Farmers' preferences and the factors affecting their decision to improve maize crops in Mexico

Mexico is one of the countries with the highest corn production in the world (24.6 million tons) (FAOSTAT, 2016). However, in some regions, the yields are very low (2.0 Tn.ha-1) compared to the national average (9.39 Tn.ha-1). Among the different strategies to improve productivity, the adoption of improved maize seeds can play an important role. However, the adoption of this type of seed in Mexico is still limited. The development of a seed sector that meets the needs of farmers is an opportunity to increase improved seed usage, productivity, and, thus, profitability of Mexican farmers. The main objective is to analyze farmers¿ opinions and attitudes towards the improved seeds adoption. To achieve this objective, we followed a methodological approach in three phases. Data was gathered from face-to-face survey with 200 corn farmers conducted in January and March 2015. The survey was carried out in Chiapas, one of the states with the largest area planted with maize in Mexico and the highest percentage of marginal corn outcomes. In the first phase, we analyzed farmers¿ decision at the production level. We also studied farmers¿ heterogeneity by analyzing their socioeconomic characteristics and those of their farms, attitudes and opinions towards improved seeds, their perceived risk preferences and their objectives when managing their farm. Results showed the presence of three types of farmers: "In transition," who do not fully appreciate the potential of improved seeds (52.5%); "Conservatives," with a negative perception of improved seeds (18.5%); and "Innovators," with a positive perception (29%). Each of the identified segments has its commercial strategy with differentiated objectives, although the economic objectives prevail over the rest. In the second phase, we identified the key attributes as the main determining factors when selecting the improved varieties of maize seeds. We also indentified the farmers¿ willingness to pay (WTP) for each attribute and analyzed their observed heterogeneity, while taking into account several socio-economic variables. The analysis reflected that the improved seed varieties were more preferred than the Creole alternative varieties, showing a heterogeneous WTP to ensure higher yields, resistance to diseases, and larger ear size. Finally, in the last phase, we examined the determinants of the adoption rate of the improved seeds using a survival analysis. Approximately the decision of the 60% of farmers who adopted was over a period of 10 years. Young farmers with few family members and several agricultural generations that exhibited positive attitudes towards innovation and with low risk perception are likely to adopt the new varieties. Results showed that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 negatively affected the adoption rate of improved seeds. Results showed low knowledge level of farmers towards the advantages of improved seeds. It is necessary to improve extension tools for the efficient use of sustainable agricultural inputs and practices to accelerate the process of adopting improved seeds and to facilitate access to financing and insurance.México es uno de los países con mayor producción de maíz en el mundo (24.6 millones de toneladas) (FAOSTAT, 2016). Sin embargo, en algunas regiones los rendimientos son bajos (2,0 Tn.ha-1) en comparación con el promedio nacional (9,39 Tn.ha-1). Entre las diferentes estrategias para mejorar la productividad, la adopción de semillas mejoradas de maíz puede desempeñar un papel importante. Sin embargo, la adopción de este tipo de semillas en México sigue siendo limitada. El desarrollo de un sector de semillas que satisfaga las necesidades de los agricultores es una oportunidad para incrementar el uso de semillas, la productividad y, por tanto, la rentabilidad de los agricultores mexicanos. El objetivo principal es analizar las opiniones y actitudes de los agricultores hacia la adopción de semillas mejoradas. Para lograr este objetivo, seguimos un enfoque metodológico en tres fases. Los datos se recolectaron de una encuesta cara a cara con 200 agricultores de maíz realizada en enero y marzo de 2015. La encuesta se realizó en Chiapas, uno de los Estados con mayor superficie plantada de maíz en México y el mayor porcentaje de resultados marginales de maíz. En la primera fase, analizamos la decisión de los productores a nivel de producción. También estudiamos la heterogeneidad de los agricultores analizando sus características socioeconómicas y las de sus fincas, actitudes y opiniones respecto a semillas mejoradas, sus preferencias de riesgo percibidas y sus objetivos al manejar su finca. Los resultados mostraron la presencia de tres tipos de agricultores: "En transición", que no aprecian plenamente el potencial de semillas mejoradas (52,5%); "Conservadores", con una percepción negativa de semillas mejoradas (18,5%); e "Innovadores", con una percepción positiva (29%). Cada uno de los segmentos identificados tiene su estrategia comercial con objetivos diferenciados, aunque los objetivos económicos predominan sobre los demás. En la segunda fase, identificamos los atributos claves como los principales factores determinantes al seleccionar las variedades mejoradas de semillas de maíz. También identificamos la disposición de los agricultores a pagar por cada atributo y analizamos su heterogeneidad observada, teniendo en cuenta varias variables socioeconómicas. El análisis reflejó que las variedades de semillas mejoradas eran más preferidas que las variedades alternativas criollas, mostrando una WTP heterogénea para asegurar mayores rendimientos, resistencia a las enfermedades y mayor tamaño de la mazorca. Por último, en la última fase, se examinaron los determinantes de la tasa de adopción de las semillas mejoradas utilizando un análisis de supervivencia. Aproximadamente la decisión del 60% de los agricultores que adoptaron fue durante un período de 10 años. Los jóvenes agricultores con pocos miembros de la familia y varias generaciones agrícolas que mostraron actitudes positivas hacia la innovación y con una percepción de bajo riesgo probablemente adoptarán las nuevas variedades. Los resultados mostraron que el Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte (TLCAN) en 1994 afectó negativamente la tasa de adopción de semillas mejoradas. Los resultados mostraron un bajo nivel de conocimiento de los agricultores hacia las ventajas de las semillas mejoradas. Es necesario mejorar las herramientas de extensión para el uso eficiente de insumos y prácticas agrícolas sostenibles para acelerar el proceso de adopción de semillas mejoradas y facilitar el acceso al financiamiento y seguros.Postprint (published version

The importance of farmers' social, environmental and economic objectives in improved corn seeds adoption in Chiapas, México

Mientras que las semillas mejoradas pueden aumentar el rendimiento y la productividad de maíz en México, su adopción sigue siendo baja. Si se pretende entender el comportamiento de adopción de innovaciones tecnológicas, es necesario, entender la heterogeneidad de los agricultores teniendo en cuenta no solo sus características socioeconómicas y las de sus explotaciones, sino también sus opiniones, actitudes, preferencias y objetivos. Por ello, en esta investigación se buscó en primer lugar, analizar los objetivos que los agricultores tienen en cuenta a la hora de cultivar maíz en Chiapas a través del proceso analítico jerárquico. En segundo lugar, segmentar a base de sus opiniones, actitudes y aversión al riesgo, utilizando el análisis de conglomerado y observar la heterogeneidad mediante el análisis Tobit. Los datos se recopilaron a través de una muestra de 200 agricultores de maíz en Chiapas, México. Se identificaron tres segmentos de agricultores: en "transición" - no aprecian en su totalidad el potencial de las semillas mejoradas (52,5%); "conservadores" - con una percepción negativa de las semillas mejoradas (18,5%); e "innovadores" - con una percepción positiva (29%). Se observó que los objetivos de los agricultores son diferentes para cada segmento.While improved seeds can increase performance and productivity of corn in Mexico, its adoption remains low. In order to understand the behavior of adoption of technological innovations, it is necessary to understand the heterogeneity of farmers taking into account not only their socio-economic characteristics and the nature of their holdings, but also their opinions, attitudes, preferences and objectives. Therefore, in this investigation our aim was firstly to analyze the objectives that farmers have to take into account when they cultivate corn in Chiapas and we have used the analytic hierarchy process. Secondly, to segment the farmers based on their opinions, attitudes and risk aversion using the cluster analysis and observing the heterogeneity by the Tobit analysis. Data were collected through a sample of 200 maize farmers in Chiapas, Mexico. Three segments of farmers were identified: In "transition" - not fully appreciating the potential of improved seeds (52.5%); "conservative" - with a negative perception of improved seeds (18.5%); and "innovative" - with a positive perception (29%). It was observed that the objectives of farmers are different for each segment.Fil: Sánchez-Toledano, Blanca Isabel.Fil: Kallas, Zein.Fil: Gil, José María

Tipología de productores de chile seco en Zacatecas, México

Chili pepper is a vegetable of commercial importance that is cultivated globally. In Mexico, the state of Zacatecas is the first place in surface sown for the production of dry chili pepper, and the number of farmers devoted to this crop highlights its socioeconomic importance. The characterization of farmers according to their management, productive, social and economic variables allow to understand the technologies used and decision-making at the level of production unit to develop differentiated policies by production system. Therefore, in this study the objective was to analyze and identify the types of dry chili pepper farmers in Zacatecas. The data were gathered through a survey with 66 dry chili pepper farmers in Zacatecas, Mexico, and they were analyzed through conglomerates, one-factor analysis of variance, multidimensional scaling and correspondence analysis. The results suggest three types of farmers: 1) traditional, 2) intermediate, and 3) entrepreneurial. Of the farmers, 78.7% were found in the last category, which explains the competitiveness of the crop in face of other product systems and other states of the Mexican Republic.El chile es una hortaliza de importancia comercial que se cultiva a nivel mundial. En México, el estado de Zacatecas se posiciona en el primer lugar en superficie sembrada para la producción de chile seco y el número de productores dedicados a este cultivo realza su importancia socioeconómica. La caracterización de producto­res, de acuerdo con sus variables de manejo, productivas, sociales y económicas permiten conocer las tecnolo­gías utilizadas y la toma de decisiones a nivel de unidad de producción para desarrollar políticas diferenciadas por sistema de producción. Por ello, en esta investigación se buscó analizar e identificar los tipos de producto­res de chile seco en Zacatecas. Los datos se recopilaron a través de una encuesta a 66 productores de chile seco en Zacatecas, México y se analizaron mediante conglomerados, análisis de varianza de un factor, escalamiento multidimensional y análisis de correspondencia. Los resultados sugieren tres tipos de productores: 1) tradicio­nales, 2) intermedios y 3) empresariales. En esta última categoría, se ubicó a 78.7% de los productores, lo cual explica la competitividad del cultivo ante otros sistemas producto y otros estados de la República Mexicana

Determinant factors of the adoption of improved maize seeds in Southern Mexico: A survival analysis approach

Maize is the most important and strategic crop in Mexico, however, this sector suffers from low productivity. Among the various strategies to improve yield by hectare, improved maize seeds play an important role.Postprint (published version

Importancia de los objetivos sociales, ambientales y económicos de los agricultores en la adopción de maízmejorado en Chiapas, México

While improved seeds can increase performance and productivity of corn in Mexico, its adoption remains low. In order to understand the behavior of adoption of technological innovations, it is necessary to understand the heterogeneity of farmers taking into account not only their socio-economic characteristics and the nature of their holdings, but also their opinions, attitudes, preferences and objectives. Therefore, in this investigation our aim was firstly to analyze the objectives that farmers have to take into account when they cultivate corn in Chiapas and we have used the analytic hierarchy process. Secondly, to segment the farmers based on their opinions, attitudes and risk aversion using the cluster analysis and observing the heterogeneity by the Tobit analysis. Data were collected through a sample of 200 maize farmers in Chiapas, Mexico. Three segments of farmers were identified: In "transition" - not fully appreciating the potential of improved seeds (52.5%); "conservative" - with a negative perception of improved seeds (18.5%); and "innovative" - with a positive perception (29%). It was observed that the objectives of farmers are different for each segment.Mientras que las semillas mejoradas pueden aumentar el rendimiento y la productividad de maíz en México, su adopción sigue siendo baja. Si se pretende entender el comportamiento de adopción de innovaciones tecnológicas, es necesario, entender la heterogeneidad de los agricultores teniendo en cuenta no solo sus características socioeconómicas y las de sus explotaciones, sino también sus opiniones, actitudes, preferencias y objetivos. Por ello, en esta investigación se buscó en primer lugar, analizar los objetivos que los agricultores tienen en cuenta a la hora de cultivar maíz en Chiapas a través del proceso analítico jerárquico. En segundo lugar, segmentar a base de sus opiniones, actitudes y aversión al riesgo, utilizando el análisis de conglomerado y observar la heterogeneidad mediante el análisis Tobit. Los datos se recopilaron a través de una muestra de 200 agricultores de maíz en Chiapas, México. Se identificaron tres segmentos de agricultores: en "transición" - no aprecian en su totalidad el potencial de las semillas mejoradas (52,5%); "conservadores" - con una percepción negativa de las semillas mejoradas (18,5%); e "innovadores" - con una percepción positiva (29%). Se observó que los objetivos de los agricultores son diferentes para cada segmento

Plan estratégico de desarrollo para una comunidad totonaca en México

Food insecurity in Mexico is a problem more frequently found in rural communities. Hence, the main objective of this article was to define a strategic local development plan through production schemes proposed by households of a Totonac indigenous community aimed at satisfying nutritional needs in the community through the use of readily available natural resources. A questionnaire was applied to 328 households in the municipality of Filomeno Mata in Veracruz, Mexico. Small-scale reproduction strategies focused aimed at self-sustainability were formulated through a semi-structured survey, and a cluster analysis was used to determine associated factors. The results suggested a strategic plan of eleven local development strategies that seek to influence the implementation of native foods in the community. Based on the analysis of socioeconomic variables affecting households four groups were defined, and the strategy most likely to succeed for each was determined. Moreover, the strategies presented are linked to processes where social, economic, and cultural practices are closely related. Thus, these actions establish a proposal to satisfy the household food needs in support of price volatility in the food market.En México existe un problema de inseguridad alimentaria que se acentúa con mayor frecuencia en comunidades rurales. El objetivo principal de este artículo fue definir un plan estratégico de desarrollo local a través de estrategias de reproducción propuestas por los hogares de una comunidad indígena totonaca para satisfacer sus necesidades nutricionales en relación con el uso de los recursos naturales que poseen. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 328 viviendas en el municipio Filomeno Mata, Veracruz, México. Se formularon las estrategias de reproducción campesina orientadas a la autosuficiencia alimentaria y se utilizó un análisis de conglomerados para determinar los factores asociados. Los resultados mostraron un plan estratégico de desarrollo local con once estrategias que buscan incidir en la implementación de alimentos nativos en la comunidad. A partir del análisis de las variables socioeconómicas de los hogares, se definieron cuatro grupos y se determinó la estrategia con mayor potencial de éxito en cada uno. Las estrategias presentadas están vinculadas a procesos donde las prácticas sociales, económicas y culturales están estrechamente relacionadas. Éstos conforman una propuesta para la satisfacción de las necesidades alimentarias de los hogares como apoyo a la volatilidad de los precios de los alimentos

Socioeconomic and competitive positioning of livestock chains in Zacatecas, Mexico

Objective: To determine the positioning of the most important livestock chains of the State of Zacatecas, within a matrix of socio-economic importance and market competitiveness and identify needs for research and technology transfer. Design/methodology/approach: The hierarchy of livestock chains in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico was carried out based on the methodology proposed by the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), taking as dimensions of analysis the dimensions of socioeconomic importance and competitiveness. The six most outstanding livestock chains in the State were selected. Results: The results placed the beef cattle chains as sustainable, the goats and sheep chains were vulnerable chains, pigs and honey were positioned in the retraction quadrant due to their low socioeconomic importance and competitiveness, and milk cattle were located in the forced quadrant. Limitations on study/implications: It is important to take into account other links. Findings/conclusions: The strategies for livestock production chains are efficient production through sustainable practices, provide technical assistance to producers, conduct research to generate technology, invest in infrastructure and generate value-added products that meet the needs of consumers.Objective: To determine the positioning of the most important livestock productionchains in Zacatecas, Mexico, within a matrix of socioeconomic importance andmarket competitiveness, and to identify research and technology transfer needs.Design/Methodology/Approach: Arranging livestock production chains into ahierarchy was carried out based on the methodology proposed by the InternationalService for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), taking as analysis axis thedimensions of socioeconomic importance and competitiveness. The six mostoutstanding livestock production chains in the state were selected.Results: The results placed the beef cattle chains as sustainable, the goat andsheep chains were placed as vulnerable, pork and honey were located in theretraction quadrant due to their low socioeconomic importance and competitiveness,and dairy cattle was placed in the strained quadrant.Study Limitations/Implications: It is important to take into account other links.Findings/Conclusions: Strategies for livestock production chains involve makingthe production more efficient through sustainable practices, providing technical assistance to producers, conducting research to generate technology, investing ininfrastructure, and generating products with added value that meet the needs ofconsumers

Márgenes de comercialización del durazno (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) criollo amarillo de hueso pegado de Zacatecas, México

Objective: To determine the marketing margins and the direct participation of the clingstone peach grower cultivated in Zacatecas, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The relevant information was collected from major stakeholders, including farmers and peach dealers through a direct survey. Results: The results showed that 25 % of the interviewed growers made the sale directly to the final consumer. The most common marketing channel was: producer, wholesaler, and final consumer. The gross marketing margin generated reaching 85.7 %, where the direct share of the grower was 14.3 %. Limitations on study/implications: It is important to increase the sample size for having a better approach for the real situation. Findings/conclusions: The margins found here demonstrate the goodness of growing peaches; however, the organization of the peach growers is imperative for enhancing the product quality and for having a greater influence in the marketing chain.Objetivo: Determinar los márgenes de comercialización y la participación directa del productor de durazno criollo (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) hueso pegado cultivado en Zacatecas, México Diseño/metodología/aproximación: La información pertinente se recopiló de las principales partes interesadas incluyendo a productores y comercializadores a través de una encuesta directa. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que 25% de los productores entrevistados realizaron la venta directamente al consumidor final. El canal de comercialización más común fue productor, mayorista y consumidor final. El margen bruto de comercialización generado alcanzó 85.7 %, donde la participación directa del productor fue del 14.3%. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Es importante aumentar el tamaño de la muestra para tener un mejor enfoque de la realidad. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Los márgenes aquí encontrados comprueban la bondad de cultivar durazno; sin embargo, la organización de los productores de durazno es primordial para mejorar la calidad de su producto y tener una mayor influencia en la cadena de la comercialización

Determinant factors of the adoption of improved maize seeds in Southern Mexico: A survival analysis approach

Maize is the most important and strategic crop in Mexico, however, this sector suffers from low productivity. Among the various strategies to improve yield by hectare, improved maize seeds play an important role. In this context, adoption studies in Mexico of these types of seeds are scarce and in general do not jointly account for the timing of adoption factors affecting the adoption decision. This study analysed the determinants of the adoption rates of improved seeds using the survival analysis method. Farm-level data were collected in 2015 through a questionnaire administered to 200 maize farmers in Chiapas, Mexico. Our results showed that 60% of the farmers who adopted the improved seeds reached the decision within a 10 years’ period. Specifically, young farmers with a low number of family members from several generations of agricultural work, who exhibited positive attitudes towards innovation and with low risk perception were likely to adopt the new varieties. Furthermore, results showed that the NAFTA Mexican reform of agricultural policy in 1994 negatively affected the adoption rate of improved seeds. Improving the maize yield requires adequate extension information systems that allow farmers to receive more information on the importance of adoption innovation as well as help them market their products.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Tipología de consumidores de miel con educación universitaria en México

Mexico is a honey-producing country, paradoxically, its per capita consumption is low compared to European countries. The objective was to make a typology of honey consumers in Mexico with a minimum educational level of bachelor’s degree in ages from 20 to 60 years and to determine their socioeconomic characteristics and aspects that motivate consumption. A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1,003 honey consumers who met the conditions of age and school level. The information was analyzed using cluster and discriminant analysis. Three types of consumers were identified: 1) educated consumers with average income (34.4 %), they were those who consume honey frequently, have extensive knowledge about beekeeping by-products and honey properties, prefer to buy the product from beekeepers; 2) highly educated consumers with high income (25.8 %), most of them have postgraduate degrees and receive income greater than $5,000 per week, they were people of mature age and with moderate consumption of honey, a third of this group only know honey, have knowledge of its properties and qualities, they are indifferent to the place of purchase; and 3) educated consumers with low income (39.8$5,000 semanales, fueron personas en edad madura y con consumo moderado de miel, una tercera parte de este grupo solo conocen la miel, tienen conocimiento de sus propiedades y cualidades, les es indiferente el lugar de compra; y 3) consumidores educados con ingreso bajo (39.8 %), agrupó a consumidores jóvenes que solo tienen nivel de licenciatura, su consumo es moderado, prefieren comprar el producto en mercados.  Los grupos de consumidores conformados brindan información sobre un segmento del mercado de la miel en México, es necesario continuar realizando investigaciones sobre temas referentes a consumo y preferencia de los consumidores de miel en México