Objective:

To analize the contribution of women to the family’s economy through their experiences and agricultural sales strategies at Pedernal, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas.

Methodology:

Qualitative research of ethnographic nature was carried out by applying semistructured interviews to women and participant observation.

Results:

Family agriculture in Pedernal provides food for self-consumption and monetary income through the sale of surplus mainly obtained from backyards managed by women. They sell different products at a regional scale of which we highlight avocado fruits and pigs (piglets); for both products they have got contrasting and complementary sales strategies inside and outside the locality, addressed to obtain the highest possible profit and to minimize the risk of loss. However, prices neither meet production costs nor consider women’s care work.

Limitations:

The exploratory and qualitative nature of this research does not allow to deepen aspects such as the quantification of investments, returns, and the value of care work.

Conclusions:

The sale of women's agricultural and livestock production generates an additional income to meet daily subsistence needs, and contributes to diversity of regional creole varieties.

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