Agricultural diagnosis of the municipality of Uruachi, in the Sierra Tarahumara, Chihuahua, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a diagnostic assessment of producers and the agricultural sector in the municipality of Uruachi, Chihuahua. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in Uruachi, a municipality located in the Sierra Tarahumara region of Chihuahua, characterized by a semi-warm subhumid to temperate subhumid climate. A sample comprising 20% of family production units was selected for interviews, resulting in a total of 49 face-to-face interviews across ten communities. Data collection was carried out in 2020 using the “SIAP” mobile application installed on cell phones. The collected data were subsequently processed using Excel, and descriptive statistical analyses were performed.

Results: The majority of producers are male, with an average age of 55 ± 14 years. Most reside in adobe homes and have not completed elementary education. Cattle are predominantly of the criollo breed and are managed under low-intensity systems, reflected in low productivity indicators such as a calving interval of 566 ± 185 days. Corn is the principal crop, cultivated using animal traction and minimal fertilization, resulting in low average yields of 0.844 ± 0.576 t ha⁻¹. Drought, hail, and pests are common constraints, significantly affecting both corn and livestock productivity.

Limitations/Implications: Due to the municipality’s considerable variation in climate and altitude, the collected information exhibits locality-dependent variability.

Findings/Conclusions: Producers are generally older, possess limited formal education, and live in modest housing conditions. Both livestock and crop production systems are low-input and low-output. Cattle are typically sold in response to financial emergencies, while corn production is primarily intended for subsistence.