MAIZE UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN DOMESTIC PRODUCTION UNITS OF THE PUEBLA VALLEY, MEXICO

Abstract

The objective of this research was to describe the maize utilization patterns (corn and byproducts) in production units of the District for Rural Development (DDR) of Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, and to analyze whether such utilization satisfies their consumption needs. During 2008, 113 questionnaires were applied at three locations; those included variables dealing with social, productive and maize use aspects. The study of 26 variables by cluster analysis and analysis of variance on ranks indicated the presence of five groups of production units. All groups allotted 83 to 100 % of their cropping area to maize, used the harvested grain for both human and animal consumption, sold a part of the production and used the stubber (packed or standing). Groups 1 and 2 performed a more integral utilization of maize (grain, stubber and husks), using it to satisfy their self-consumption needs and selling only 4 to 16 % of their production. Groups 4 and 5 focused on production and commercialization of maize as grain, selling up to 47 to 64 % of it. Group 3 had important livestock activity. All groups were self-sufficient in terms of maize for human consumption.