Abstract

ARIAS-YERO, lliana; GUEVARA-HERNANDEZ, Francisco; O-ARIAS, Manuel Alejandro La  and  CADENA-INIGUEZ, Pedro. Typological characterization of the maize producing families from la Frailesca, Chiapas. CienciaUAT [online]. 2022, vol.16, n.2, pp.155-171.  Epub May 16, 2022. ISSN 2007-7858.  https://doi.org/10.29059/cienciauat.v16i2.1525.

The Family Production Units (FPU) are made up of natural, physical, financial, human and social capital. The last two constitute the basis for the functioning of the rest of the capitals and of the production unit. In Mexico, Chiapas and La Frailesca, the production of corn, and particularly local corn, has cultural, agronomic, and economic value. The objective of this research was to characterize the UPF that cultivate local corn, in the Frailesca region of the State of Chiapas, on the cultural basis of the management of human and social capital. 80 UPF from 20 communities were studied, selected through network sampling. The Sustainable Livelihoods approach was used as a frame of reference. Semi-structured interviews were applied, and participant observations were made. In the predominant study in nuclear families with elderly leaders predominated. Young people do not prioritize the conservation of local corn, but rather more profitable activities such as livestock, hybrid corn and coffee. There is an excessive use of agrochemicals that affects soil, water and biodiversity resources. Six types of UPF were distinguished according to their human and social capital. The third category (G3) shows a better balance between human and social capital due to their family involvement, standingout among those with more experience in growing local corn and having stronger local relationships. It is concluded that the UPF present characteristics that foster or impair the preservation of local corn such as generational continuity, the deterioration of the natural resources that sustain the cultivation through the fusion of traditional and modern practices and dependence on external resources.

Keywords : human capital; social capital; local maize; livelihoods; sustainability.