LOCAL SEED ACCESS AND EXCHANGE SYSTEMS IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF MEXICO.

In the case of maize farmers, access to seeds for planting is essential. We describe access to and exchange of maize seed in three sub-regions (central, eastern and western) in the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala, in order to analyze the use of maize seed in a rain-fed plateau region, based on local diversity. In 2013, 86 local maize producers were interviewed, 43 of whom participated in the Custodian program for the National System of Plant Genetic Resources (Sistema Nacional de Recursos Fitogenéticos), and 43 others, who did not participate, but were chosen by non-probabilistic sampling. The 86 farmers maintain 193 lots of seeds, differentiated according to grain color (white, red, blue, yellow, pinto and moradillo) and the Cacahuacintle type. There were significant differences between sub-regions in terms of access, exchange and loss of seed lots. 92.7% of the seed used in the area is native maize derived from self-sufficiency within the community or family (81.9%), with a low replacement rate (79.8%) and when a new batch of seeds is required, this is acquired within the community itself (86.0%); there is limited exchange (55.9%), between family members or close social networks. A community seed supply system prevails, due to being very accessible and people's confidence in the adaptability of the acquired genetic material, promoting in situ conservation of native maize; even though farmers do have access to improved varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]