Abstract

PARRA-SOSA, Brenda; MARTINEZ-CORONA, Beatriz; HERRERA-CABRERA, Edgar  and  FERNANDEZ-CRISPIN, Antonio. Peasant reproduction, natural resources and gender in a peasant community in Puebla, México. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2007, vol.4, n.1, pp.53-67. ISSN 1870-5472.

Men and women fulfill different functions in the reproduction of their domestic groups (DG) and in access, use and management of natural resources to face limitations frequently imposed by the socio-economic system and the natural environment. This essay presents results of research conducted in San Antonio Juárez, Municipality of Tzicatlayocan, Puebla, where use and management of natural resources were analyzed, as well as the reproduction strategies that the inhabitants develop differentially by gender. The methodology used included applying a survey, performing in-depth interviews and participant observation. The main reproduction strategies identified are production of crafts made of palm, Mexican bamboo and giant reed, commercialized in traditional markets, agricultural activities associated to a system of soil conservation with the construction of terraces or parapets for the cultivation of basic foods, extensive small-scale cattle production, production and sale of barbecued meat, and collection and sale of forest resources such as firewood and medicinal plants, all of them activities where a clear gender division of labor is observed.

Keywords : Reproduction strategies; gender; crafts production; natural resources.