Qualitative and quantitative analysis of scientific contributions in agribusiness

The agribusiness is a major generator of employment and income worldwide and contributes to food security and nutrition. Therefore, the objective was to perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the scientific contributions in agribusiness. A bibliographic consultation was made in Scopus and "Agribusiness" was used as keyword. A textual analysis was performed on 407 scientific papers from 2020, through Nvivo 12 software using the following analysis codes: Mega trade agreements and institutional harmonization, farm-level technology pricing and contracts, market power related to the mega consolidation of companies, new agricultural technologies, emergence of agrocorporations, institutional land access rules, property rights regimes and their consequences, private enforcement of property rights, farmer class action studies and territorial reconversion. Two more codes emerged in the analysis process: Environmental impact and human health impact. Current scientific contributions in agribusiness are focused on new agricultural technologies (24%), environmental impact (17%) and local actions of farmers (14%). A qualitative improvement of the contributions is observed as more elements that support the complex processes agribusiness generates are increasingly incorporated. From focusing on economic and financial aspects, sustainability-oriented and social commitment domains are now considered. A modern and innovative concept defines agribusiness as economic activities with different forms or models of production, derived from or linked to agricultural products. It considers production-consumption processes and farmers are inserted in a differentiated way according to their economic rationality. These activities are not only focused on the generation of monetary value, but also on the social processes it produces, where multiple actors are involved

Bayesian analysis for a class of α\alpha-attractor inflationary models

We perform a Bayesian study of a generalization of the basic $\alpha$-attractor T model given by the potential $V(\phi)=V_0\left[1-\text{sech}^{p}\left(\phi/\sqrt{6\alpha}M_{pl}\right)\right]$ where $\phi$ is the inflaton field and the parameter $\alpha$ corresponds to the inverse curvature of the scalar manifold in the conformal or superconformal realizations of the attractor models. Such generalization is characterized by the power $p$ which includes the basic or base model for $p=2$. Once the priors for the parameters of the $\alpha$-attractor potential are set by numerical exploration, we perform the corresponding statistical analysis for the cases $p=1\, , 2\, , 3\, ,4$, and derive posteriors. Considering the original $\alpha$-attractor potential as the base model, we calculate the evidence for our generalization, and conclude that the $p=4$ model is preferred by the CMB data. We also present constraints for the parameter $\alpha$. Interestingly, all the cases studied prefer a specific value for the tensor-to-scalar ratio given by $r\simeq 0.0025$.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures, 3 table

Scientific contributions of agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean: a review

A systematization and a quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific documents are presented, which respond: What are the main contributions of research in relation to the demands of agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)? What factors approaches and methods have been used in time and space? The quantitative approach predominates, followed by the qualitative one, and the mixed one to a lesser extent. The development of agroecology in LAC is distributed in: a country with greater consolidation (Brazil), a larger group in development, another with initial contributions and, finally, one with minimal contributions. The most considered factors in the investigations are the physical-biological ones, followed by the social, economic, cultural, and political ones. Two thirds of the contributions to agroecological demands were: agroecological management, maintenance of biodiversity, self-management and local self-sufficiency, and soil and water conservation. Some contributions have been intensified at present, while agroecological management has prevailed over time. The predominance of conventional research approaches, methods and techniques is evident; the challenge is to generate new ways of seeing and doing research, which allow addressing the disciplinary interfaces of the complex problem in the society-nature relationship.A systematization and a quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific documents are presented, which respond: What are the main contributions of research in relation to the demands of agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)? What factors approaches and methods have been used in time and space? The quantitative approach predominates, followed by the qualitative one, and the mixed one to a lesser extent. The development of agroecology in LAC is distributed in: a country with greater consolidation (Brazil), a larger group in development, another with initial contributions and, finally, one with minimal contributions. The most considered factors in the investigations are the physical-biological ones, followed by the social, economic, cultural, and political ones. Two thirds of the contributions to agroecological demands were: agroecological management, maintenance of biodiversity, self-management and local self-sufficiency, and soil and water conservation. Some contributions have been intensified at present, while agroecological management has prevailed over time. The predominance of conventional research approaches, methods and techniques is evident; the challenge is to generate new ways of seeing and doing research, which allow addressing the disciplinary interfaces of the complex problem in the society-nature relationship

Contribuciones científicas de la agroecología en América Latina y el Caribe : una revisión

A systematization and a quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific documents are presented, which respond: What are the main contributions of research in relation to the demands of agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)? What factors approaches and methods have been used in time and space? The quantitative approach predominates, followed by the qualitative one, and the mixed one to a lesser extent. The development of agroecology in LAC is distributed in: a country with greater consolidation (Brazil), a larger group in development, another with initial contributions and, finally, one with minimal contributions. The most considered factors in the investigations are the physical-biological ones, followed by the social, economic, cultural, and political ones. Two thirds of the contributions to agroecological demands were: agroecological management, maintenance of biodiversity, self-management and local self-sufficiency, and soil and water conservation. Some contributions have been intensified at present, while agroecological management has prevailed over time. The predominance of conventional research approaches, methods and techniques is evident; the challenge is to generate new ways of seeing and doing research, which allow addressing the disciplinary interfaces of the complex problem in the society-nature relationship.Se presenta una sistematización y análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de documentos científicos, que responden ¿Cuáles son los principales aportes de las investigaciones en relación con las demandas de la agroecología en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC)? ¿Qué factores, enfoques y métodos han utilizado en tiempo y espacio? Predomina el enfoque cuantitativo, seguido del cualitativo y menormente el mixto; el desarrollo de la agroecología en ALC está distribuido en: un país con mayor consolidación (Brasil), un grupo más grande en desarrollo, otro con aportaciones iniciales y, finalmente, uno con mínimos aportes. Los factores más considerados en las investigaciones son los físico-biológicos, seguido de los sociales, económicos, culturales y políticos. Las dos terceras partes de los aportes a las demandas agroecológicas fueron: manejo agroecológico, mantenimiento de la biodiversidad, autogestión y autosuficiencia local y conservación de suelo y agua. Algunos aportes se han intensificado actualmente, mientras que el manejo agroecológico ha prevalecido a través del tiempo. Es evidente el predominio de enfoques, métodos y técnicas de investigación convencionales; el reto es generar nuevas formas de ver y hacer investigación, que permitan abordar las interfaces disciplinares de la compleja problemática en la relación sociedad-naturaleza.Fil: Gallardo-López, Felipe. Colegio de Postgraduados (México). Campus Veracruz. Posgrado en Agroecosistemas Tropicales.Fil: Hernández-Chontal, Mario Alejandro. Colegio de Postgraduados (México). Campus Veracruz. Posgrado en Agroecosistemas Tropicales.Fil: Linares-Gabriel, Ariadna. Colegio de Postgraduados (México). Campus Veracruz. Posgrado en Agroecosistemas Tropicales.Fil: Cisneros-Saguilán, Pedro. Instituto Tecnológico de Pinotepa (México). Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias

The Postgraduate Course in Tropical Agroecosystems: Facing the Challenges for Mexican Agriculture in the 21st Century

Objective: Analyze the contemporary scientific contributions of the Masters and Doctorate Graduate Program in Tropical Agroecosystems (PTA) taught at the Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Veracruz, facing the current challenges of Mexican agriculture. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic search was carried out in SCOPUS and Web of Science, on papers (N = 92) published during 2014-2019 by PTA research-professors. A textual analysis was carried out using Nvivo Software to identify the scientific contributions, based on problematic categories suggested by FAO for Mexico. Results: Scientific contributions are more prolific in relation to the increment of agricultural productivity (66 %), to a lesser extent in sustainable practices (14.9 %), articulation of public policies (10.6%), and initiating in adaptation and mitigation of climate risks (8.5 %). Limitations of the study/implications: Findings excluded publications not indexed in SCOPUS or Web of Science or out of the analyzed period. Findings/conclusions: The PTA shows social relevance in the generation of knowledge, with scientific contributions to the current challenges of Mexican agriculture. However, they have mainly focused on increasing agricultural productivity; this does not allow the achievement of the challenges of the PTA towards research processes aimed at trans discipline. This suggests a new research role that approach disciplinary interfaces.Objective: Analyze the contemporary scientific contributions of the Masters and Doctorate Graduate Program in Tropical Agroecosystems (PTA) taught at the Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Veracruz, facing the current challenges of Mexican agriculture. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic search was carried out in SCOPUS and Web of Science, on papers (N = 92) published during 2014-2019 by PTA research-professors. A textual analysis was carried out using Nvivo Software to identify the scientific contributions, based on problematic categories suggested by FAO for Mexico. Results: Scientific contributions are more prolific in relation to the increment of agricultural productivity (66 %), to a lesser extent in sustainable practices (14.9 %), articulation of public policies (10.6%), and initiating in adaptation and mitigation of climate risks (8.5 %). Limitations of the study/implications: Findings excluded publications not indexed in SCOPUS or Web of Science or out of the analyzed period. Findings/conclusions: The PTA shows social relevance in the generation of knowledge, with scientific contributions to the current challenges of Mexican agriculture. However, they have mainly focused on increasing agricultural productivity; this does not allow the achievement of the challenges of the PTA towards research processes aimed at trans discipline. This suggests a new research role that approach disciplinary interfaces

Active role of flower shops in the commercialization of roses

Retail florist activities are essential elements in the rose (Rosa spp.) market since they generate significant income and employment. In these jobs, florists gain recognition by their designs that captivate consumers. At the same time, they are key entrepreneurs in the commercialization of roses. Then, the objective of the research was to know the entrepreneurial role of florists in the commercialization of roses (Rosa spp.) in southern Veracruz, Mexico. An exploratory research was conducted in flower shops, five in Coatzacoalcos, nine in Minatitlán and six in Acayucan. Interviews were conducted with florists (n = 20). The categories of analysis used were the demographic, psychosocial and sociocultural profile of the florists as innovative entrepreneurs. In regards to the demographic profile, these economic agents have the experience and knowledge necessary to develop their activity. In short, florists are identified as family micro-enterprises with establishments that are 20 years old. In the psychosocial profile, florists present low innovative capacity with respect to the composition of their floral arrangements; however, they are characterized as risk takers with the ability to solve problems. Finally, the sociocultural profile demonstrates the florists-intermediary-producers collaboration; such entrepreneurial activity generates economic incentives with local-regional influence. Therefore, florists need to strengthen their links with other florists, producers and distributors to improve their innovative capabilities that will benefit both themselves and consumers

Concentración de nutrientes de dos formulaciones de fertilizantes fermentados (bioles) elaborados con insumos locales

En el contexto actual de la transición agroecológica, se ha intensificado el uso de fertilizantes fermentados o bioles. El objetivo del trabajo fue comparar la concentración nutrimental de dos formulaciones de fertilizantes fermentados elaborados con insumos locales. Se diseñaron biodigestores artesanales y se utilizó estiércol de ovino y pasto Kikuyo (Pennisetum clandestinum). Se generaron dos formulaciones: Biol 1 (20% pasto kikuyo, 30% estiércol ovino y 50% agua) y Biol 2 (50% estiércol ovino y 50% agua), las cuales se fermentaron durante 100 días y se tuvieron tres repeticiones de cada formulación. En los bioles se determinó la materia orgánica y la concentración de los macronutrientes N, P y K, así como la concentración de los micronutrientes Fe, Cu, Mn y Zn. El Biol 1 tuvo mayor concentración de materia orgánica, N y Fe (P ≤ 0.05), es decir, se concluye que se mejoró la concentración nutrimental del biol cuando se agregó el pasto en el proceso de fermentación. El uso de insumos locales, de bajo costo y de fácil acceso puede ser una alternativa para producir bioles

Efecto de la fertilización orgánica foliar y al suelo con “Biol” sobre el rendimiento y sanidad de maíz (Zea mays), en el ciclo O-I en Sayula de Alemán, Veracruz, México

En la actualidad la producción de maíz decrece debido a la degradación de los suelos con niveles bajos de fertilidad, aunado a altos costos de producción y que además las técnicas de producción y las condiciones ambientales favorecen la presencia de plagas y enfermedades, que impacta negativamente sobre la producción. El biol es un biofertilizante que contiene microorganismos que al estar disponibles en las plantas le ayudan a su nutrición y protección (Vessey, 2003), además de ser un complemento a la fertilización tradicional, debido a la actividad microbiana de la que provienen, puede impactar positivamente sobre la sanidad de mazorcas y como tal obtener mejores rendimientos. Por lo anterior se planteó un diseño experimental con el objetivo de evaluar el rendimiento, sanidad y análisis económico de cada una de las combinaciones de biol. La investigación se llevó a cabo en Sayula de Alemán, Veracruz, se utilizó un arreglo de bloques al azar con parcelas divididas evaluándose en parcelas grandes la aplicación de biol al suelo y en parcelas chicas fertilizantes foliares a base de biol. Se obtuvo como resultados que las aplicaciones de biol + harina de ave + melaza mejoraron la sanidad de mazorcas y generó el mayor rendimiento de grano de 2.79 t ha-1, además que los menores rendimientos estuvieron asociados con los mayores porcentajes de daño a mazorcas ocasionados por el hongo Fusarium moniliforme

De actividades productivas a estrategias sociales: floricultores de la zona central de Veracruz

It is important to consider that in production processes there are socially constructed spaces where local actors are key elements. The study contemplated an approach directed at the actor with farmers from the community of Coapichapan, Fortín, Veracruz, Mexico. The article argues that in the production process of Heliconias, farmers are social actors who intervene in the development of their community with their strategic actions. In this sense, the approach directed at the actor allowed the following: situating Heliconia producers, exposing the social ramifications constructed by these actors, and showing the strategies that they carry out as a means for subsistence. These strategies emerge as a way to respond in the presence of the protection of their natural resources, the urge to “move forward”, the lack of programs for the floriculturist sector, the dispute over improving the price of their product, the exchange of opinion with technicians, and the mistrust towards public representatives. Therefore, the conclusion is that the production of Heliconias in the community of Coapichapan is a social activity that represents hard work complemented with family support.Es importante considerar que, en el proceso de producción, existen espacios socialmente construidos, donde los actores locales son pieza clave. El estudio contempló un enfoque orientado al actor, con agricultores de la comunidad de Coapichapan, Fortín, Veracruz, México. El artículo argumenta que, en el proceso de producción de heliconias, los productores, son actores sociales que con sus acciones estratégicas intervinieron en el desarrollo de su comunidad. En ese sentido, el enfoque orientado al actor situó a los productores de heliconias, expuso las ramificaciones sociales que construyeron estos actores y muestra las estrategias que realizaron como medio de subsistencia. Estas estrategias surgen como medio de respuesta ante la protección de sus recursos naturales, las ganas de “salir adelante”, la falta de programas hacia el sector florícola, la disputa por mejorar el precio de su producto, el intercambio de opinión con los técnicos y la desconfianza por los representantes públicos. Por ello se concluye que la producción de heliconias en la comunidad de Coapichapan es una actividad social que representa un arduo trabajo y se complementa con el apoyo familiar