Authors : H. Francisco Guevara, R. Roberto R. Coutino, N. Ramiro E. Ruiz, M. Antonio Gutierrez, A. Franklin B. Martinez, G. Jose Galdamez, R. Rodrigo del C. Gutierrez, P. Santiago Mendoza, J. Carlos E. Aguilar and L. Luis A. Rodriguez
Abstract: This study, presents a systematization of traditional knowledge regarding grower indicators for local marketing of chayote (Sechium edule Jacq. Swartz) in rural areas of the municipalities Villaflores and Villacorzo, Chiapas, Mexico through socio-anthropological analysis based on ethno-agronomy and ethno-botany. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 growers selected through an ethno-botanical exploration in each municipality, indicators regarding the local chayote marketing were identified. Chayote production is shown to provide a significant source of income for rural families of Villaflores and Villacorzo, 64% of growers of both municipalities directly market their harvest (without intermediaries) and 32% sell in local markets. Total 69% sell their products directly, the remaining growers turn to the informal selling places (streets). The 65% of growers of both municipalities set the prices of their product and 58% consume the excess product. Nevertheless, despite the demand and the commercial value of chayote in the municipalities studied, 55% of growers lack information to provide value added to their product, for example regarding form of presentation in the local market.
H. Francisco Guevara, R. Roberto R. Coutino, N. Ramiro E. Ruiz, M. Antonio Gutierrez, A. Franklin B. Martinez, G. Jose Galdamez, R. Rodrigo del C. Gutierrez, P. Santiago Mendoza, J. Carlos E. Aguilar and L. Luis A. Rodriguez, 2013. Local Knowledge on the Chayote (Sechium edule Jacq. Swartz) Marketing in Rural Communities of Chiapas, Mexico. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 8: 221-226.