Farmer Perceptions of Adopting Novel Legumes in Traditional Maize-Based Farming Systems in the Yucatan Peninsula

Abstract

Intercropping constitutes the traditional farming system practice used in various forms for maize production in the Yucatan peninsula. Although practiced for centuries, problems persist with competition for water, nutrients and light between crop species in traditional farming systems. Furthermore, little is known about farmers’ perceptions regarding changes to traditional maize-legume intercropping systems and their interest in novel crop adoption to increase yields in the system while maintaining the practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the maize-based traditional cropping system by assessing the underlying motives and concepts of farmers to practice intercropping in the Yucatan Peninsula and to examine the association between farmers’ level of knowledge about legumes and decisions to adopt intercropping and related practices therein. Farmer surveys were conducted in nine different regions of the Yucatan Peninsula. We selected Xoy, Euan, Muna, Mama, Tahdziú (Yucatan), Becal, Hecelchacam, Dzitbalché and San Antonio Sahcabchén (Campeche) which are representative of agroecological small-scale farming systems. We used a mixed methods case study analysis involving key informant interviews in eight associations of farmers. A sample frame with 73 farmers was selected in total during February 2021 and April 2021. Basic information such as land use, labor inputs, agricultural production and farmer’s perceptions regarding their intercropping systems were collected. Our research shows that the primary motives for intercropping were due to the ability of intercropping to offer a more diversified range of food for human and animal consumption, as well as to take advantage of different harvest periods that this practice offers. The majority of respondents were likely to favor the idea of introducing new legume species in their maize-based cropping systems. Factors such as the type of cropping system (i.e., intercropping or monocropping), access to water and level of knowledge about legumes influenced their decision to adopt intercropping in their farming systems considerably. This paper contributes to the knowledge on the current state and farmers’ perceptions of intercropping systems in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Review of agronomic research on the milpa, the traditional polyculture system of Mesoamerica

“…Such changes may even require the introduction of new crops in milpa systems. Farmers in Yucatan reported being open to such introductions, if it suits their needs, but the performance of new varieties and species must be tested under local conditions before being widely promoted (Fils Pierre et al, 2021).…”

“…The use of improved hand planting tools adapted for the milpa could save time, since fertilization could be done simultaneously with sowing, which would also increase nutrient use efficiency. Some milpa farmers already mechanize part of their operations, such as in Becal, Yucatan, where farmers sow maize mechanically using tractors and sow beans and squash manually, following maize germination (Fils Pierre et al, 2021). Martıńez Peŕez (2021), describes participatory development of a seeder-fertilizer for milpa systems powered by a 2-wheel tractor that can sow at a rate of 13 h ha -1 and requires only a single operator.…”

“…Moreover, the conditions in which milpas are grown are changing due to climate change, societal changes, population growth, and cultural changes, so the milpa has to co-evolve. Finally, milpas already incorporate use of herbicides, fertilizers and other inputs initially adapted for commercial agriculture (Mascorro De Loera et al, 2019;Fils Pierre et al, 2021;Wies et al, 2022); these practices then should be adapted to milpa conditions.…”

A review of the impact of maize-legume intercrops on the diversity and abundance of entomophagous and phytophagous insects

“…It involves planting two or more crops simultaneously in the same field, and these diversified agricultural systems can improve productivity and ecosystem services, including biological control ( Beaumelle et al, 2021 ; He et al, 2019 ). In regions such as Africa and the Americas, intercropping maize with legumes, such as common beans, groundnuts, cowpea, and lima beans, is a traditional practice that has gained popularity in modern agroecological farming systems ( Tsubo & Walker, 2004 ; Pierre et al, 2021 ; Pierre et al, 2022b ). Cereal-legume intercropping has been documented to reduce the abundance of specialist pests and provide additional resources, such as shelter and food, for arthropod predators ( Norris et al, 2018 ).…”

Effect of Maize–Legume Intercropping on Maize Physio-Agronomic Parameters and Beneficial Insect Abundance

“…On the Yucatan Peninsula, most farmers intercrop maize with lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) or cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)] due to the ability of these legumes to provide the Mayan people's basic food supply [6].…”