Abstract

IRETA-PAREDES, Arely R.; PEREZ-HERNANDEZ, Ponciano; BAUTISTA-ORTEGA, Jaime  and  ROSAS-HERRERA, E. Lizeth. Value network analysis of chihua squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber) in Campeche, Mexico. Agrociencia [online]. 2018, vol.52, n.1, pp.151-167. ISSN 2521-9766.

In Campeche, México, the annual mean growth rate of chihua squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber) was 28 % and its cultivation went from 3 200 to 12 000 ha from 2009 to 2014. The sale of the washed and dried seed domestically is done in retail and through middle men, and there are no other mechanisms for regional or national commercialization of the seed. The objective of this study was to analyze the value network of the chihua squash, to understand its members and to identify the problems it faces, in order to contribute to improve the income of producers and the strategies to position it in the regional and national market. The localities of Santo Domingo Kesté and Hool were chosen for their chihua squash production. The focus of value network was used, which is a form of organization of a specialized productive system in a common activity, characterized by the territorial concentration of its economic actors and from other institutions, with the development of economic and non-economic links that contribute to the creation of wealth for its members and their territory. Forty semi-structured interviews were applied to obtain the scope of the chihua squash in Campeche. Production costs were obtained with producers’ panels, and the profitability of the squash was evaluated; it was profitable in both study localities. In the value network, the actors who are producers and also clients stood out, as in Santo Domingo Kesté. With the value chain, the incipient integration of the actors who participate in the production process of the chihua squash seed was observed, although with great economic and productive potential in Campeche.

Keywords : production costs; chihua squash; producers’ panels; relay crops.

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