PRODUCTION OF VEGETABLES UNDER FIELD SCHOOLS TO OVERCOME POVERTY

Abstract

Objective: Increase the diversity of species and yield in vegetable gardens to contribute to overcoming poverty in the town of Tlalcozotitlán, Copalillo, Guerrero.
Design/methodology/approximation: The study was carried out with 30 families represented by a member belonging to the organization “El Copalito”, from the town of Tlalcozotitlán, Copalillo, Guerrero. The work was carried out through the Participatory-Action-Research (IAP), which corresponded to the approach and knowledge of the study area; the design and establishment of the plot-school of vegetables, through agroecological management; the development of capacities through the Field Schools (ECAs). The variables were the diversity and production of species in vegetable gardens, sale and economic income for families.
Results: On average, the farmers plant 2.3 species of vegetables per family, but there are families that grow up to seven species: chile criollo, tomato, pápalo, miltomate, chipile, quelites and huanzontle, obtaining a total yield of 1 kg m^-2 through conventional management, one income per day of $ 81.26. In the plot-school of vegetables were implemented ten agroecological innovations and increased to 5 species, however, there were producers who planted 16 species with average yield of 2.2 kg m^-2 that corresponds 120% increase with respect to the baseline; an additional income of $31.20 per day corresponding to 27.74%. There were statistically significant differences in the knowledge and adoption of
technological innovations by the producers-promoters before and after having received the training courses.
Limitations on the study/implications: The result obtained reflects an improvement in family income and contributes to overcoming poverty in the place of study; However, it is necessary to continue spreading agro-ecological technological innovations in order to obtain a better quality product.
Findings/Conclusions: The training, technical assistance and dissemination through the model of Field Schools, has influenced so that the technological innovations developed with the project have been accepted and adopted by the producers in their vegetable gardens.