Social vulnerability and community capitals in two localities of the Comitec plateau, Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Objective of this work was to analyze the social vulnerability and the community capital in two localities of the municipality of Comitán de Domínguez, Chiapas, México. The information was obtained through the application of a questionnaire and interviews with community leaders and local residents. These instruments were designed using the methodological approach of the Community Capitals Framework (MCF) in a sample of 115 informants. The results showed high vulnerability in the financial, social and political capitals of the studied communities, while the natural, physical, human and social capitals presented medium vulnerability. The resources counted on by the interviewees allow them to generate their source of livelihood as well as being able to depend on the existing community organization to help them to improve their capacities, skills and establish agreements to settle the community problems. In the perception of the interviewees, the main problems of the communities are due to the absence of markets, the absence of diversification of strategies for livelihood, contamination, and illnesses. Additionally, the current structural changes that favor the securing of basic services and communication are factors that might alter negatively the living conditions of the studied communities.