Abstract
This paper reports on a study of farmer' assessment of different types of maize germplasm - improved varieties, landraces, and creolized varieties - in two poor, but contrasting, regions of Mexico. Results show that these different maize types are planted in both regions. Farmers do not perceive an overall superior maize type in either region; all types have advantages and disadvantages, which entail trade-offs. We examine the hypothesis that creolization lessens these trade-offs and, hence, is a way of enhancing the benefits that farmers obtain from improved germplasm. Results show that creolized varieties occupy a niche that shifts according to the availability of improved germplasm and the orientation of farmers' maize production.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 113-129 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | World Development |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Creolization
- Latin america
- Maize
- Mexico
- Poverty
- Vulnerability
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Development
- Sociology and Political Science
- Economics and Econometrics