Technological gap in allspice (Pimenta dioica L. Merr) production

Abstract

Objective: To study the technological features of allspice pepper (Pimenta dioica L. Merr) production and to show potential areas of social intervention in the crop. Methodology: The study took place in five of 22 producing municipalities in Veracruz state, Mexico, selected by non-probabilistic sampling; n = 50 surveys were applied to producers selected following the snowball method. Data were collected on profile of the production unit and knowledge-practice for innovations. Descriptive statistics were applied; knowledge-practice rates and knowledge-practice indices were calculated. A classification of areas of opportunity was made based on the diffusion of innovations theory. Results: Allspice occupies small areas, its a complementary crop; knowledge and practice rates show that the categories for marketing, organization and nutrition are the lowest; in the opposite direction are the categories for harvesting, sustainable management and agronomic management. The categories show areas of opportunity for intervention, for the less known and practiced innovations; as well as opportunity for reinvention of known and practiced categories. Study limitations: Due to difficult access to producer databases, it was decided to conduct a snowball sampling method. Conclusions: The increase in knowledge and practice rates are determined by the areas of opportunity and the restructuring of the known innovations. The role played by allspice pepper, the occupied surface and the presence of other commercial crops can explain the state of production.