Abstract

MARTINEZ VALDES, Martin Gerardo et al. The biological diversity of backyards: their use in food and family health in Chiapas and Tabasco, Mexico. Acta univ [online]. 2023, vol.33, e3578.  Epub Aug 14, 2023. ISSN 2007-9621.  https://doi.org/10.15174/au.2023.3578.

Food security is the availability, access, use, and stability of food in support of health and nutrition, which contributes to meeting the needs of individuals and social groups. The objective of this research was to determine the diversity of backyard plant and animal species and their contribution to family maintenance in communities of Chiapas and Tabasco. To this end, 180 producers in 50 communities of Chiapas and Tabasco were surveyed. Results show that the most important ornamentals were chives, tulips, and roses (Fr = 15.8%, 14.0%, 11.4%, respectively); the medicinal plants found were purple maguey, aloe vera, basil, and oregano (UST is 46.1%, 28.9%, 26.7%, 18.9%); and the fruit trees with the highest value were citrus, mango, banana, and avocado (Fr = 22.1%, 17.2%, 10.7%, 6.1%). Moreover, birds appeared to be more present because they are a source of protein and income. It is concluded that the biological diversity represented in backyards contributes to food security in the dimensions of access, use, and availability.

Keywords : Food; family farming; food security.

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