Abstract

BAUTISTA, Juan Antonio  and  RAMIREZ JUAREZ, Javier. Agriculture and diversification of productive activities or small producers in the agave region of mezcal, Oaxaca, Mexico. Agric. Téc. Méx [online]. 2008, vol.34, n.4, pp.443-451. ISSN 0568-2517.

This study analize agricultural systems on slopes and valleys mezcalero agave Angustifolia Haw (A.Haw) in the región of mezcal from Oaxaca. To identify the role of agriculture in the social reproduction of the groups domestic farmers, especially in the formation of income in poor conditions and multiple j obs. It is argued that the rural environment in Oaxaca, agriculture and its multifunctional contribute to the domestic reproduction groups, to obtain food and income generation and employment. In the period 2001 to 2005, the survey was conducted by selecting on the basis of their socio-economic importance in the production of agave mezcalero representing three communities: Matatlán Tlacolula, Camarón Yautepec and San Agustín Amatengo Ejutla, Oaxaca, respectively. Of the community standards of these communities, was obtained by chance a random sample consisting of 100 producers of agave, to which we applied a survey to obtain information concerning production systems and agave mezcalero total revenue and agricultural products derived from its various productive activities that develop. The main variables were analized total income, agricultural income and agricultural area. Agriculture in the region of mezcal, sustained in the production of agave and in small production units, does not allow for the domestic reproduction of UDC. The members this UDC amount of economic activities including agriculture and non-agricultural activities for their reproduction, especially international migration, which dominate the formation of the overall revenues. This condition does not necessarily mean the disruption of agricultural activities, but on the contrary is refuncionalizada by the transfer of resources through remittances, in terms of demand for agave tequila-producing companies, expanding production. This shows the integration of economic activities performed by the UDC, and no opposition between them. The UDC uses and value their resources in an integrated manner in line with its socio-economic reproduction.

Keywords : agave mezcalero; diversification of productive activities; multifunctionality of agriculture.

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