Broad bean production technology and socioeconomic characteristics of farmers in Puebla and Tlaxcala

Abstract

The research objective was to determine the technology applied to the broad bean crop for grain production in different communities of Puebla and Tlaxcala, Mexico, in order to find weak practices and key socioeconomic characteristics; as well as desirable traits by the producers of a variety of bean. The work was developed in the broad bean-producing region in Mexico. 100 questionnaires were applied, 20 per community and a semi-structured interviews with key informants plus information for farmers, through direct observation. Peasant farmers with traditional features in the use of broad bean production technology based on traditional tools and the use of animals for work for preparing the ground are predominant. The source of the seeds for planting is the local varieties that they plant each year. Among the socioeconomic characteristics stand out that, 4% is female and the average age is 49 years old. The broad bean-producing region has a mix of producers, with varying degrees of peasantness alternated with commercial producers or in transition to be. The desired traits of interest for its varieties are seed size medium or large, abundant flowers, pods and seeds, which are early, and resistant to major pests, diseases and drought.