Abstract

HERNANDEZ-BELTRAN, Yaima et al. Family agriculture and food security in a farm of the Sancti Spíritus municipality. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2019, vol.42, n.2, pp.181-188. ISSN 0864-0394.

The objective of the research was to analyze the processes that participate in the development of family agriculture in the Ríos de Agua Viva farm located in the Sancti Spíritus municipality, Sancti Spíritus province, Cuba. The plant species were identified and the diversity index was calculated by Shannon’s method. The family was interviewed and direct and participatory observations were made with the farm inhabitants for following up the activities. Food security was analyzed through the food availability, access and utilization and the stability in time of the three above-mentioned dimensions. Diverse productions, characteristic of a farm with family agriculture, were obtained, although Shannon index for crop diversity had a mean value (2,05). The animal husbandry system is diversified and composed by three horses, 30 cattle, 20 goats and 100 pigs, and the generated excreta is used in biogas production as energy resource by a 42-m3 biodigester. In the farm positive effects have been promoted, on environment conservation as well as on generation of jobs and incomes. The socioeconomic perspectives and the enthusiasm of the farmer families that belong to the CCS in which they work and in others from different municipalities also improved. In addition, in the farm more than 15 foodstuffs are preserved and wines and vinegars are elaborated. Family agriculture is considered to be an alternative that contributes to food security, with particular production characteristics, which contributes to the improvement of the rural population’s living conditions.

Keywords : biodiversity; environment; food production.

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