Agricultural diversity and nutritional food security in two Maya localities of Yucatan

Abstract

Recent studies show that health, food, and human well-being are directly related to the diversity of farming systems used to ensure nutritional food security (SAN). The Maya families of the Yucatan Peninsula practice a strategy of multiple use of agricultural resources for subsistence and exchange purposes, despite the monoculture that has driven modernity. The objective of the present study was to identify and evaluate the relationship established between the family’s SAN and the agricultural diversity of their traditional milpa and backyard systems. The results showed that there is no significant relationship (p > 0.05) between the SAN, the diversity indices, and the economic variables, although a positive influence was observed towards the mentioned condition. The backyard system was more diverse than the milpa system; however, these resources are seasonal.