Resistencia cultural y participación popular en los municipios del Istmo de Tehuantepec (México)soberanía alimentaria y maíz Zapalote Chico

Resumen

This research is focused in the study of the food-processing system of the population of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (Mexico), mostly of native origin zapoteca, and this relation with the native corn Zapalote Chico. The aim was to characterise this system and contrast in which measure it makes possible to keep in the actuality a high degree of food sovereignty. For this, we have done an extensive empirical fieldwork through surveys to peasants and consumers of the region, complemented with interviews to key local informants. The results show the absolutely predominant percentage of peasants of the Isthmus who cultivate this cereal and its decisive role in the diet of the population (as it is still producing more than half of the foods that make up the diet of the inhabitants of the Isthmus). It has also been able to verify the complexity and diversity of food derived from this native maize. Overall, the research shows that the diversity of food made with Zapalote Chico is very significant and remains the basis of the diet of the Isthmian population, which is rooted in the tradition inherited from the pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican counterfoil. As a result of the foregoing, the empirical evidence gathered suggests that this food system, linked to a own biocultural model derived from Zapalote Chico, makes it possible today to maintain a high level of food sovereignty or autonomy of the population of the Isthmus.