Article: Maize diversity, rural development policy, and farmers' practices: lessons from Chiapas, Mexico.(Report)

Introduction

In this paper, we discuss the impacts of recent policy developments on key social systems that generate and maintain maize (Zea mays) landraces in the La Frailesca region of Chiapas, Mexico. Maize contributes to the livelihood of millions of farmers in Mexico, its centre of origin, as well as being one of the three most important cereal crops worldwide. Maize landraces under in situ management in Mexico represent a genetic, evolutionary and cultural resource that is unique when compared with improved varieties or landrace conservation in gene banks. Thus, the in situ maintenance of maize landrace diversity is relevant to plant breeders, maize ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!