Abstract

DAMIAN HUATO, Miguel Ángel et al. Appropiation of technology by maize growers in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. Agric. Téc. Méx [online]. 2007, vol.33, n.2, pp.163-173. ISSN 0568-2517.

Correctly applied, the technology available for maize production can increase yield. The objective of this research was to develop a methodology for evaluating and identifying the main factors that restrict the use and the proper application of the technology recommended by Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) for maize production in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. In august 2002, a survey was carried out throughout the 60 counties of the state on 18 84 maize growers randomly chosen, in order to know their agronomic practices and economic and sociological status of their families and communities. A technology appropriation index was constructed with a scale from 0 to 100 units, in which 0 corresponded to the growers with no use of the recommended technology at all and 100 to those that use it all and do applied it properly. With the data from the survey, the maize growers were classified as of : very low, low, medium, high and very high appropriation level. The results showed that 73% of the farmers were at the low appropriation level and only 1.5% at the high level. A direct relationship between the appropriation level and yield was found; however, only one third of the available technology was used. The main factors that restrict the use of technology and its proper application were: restricted access to the production elements, relevance of traditional practices, complementary activities, low income, migration and lack of technical assistance. The technology appropriation concept, the appropriation index and the typology of the farmers as an analysis tool, articulated the methodological sequence utilized in this research.

Keywords : Zea maiz L.; appropriation of technology; innovation; farmer's typology.

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