Social Factors Explaining Species Richness in Family Vegetable Gardens: Analysis of a Livelihood Strategy

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to analyze the social factors that promote species richness in family vegetable gardens in three rural localities in the State of Mexico. The livelihood  strategy theoretical approach was used to investigate the actions carried out by low-income people in these locations. The methodology consisted of the selection and characterization of the study area; a description of the families and family vegetable gardens; an analysis of the agroecosystem management, species richness  and its  use; and the exploration of social factors associated with species richness. The results reveal a large variety of plants, with 128 species registered in the three locations, used for various purposes. Values in the Simpson D index showed that species diversity in family gardens is low (> 0.9). The family distributes management practices, which involve local beliefs, customs, and traditions. Factors that encouraged species richness included  religion, occupation and the usage value of family vegetable gardens. The social factors identified promote agrobiodiversity, influencing the livelihood strategy of family vegetable gardens.