FARMER PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF MAIZE IN VILLAFLORES, CHIAPAS

Abstract

Two technical packages, Zea mays L.-Phaseolus vulgaris L. (maize-common bean; M x CB) and Zea mays L.-Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (maize-velvet bean; M x VB) were proposed to farmers. Using participatory research methods the study focused on the technical and microeconomic implications of incorporating legume cover crops in to the maize system, as well as farmers? adaptations of the intercropping systems and their arguments in favor or against adoption of the systems. Of the four socioeconomic strata in the study population, it was found that farmers in the intermediate-high and poorest strata had limited involvement: the first due to fear of taking risks and to labor scarcity and the latter because they own no land. Farmers in the richest and intermediate-low strata had high participation; the first to obtain forage whereas the latter had interest in selling grain and improving soil fertility. Intercropping increased labor requirements, especially in the M x CB system, mainly because of reduced herbicide use which resulted in more manual control of weeds. This was a limiting factor for the intermediate stratum due to the relative scarcity of family labor. For maize yields the incorporation of legumes had different effects. In the M x CB system intercropping had no effect on yield, except when farmers reduced the maize densities. In the M x VB system, competition reduced the production of maize grain. Farmers? participation was essential in understanding the possibilities of adaptations; they modified the suggested technological package, generated various spatialtemporal arrangements and modified other aspects of the local maize management system. For each system, they identified various advantages and disavantages and proposed modifications to improve them.