Abstract

OSORIO-GARCIA, Nemesio et al. Maize production and pluriactivity in peasants in the Valley of Puebla, Mexico. Nova scientia [online]. 2015, vol.7, n.14, pp.577-600. ISSN 2007-0705.

The main activity of peasants of Puebla Valley is maize production, however, they do other agricultural and no agricultural activities to satisfy their family needs. The objective of this research was to analyze the current situation of maize production and its relationship with Puebla Valley peasants' pluriactivity, and to define what agents are determining it. A statistical survey was applied to 111 farmers randomly chosen. Results showed that farmers are smallholders, and with low educational level. All of them are maize producers, by using mainly landraces (98.2 %). Maize production was for family consumption, animal feeding, and in fewer amounts for selling. 41.4 % of interviewed carried out other activities out of their farm, which joined to farm extension surface determined the level of other agricultural activities. The most important factor that determined pluriactivity was peasants' educational level.

Keywords : Traditional agriculture; rainfed agriculture; rural families; peasant welfare.