Evaluation of sustainability attributes of traditional and conventional maize cultivation in peasant agricultural systems of Cuanacaxtitlan, Guerrero

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: Carry out a comparative analysis of the sustainability of the traditional and conventional management systems of corn cultivation in Cuanacaxtitlán.

Design/methodology/approach: For the implementation of the proposal, a mixed methodological approach (qualitative-quantitative) was applied, with a predominance of qualitative research. The evaluation of the sustainability of the 23 peasant corn production systems in Cuanacaxtitlán was carried out based on the Framework for the Evaluation of Management Systems Incorporating MESMIS Sustainability Indicators.

Results: The level of sustainability between both types of agroecosystems does not differ much. Systems with traditional predominance have greater sustainability in the environmental and economic dimension. Systems where conventional management predominates are more sustainable in the social dimension. Average profitability in traditional systems is better due to the benefits of the milpa.

Limitations on study/implications: The fact that family production units do not own their own land is a limiting factor to improve profitability and sustainability in corn production. For this, it is important to distribute land or promote support programs for landless peasant farmers.

Findings/conclusions: In the 23 systems analyzed, critical values were obtained in two environmental indicators, the use of fertilizers and the use of pesticides. It is important to work on improving the use of these inputs.

Keywords: peasant systems, MESMIS, sustainability and agroecology.