resources, labour, time and physical strength are some limitations that mainly prevent women from being able to carry out proper post-harvest conservation of native corn.