Socio-economic conditions of corn producers in the municipalities of Villaflores and La Trinitaria, Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

In Mexico, the agricultural sector has a complex structure in economic and social terms, which is reflected in socioeconomic imbalances in various areas of the country. This has resulted in rural producers considering as a means of subsistence, various systems of production and diversification of non-agricultural activities, in order to increase income, have greater opportunities for development and progress options in improving quality of life. The objective of this research was to determine the socioeconomic conditions in which the corn producers of the municipalities of Villaflores and La Trinitaria, Chiapas are located, in order to establish differentiated public policies that contribute to improving income and satisfying needs basics of the actors under study. Methodologically, stratified proportional affixation sampling and multivariate cluster analysis were applied using hierarchical and Wards clustering methods. The results determined the difference between the groups of the municipalities, which were: age and schooling of the producers, income from sales of production and non-agricultural activities, destination of the income they receive, access to health services, spaces and materials of the housing, and basic services. It is concluded that it is necessary to strengthen socio-economic policy and promote initiatives as a fundamental part of the regional rural development policy, so that it remains balanced in the social and economic spheres and ensures a decent standard of living for the inhabitants of rural communities.