Description of the Jipijapa palm (Carludovica palmata Ruiz & Pavón) agroecosystem in Santa Cruz Ex Hacienda, Calkiní, Campeche

Resumen

Objective: To describe the socioenvironmental and cultural components of the Jipijapa palm (Carludovica palmata Ruiz & Pavón) agroecosystem in the community of Santa Cruz Ex Hacienda, Calkiní, Campeche.

Design/methodology/approach: The sample included 10% of the farmers and artisans of Jipijapa palm (Carludovica palmata), selected after observing these plants in their backyards and through voluntary participation. A semi-structured questionnaire with 82 questions organized into five sections was designed and applied by means of interviews with 20 inhabitants of the community. The information obtained was analyzed through descriptive statistics using the Excel Microsoft Software.

Results: Of the interview respondents, 35% are men and 65% women, all originally from the locality and Maya speakers. The average age is 47 years, with the farmers being older than the artisans; 85% of the economic activities are developed locally, and the production of fine hats stands out. Carludovica palmata is the main species cultivated, but climate change, pests like moles, and the unsustainable use of shoots and leaves from the plant are affecting the crops and placing their production at risk. Results suggest that mothers are the ones that transmit knowledge about production and the skill. However, 63% of the community is not interested in continuing with these activities largely because of a tendency towards migration in the search for better opportunities.

Limitations on study/implications: The study presents limitations due to the reduced size of the sample (10% of the population), and the selection of participants based exclusively on current producers of Jipijapa plants.

Findings/conclusions: The community faces significant challenges, among them low schooling, youth migration, scarcity of raw materials due to climate change and pests, as well as dependency on intermediaries to sell their products. Although sustainable agricultural practices are implemented, it is fundamental to innovate in the productive management of the palm, to optimize agricultural techniques, and to strengthen commercial channels to guarantee the viability of production and the preservation of local productive traditions.