MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AND FOOD SECURITY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CALPAN, PUEBLA-MEXICO

Abstract

In this study the contributions of maize (Zea mays L.) to food security were analyzed, as well as the strategies used by grain producers to be supplied in the municipality of Calpan, Puebla, México. A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 110 families and the Food Security Index was calculated on maize. The results indicate that land availability (1.7 ha) allows guaranteeing access to maize; however, 61 % of the families have food security, with a production volume of 170,750 kg that allows them to gain access to slightly over 500 kg of maize per capita. Peasant pluriactivity as a reaction strategy to face crises shows a decrease in the unitary maize yields of the families that practice it in economic areas not related to the primary sector, placing at risk their autonomy and maize supply. Of these families, 39 % suffer food insecurity with a deficit of 144 kg of maize per person per year, which they must buy and be at the expense of high market prices and work instability.