Typology of nopal producers in Pinos, Zacatecas

Abstract

The typification of producers is important for the design, implementation and efficient application of policies, programs and strategies directed to specific groups. The farmers of Pinos, Zacatecas have as their main source of economic income the cultivation of prickly pear. These producers receive government economic support; however, the benefits have not been reflected in the proper development and productivity of their orchards. In order for these supports to be distributed prioritizing the needs of the producers, it was proposed to identify the ways of producing prickly pear based on the age and activities of the producers and the support relationships they establish. For this, a survey was applied to 38 producers in November 2014. Through a multivariate analysis, a correlation of variables and a principal component analysis (CP), groups of producers with distinctive characteristics were determined. Ten types of prickly pear producers were generated (r² of 0.69) based on 4 CPs: age and income from prickly pear cultivation are the most determining variables (25% of the variation), yield of prickly pear (17%), income for a complementary activity (15%) and the relationship with partners in production (12%). They identified as priority needs for the development of the “tunera” activity, increase the yield of production, as well as create and strengthen links with local and foreign producers. The classification of producers allows prioritizing and expediting the distribution of support to the most vulnerable groups. It is a priority to design strategies that improve the productivity and quality of the prickly pear and expand its commercialization.