Brosimum Alicastrum Swartz as an alternative for the productive reconversion of agrosilvopastoral areas in Campeche

Abstract

Research has been generated on the nutraceutical properties of the Ramón tree (Brosimum alicastrum) for animal and human feeding, medicinal uses and even production systems. However, it remains as a species with natural distribution and no forestry management. Because of this, the objective of the present work was to analyze the economic-social, physiographic and production factors that condition the conversion to Ramón tree plantations in the state of Campeche. By means of a sampling directed to the zones with a greater cover of the species, 190 farmers of the sectors of agricultural (94), livestock (58), forestry (17) and apicultural (21) sectors were surveyed between September and November, 2018. The results indicate that the age, schooling and family economic income represented by the current production systems do not condition the conversion. On the other hand, the factors that most restrict this conversion are associated with the freedom to make decisions regarding their plots (land tenure), access to the areas where the Ramón tree is distributed naturally, and the lack of technological packages for the production and post-harvest of the species. The producers with greater willingness to convert are the farmers and livestock breeders: the former, encouraged by the sales price of 1 kg of seed ($ 23.00 MXN), and the latter, seeking to find alternative fodder at a lower cost. In both cases, technical advice and training would help to minimize the period of adaptation to the new production systems.