Study of backyard poultry farming in the Sierra and Valley of Villaflores, Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Backyard poultry farming, essential for food security in rural areas, faces significant challenges. A study conducted  in four ejidos (common lands) in the Sierra and Valle areas of the municipality of Villaflores Frailesca region of Chiapas. Using a participatory assessment (on a population of 1,600 households). ai,ed tp analyze its current status and the factors that influence it- A correlational-causal cross-sectional desing and systematic sampling were used. The results show that, although 77 percent of households still raise poultry, production has fallen 41% in the last five years. This activity persists especially in the most marginalized ejidos (common lands), where interest in its conservation remains. And despite the negative trend, backyard poultry farming remains. an activity of interest in ejidos considered to have a certain degree of marginalization, where a continuous commitment to its practice is observed. Despite its potential as an economic alternative to food insecurity, the decline in participation and production per households threatens its long-term sustainability. The study underscores the need to implement effective strategies to preserve this vital practice for rural communities.