TY - JOUR T1 - Local Knowledge on the Chayote (Sechium edule Jacq. Swartz) Marketing in Rural Communities of Chiapas, Mexico AU - Francisco Guevara, H. AU - Roberto R. Coutino, R. AU - Ramiro E. Ruiz, N. AU - Antonio Gutierrez, M. AU - Franklin B. Martinez, A. AU - Jose Galdamez, G. AU - Rodrigo del C. Gutierrez, R. AU - Santiago Mendoza, P. AU - Carlos E. Aguilar, J. AU - Luis A. Rodriguez, L. JO - Research Journal of Biological Sciences VL - 8 IS - 6 SP - 221 EP - 226 PY - 2013 DA - 2001/08/19 SN - 1815-8846 DO - rjbsci.2013.221.226 UR - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=rjbsci.2013.221.226 KW - Local knowledge KW -ethno-agronomic exploration KW -traditional systems KW -Southeast Mexico KW -Chiapas AB - 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. ER -