IMPORTANCE OF AROMATIC HERBS IN FARMER’S MARKETS OF AMECAMECA, STATE OF MEXICO

Abstract

In Latin America, approximately half of rural women of working age do not have their own income; this scenario is not different in Mexico, the above has its origins in the assignment of modeling behaviors of female roles. In recent years, the contribution of women in households has been very important to alleviate poverty, since in rural areas the cooperativeness of women is important in agricultural and livestock activities as a complement to family income. The objective of this study was to analyze the importance of commercialization of aromatic herbs in the farmer’s markets and to know the properties of each of the plants, as well as to understand the collaboration of women in the economic growth of rural communities. Thirty-five interviews were conducted in 2019, designed for women marketers of aromatic herbs in farmer’s markets. These interviews were applied in Amecameca, State of Mexico. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a marketing/commercialization system was designed. Conclusions refer that the farmer’s markets are areas or geographic spaces in which community and economic ties are developed for maintenance and additional family income through commercialization of aromatic herbs, which is carried out by rural women. The work of these rural women has been transmitted through generations (at least three generations), mainly to the daughters, implemented by the uses and customs of the municipality of Amecameca. The marketing activity of aromatic herbs occurs only within the same gender.