The “Socioproductive Characterization of Backyard Poultry Systems and Their Contribution to Food Sovereignty in Tehuacán and Tecamachalco”

Socioproductive characterization of backyard poultry systems and their contribution to food sovereignty in Tehuacán and Tecamachalco

Abstract

Abstrac:

Backyard poultry farming has historically represented an essential productive and social practice in rural communities in Mexico, particularly in areas where conditions of food vulnerability persist. From a food sovereignty perspective, this study analyzes the role of family-based poultry production in five rural communities located in the Tehuacán–Tecamachalco corridor, Puebla, selected for their agricultural vocation and their relevance to household economies and community organization. The methodology was developed using a mixed-methods approach, prioritizing socioproductive diagnosis and statistical analysis. Data collection was based on interviews, surveys, and direct observation applied to a random sample of 250 households. Statistical analysis included cluster analysis and descriptive statistics to identify similarities and differences among communities. The findings revealed that 78% of households maintained backyard poultry systems, with women playing a predominant role in the daily management of flocks. This participation ensured regular access to animal protein, the preservation of traditional knowledge, the strengthening of household self-sufficiency, and the development of local networks of exchange and collaboration. In conclusion, backyard poultry farming emerges as a food sovereignty strategy that has contributed significantly to resilience in the rural contexts studied.

Keywords: Food sovereignty, backyard poultry farming, rural communities, rural women