SISTEMATIZACIÓN AGROECOLÓGICA SOSTENIBLE COMO PROPUESTA DE DESARROLLO RURAL EN LOXICHA, OAXACA, MÉXICO

In 2011, the Center for Interdisciplinary Research for Integral Rural Development in Universidad Autónoma Chapingo (UACh) began the project for research-outreach-service “Integral Rural Development in the Region of Loxicha, Oaxaca, México”, in the municipalities of San Bartolomé Loxicha, San Agustín Loxicha and Candelaria Loxicha. The project included the lines of increase in productivity, productive diversification, environmental services, and improving quality of life. The evaluation of the advances obtained between 2011 and 2015 was carried out, through the systematization proposal by Chávez-Tafur.Because of the magnitude of the project, the results are analyzed from the “Learning from experience” proposal. As results, the different achievements that have allowed the acceptance of the project in the region were recorded, through a participative action research scheme. The project is contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of Zapotec producers through a sustainable agroecological approach that gives access to organic foods, and in general a sustainable management of natural resources. A real experience of rural development is offered as a result of this project, which is connected to communities and directed at resolving the countryside problematic.En 2011, el Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinarias para el Desarrollo Rural Integral de la Universidad Autónoma Chapingo (UACh) inició el proyecto de investigación-vinculación-servicio Desarrollo Rural Integral en la Región Loxicha, Oaxaca, México, en los municipios de San Bartolomé Loxicha, San Agustín Loxicha y Candelaria Loxicha. El proyecto incluyó las líneas de aumento de la productividad, diversificación productiva, servicios ambientales y mejora de la calidad de vida. Se realizó la evaluación de los avances obtenidos entre 2011 y 2015, mediante la sistematización propuesta por Chávez-Tafur. Por la magnitud del proyecto se analizan los resultados a partir de la propuesta “Aprender de la experiencia”. Como resultados se registraron diferentes logros que han permitido la aceptación del proyecto en la región a través de un esquema de investigación acción participativa. El proyecto está contribuyendo en el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de los productores zapotecos a través de un enfoque agroecológico sostenible que brinda acceso a alimentos orgánicos, y en general con un manejo sostenible de los recursos naturales. A partir de este proyecto, se ofrece una experiencia real de desarrollo rural, vinculada a comunidades, y dirigida a resolver la problemática del campo

Characterization of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) cropping system in the State of Jalisco, México [Caracterizacion de los sistemas de produccion de tomate (lycopersicum esculentum mill.) en el estado de jalisco, Mexico]

Cropping systems of tomatoes in the State of Jalisco, Mexico, were characterized variables useful to explain the technical and economic problems of these systems were prioritized. Five producing regions were identified: Sayula, La Cienega, Sierra de Amula, Costa Sur, and Zapotlan El Grande. A stratified random sampling was performed and face to face structured interviews with tomato producers were applied. The questionnaire included sections to record the sociodemographic characteristics, production performance, technology, food safety and production marketing system. The characterization of production systems was performed using the technological variables: Type of protection, cultivated surface, type of irrigation system, wadding (mulch), input use, yield, production costs, market and food safety. Systems were classified in three groups: open field, greenhouse and mesh shade production system, whit two subsystem organic production with mesh shade and greenhouse without mulch. 84% of producers use an open field system, 8% produce in greenhouse, 4% use the mesh shade system and the remaining 4% produce with any combination of the above systems. The main cultivated variety is Saladette. Productivity of each system is determined by the level and type of technology. All producers use drip irrigation systems and 96% use plastic mulching (wadding). 90% of producers allocate its production through a broker and 10% sell directly to wholesale markets; the main broker usually is the person who owns the warehouse. Weather conditions, pests and diseases are the main factors affecting negatively the productivity and yield of the crop, with negative economic impact on farmers

Spray-drying of passion fruit juice using lactose-maltodextrin blends as the support material

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the blends with different levels of lactose-maltodextrin (8:5, 10:5, and 12:5 % w/v) during the spray-drying of the passion fruit juice. The drying was carried out in a laboratory spray dryer (Pulvis GB 22 model) at two inlet air temperatures (180 and 190 ºC), and two air pressures (0.10 and 0.20 MPa). The moisture content, hygroscopicity and vitamin C retention were evaluated in the powder obtained. Response surface plots (p<0.05) showed that the lowest values of the moisture content and hygroscopicity were reached in the temperature range of 188-190 ºC and at 12:5 % (w/v) concentration of lactose-maltodextrin; the best vitamin C retention level occurred at 180 ºC and 0.2 MPa.<br>O objectivo deste estudo foi a avaliação da efectividade das misturas en diferentes níveis de lactose-maltodextrina (8:5, 10:5, 12:5 % w/v) durante a pulverização do sumo de maracujá. A secagem foi feita em um atomizador de laboratório de pulverização (modelo Pulvis GB 22) com 2 entradas de temperatura de ar (180 e 190 ºC), e 2 compressores de pressão de ar (0.10 e 0.20 MPa). O índice da mistura, higroscopicidade e retenção de vitamina C foram avaliados no pó obtido. As curvas de superfície de resposta (p<0.05) mostram que os valores mais baixos do índice da mistura e higroscopicidade foram alcançados no intervalo de temperatura de 188-190 ºC e com uma concentração de 12:5 % w/v de lactosemaltodextrina; o melhor nível de retenção de vitamina C ocorreu a 180 ºC e 0.2 MPa

Building the local food movement in Chiapas, Mexico: rationales, benefits, and limitations

Alternative food networks (AFNs) have become a common response to the socioecological injustices generated by the industrialized food system. Using a political ecology framework, this paper evaluates the emergence of an AFN in Chiapas, Mexico. While the Mexican context presents a particular set of challenges, the case study also reveals the strength the alternative food movement derives from a diverse network of actors committed to building a “community economy” that reasserts the multifunctional values of organic agriculture and local commodity chains. Nonetheless, just as the AFN functions as an important livelihood strategy for otherwise disenfranchised producers it simultaneously encounters similar limitations as those observed in other market-driven approaches to sustainable food governance.Tinker Foundation; SBSRI Pre-Doc Graduate Research Grant Program; AAG Latin America Specialty Group; Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Summer Fellowship12 month embargo; Published online 18 May 2016.This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]