Agave pulquero (Agave salmiana), socio-economic and agro-ecological importance and its development perspectives: a literature review

Abstract

Historically, the agave pulquero (Agave spp.) has played an important ecological, economic, social, and cultural role in Mexico. Based on a systematic exploratory review of 125 scientific documents, four areas of knowledge associated with the study of agave pulquero were identified: i) biochemistry (46,4%), ii) socioeconomics (20%), iii) cultural studies (11,2%), and iv) agroecology (22,4%). Research converges on the need to value and preserve agaves since they can play an important role in rural development actions and the life quality of future societies, depending on the diversity of food, industrial, agro-ecological and cultural uses they provide. However, there is a fragmentary construction of the research problems that prevent a comprehensive vision of the producing territories as subjects of development. It is concluded that it is necessary to generate interdisciplinary perspectives for the valorization of the agave pulquero as an asset of rural development, based on inclusive innovation strategies, adapted to the specific needs of producers and consumers.