Abstract
BackgroundIn Mexico, the traditional maize cultivation system has resisted intensification attempts for many decades in some areas, even in some well-connected regions of the temperate highlands. We suggest that this is due to economics.MethodsThe total useful biomass of several fields in Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala, are evaluated for productivity and costs.ResultsMaize grain production is low (1.5 t ha-1) and does not cover costs. However, maize stover demands a relatively high price. If it included, a profit is possible (about 110 US $ ha-1). We show that non-crop production (weeds for food and forage) potentially has a higher value than the crop. It is only partially used, as there are constraints on animal husbandry, but it diversifies production and plays a role as a back-up system in case of crop failure.ConclusionThe diversified system described is economically rational under current conditions and labor costs. It is also stable, low-input and ecologically benign, and should be recognized as an important example of integrated agriculture, though some improvements could be investigated.
Highlights
In Mexico, the traditional maize cultivation system has resisted intensification attempts for many decades in some areas, even in some well-connected regions of the temperate highlands
All costs and prices are in Mexican pesos for 2006; the conversion rate to American dollars (US$) varied between 10.50 and 11 pesos/dollar in that year
Commerce with wild plants The interviews show that highly informal channels such as house-to-house sales may be of considerable importance for rural families
Summary
In Mexico, the traditional maize cultivation system has resisted intensification attempts for many decades in some areas, even in some well-connected regions of the temperate highlands. We suggest that this is due to economics. Traditional, small-scale, low-input agriculture is generally considered to have low productivity - both in useful biomass and in monetary value as well as net returns. Traditional practices are sometimes prevalent even in regions with good communications and literate farmers with access to information, capital or credit, and external inputs. This is often explained by the conservatism of tra-
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