Family agriculture and backyard farming with territorial approach in Acatzingo de Hidalgo, Puebla, México

Abstract

This article represents an effort to estimate importance that family and backyard farming represents for many Mexican families. The investigation focus on the contribution that these activities represent for families that live in the analyzed region (Acatzingo de Hidalgo, Puebla; Mexico). Two instruments (interviews) were generated and at the same time implementation of participative techniques for region´s producers and were obtained data that allowed establish that both; family and backyard farming make chances to guarantee access to healthy, nutritious and sufficient foods for producers and their families (the greater part of production is self-consumption destined) and even generating employments and the opportunity for food industries that leads to give added value for all production (vegetables and animal sources). Also in the investigation were identified difficulties that affect food production at this levels and includes: a) presence of plagues and diseases, b) inadequate training in food production, and c) harvest and animal robbery. Also was identified that vegetable species generated (intensive and backyard agriculture) often are subject to several process to give added value such as: a) selection and cleaning, b) washing and packing; c) ―pulque‖ and others liquors production and d) candy, canned food and fruit jam.