Characteristics and socio-productive problems of women mezcal producers in Oaxaca, Mexico

• Sánchez-Gómez, Julia ^[1] ; Pardo-Núñez, Joaliné ^[1] ; Cuevas-Reyes, Venancio ^[2] ; Romero-Romero, Yair ^[1]
  1. [1] CONACyT-Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C. (CIATEJ), Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, C.P. 44270.
  2. [2] Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) Los Reyes-Lechería, Texcoco, Edo. de México, México, C.P. 56230
• Localización: Agro Productividad, ISSN-e 2594-0252, Vol. 15, Nº. 3, 2022 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Marzo), págs. 83-90
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Objective: To analyze the characteristics and socio-productive problems of women mezcal producers of Oaxaca, Mexico.Design/methodology/approach: A semi-structured interview was applied in the field to n20 women mezcal producers to obtain the data for this study.

    Results: The interviewees are middle-aged adult women with an elementary education level and a wide experience in the production of mezcal. Among them, 35% make all decisions in their business and at home. The main problems that they perceive in this activity are the price of mezcal (35%) and the shortage of agave (30%). Women face social limitations such as work overload at home, a lack of financial aids for production, and little involvement in rural organizations.

    Study limitations/implications: More studies about women mezcal producers in Oaxaca should be conducted.

    Findings/conclusions: Collective work and organization could be alternatives for women mezcal producers to improve their and their families’ benefits and quality of life. Public policies with a gender perspective should be designed to meet the needs of women who participate in mezcal production.