Seed Exchange Networks of Native Maize, Beans, and Squash in San Juan Ixtenco and San Luis Huamantla, Tlaxcala, Mexico

Luz P. Llamas-Guzmán, Elena Lazos Chavero, Hugo R. Perales Rivera and Alejandro Casas
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Luz P. Llamas-Guzmán: Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
Elena Lazos Chavero: Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
Hugo R. Perales Rivera: Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad San Cristóbal de las Casas, Carretera Panamericana y Periferico Sur s/n, María Auxiliadora, San Cristóbal de las Casas 29290, Mexico
Alejandro Casas: Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro 8701, Col. San José de la Huerta, Morelia 58190, Mexico

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-34

Abstract: Seed exchange networks among farmers favor circulation of crop varieties and have been discussed as an effective means of crop diversity conservation. This study aims to document the processes and structure of seed exchange networks of native maize, beans, and squash among farmers and other participating sectors (local market or seed banks), analyzing their influence on agrobiodiversity conservation in the municipalities of Ixtenco and Huamantla, in the Mexican state of Tlaxcala. Through interviews, questionnaires, and social network analysis, nodal farmers were identified. In the maize network, five nodal farmers were detected, the blanco maize being the most commonly exchanged seed. In the bean network, three nodal farmers were identified, with amarillo beans as the most exchanged seed. In the squash network, no nodal farmer was identified. For maize and beans, the greater the number of exchanges, the greater the varieties exchanged. The local market of Huamantla and the Vicente Guerrero seed bank are relevant seed sources. The nodal farmers propitiate circulation of a large number of seed varieties in the exchange networks and contribute to maintenance and conservation of agrobiodiversity.

Keywords: native seeds; nodal farmers; seed networks; agrobiodiversity; social network analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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