Socioeconomic assessment of chayote agroecosystem in the Altas Montañas of Veracruz, Mexico
Keywords:
agricultural cooperativism, rural development, socio-ecological resilienceAbstract
Understanding the socioeconomic dynamics of the chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz) agroecosystem in the High Mountains of Veracruz, Mexico, requires examining distinct territorial approaches. By conducting diagnostic surveys and producer panels, this research compared the operational strategies in Coscomatepec and Ixtaczoquitlán. Data indicate highly contrasting scenarios. Coscomatepec relies on heavy agricultural specialization to maximize commercial output, but its deep dependence on external inputs severely compromises local financial stability. Alternatively, smallholders in Ixtaczoquitlán opt to diversify their plots. This decision limits their marketable volume but grants them stronger economic security and resilience against crises. Despite these agronomic differences, producers in both municipalities encounter the same commercial barrier: middlemen monopolize the crop's value. A historical lack of cooperative organization further worsens this situation. Based on these records, rural development policies must be tailored to specific local conditions. Key priorities include lowering operational costs through agroecological practices, gradually encouraging community organization, and establishing short food supply chains to keep wealth within rural communities.
http://dx.doi.org/10.37114/abaagrof/2026.5
e2026-4
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