Objective:

Determine the participation of women producers and identify their challenges and opportunities in the totopo value chain in Santa María Xadani and clayuda in San Antonio de la Cal, Oaxaca, from a gender perspective.

Methodology:

A mixed method was used. A questionnaire was administered to 136 producers using the face-to-face technique and participant observation. The data were analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis, K-means and costing of revenue and profit.

Results:

Findings reveal opportunities such as governmental support and value addition. Supply, market, socio-cultural, access to information and financing challenges influence the profitability of the segments and lock their activities into subsistence businesses.

Limitations:

Restrictions on field work due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Questions in Zapotec language were set up.

Conclusions:

The challenges encountered limit entrepreneurship and displace women from the most profitable links in the totopo and clayuda value chain. Finally, women's participation in agrifood systems contributes to rural development, inclusion, equity, and sustainability.

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