@article{MAKHILLRJBS20138611424, title = {Local Knowledge on the Chayote (Sechium edule Jacq. Swartz) Marketing in Rural Communities of Chiapas, Mexico}, journal = {Research Journal of Biological Sciences}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, pages = {221-226}, year = {2013}, issn = {1815-8846}, doi = {rjbsci.2013.221.226}, url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1815-8846&doi=rjbsci.2013.221.226}, author = {H.,R.,N.,M.,A.,G.,R.,P.,J. and}, keywords = {Local knowledge,ethno-agronomic exploration,traditional systems,Southeast Mexico,Chiapas}, abstract = {This study, presents a systematization of traditional knowledge regarding grower indicators for local marketing of chayote (Sechium edule Jacq. Swartz) in rural areas of the municipalities Villaflores and Villacorzo, Chiapas, Mexico through socio-anthropological analysis based on ethno-agronomy and ethno-botany. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 growers selected through an ethno-botanical exploration in each municipality, indicators regarding the local chayote marketing were identified. Chayote production is shown to provide a significant source of income for rural families of Villaflores and Villacorzo, 64% of growers of both municipalities directly market their harvest (without intermediaries) and 32% sell in local markets. Total 69% sell their products directly, the remaining growers turn to the informal selling places (streets). The 65% of growers of both municipalities set the prices of their product and 58% consume the excess product. Nevertheless, despite the demand and the commercial value of chayote in the municipalities studied, 55% of growers lack information to provide value added to their product, for example regarding form of presentation in the local market.} }