SOCIOECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF HOME GARDENS IN THREE RURAL COMMUNITIES OF CAMPECHE

Abstract

Objetive: Identify the socioeconomic importance that the rural families of the communities of Santo Domingo Kesté, Sihochac and Tixmucuy, Campeche, Mexico give to the home gardens.Desing/methodology/approach: A case study was conducted through the interview technique. The composition of the orchards, socioeconomic aspects and importance that the rural families grant to the orchards was evaluated. Analysis of variance, Poisson regression, Tukey tests and generalized likelihood ratio were performed with a confidence level of 5%.Results: The highest level of education was found for Sihochac residents (11.0±3.7 years). 100% of the people of Santo Domingo Kesté come from Guatemala and the time dedicated to the family garden is greater (2.9±1.7 h). The number of vegetable, animal and ornamental species is higher (17.0±0.5, 15.0±1.6, 200.0±1.1, respectively) in orchards of Santo Domingo Kesté. The importance that families give to the garden is economic, environmental, nutritional and aesthetic.Study limitations/implications: The benefits provided by home gardens in these communities help to improve the food security of its inhabitants, preserve diversity and provide environmental services. However, as the communities are closer to the poles of development, the importance they are given is lower.Findings/conclusions: The importance that the families of the communities of Santo Domingo Kesté, Sihochac and Tixmucuy Campeche give to the home garden is economic, environmental, nutritional and aesthetic. The homes gardens of Santo Domingo Kesté and Sihochac are the most diversified.