Maize diversity and ethnolinguistic diversity in Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate whether ethnolinguistic diversity influences crop diversity. Factors suggest a correlation between biological diversity of crops and cultural diversity. Although this correlation has been noted, little systematic research has focused on the role of culture in shaping crop diversity. This paper reports on research in the Maya highlands (altitude > 1,800 m) of central Chiapas in southern Mexico that examined the distribution of maize (Zea mays) types among communities of two groups, the Tzeltal and Tzotzil. The findings suggest that maize populations are distinct according to ethnolinguistic group. However, a study of isozymes indicates no clear separation of the region's maize into two distinct populations based on ethnolinguistic origin. A reciprocal garden experiment shows that there is adaptation of maize to its environment but that Tzeltal maize sometimes out-yields Tzotzil maize in Tzotzil environments. Because of the proximity of the two groups and selection for yield, we would expect that the superior maize would dominate both groups' maize populations, but we find that such domination is not the case. The role of ethnolinguistic identity in shaping social networks and information exchange is discussed in relation to landrace differentiation.crop diversity ͉ culture ͉ Maya ethnic groups ͉ cultural diversity

A global perspective of the richness and evenness of traditional crop-variety diversity maintained by farming communities

“…There has been serious debate about the variety names as a basis for arriving at estimates at variety numbers and richness values (4,14). In part, the issues resemble the problems associated with using species occurrences and density in conservation decisions for natural communities (15).…”

“…The hierarchical approach adopted here (i.e., surveying farms within communities) gives a framework for testing the correspondence between named varieties and actual genetic divergence for specific crop-country situations (16). Yet, apart from (14) and SI for further details of variety names and units of diversity relationships. † Cl, clonal; In, inbreeding; Po, partially outcrossing; Oc, outcrossing.…”

Ethnolinguistic structuring of sorghum genetic diversity in Africa and the role of local seed systems

“…Thus, reluctance to adopt modern varieties is the flip side of the kind of social-ecological adaptation described in the case of the Pari seed system. Despite lower achievable yields, communities relying on subsistence agriculture often choose to continue to cultivate local varieties because yields are stable and predictable and consumption characteristics are well known (25,27). Insights from the literature on seed systems elucidate this two-sided reason for the low adoption.…”

“…operating at finer scales. On-farm management of crop varieties and cultural boundaries influencing the diffusion of seeds, practices, and knowledge are important local-scale explanatory factors behind patterns of regional and continental scale associations between ethnolinguistic groups and crop genetic structure (27)(28)(29)(30).…”

Marriage exchanges, seed exchanges, and the dynamics of manioc diversity

“…By defining marriage prohibitions, kinship systems structure social networks of exchange between kin (related by descent) and affines (related by marriage). Kinship systems thus determine the connectivity of farmer populations, and, in extenso, by favoring or limiting exchanges between communities, they also determine the connectivity of their crop (15) or livestock (16) populations. Kinship systems are cultural conceptualizations of relationships between individuals, based on the notion of descent and clan membership.…”