Mobilizing knowledge to foster autonomy in Mayan communities in the Municipality of Bacalar, Q. Roo, Mexico

Authors

  • María Amalia Gracia El Colegio de la Frontera Sur

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/otra.2015.917.03

Abstract

The article discusses socioproductive practices of organic apiculture and exchange with the Fair Trade market – which Mayan peninsular communities have been carrying out for almost 20 years – that started with Cooperativa Kabi Habin. At the same time, it looks into practices of exchange, reciprocity and celebration in the microregional area aimed at supplying and recovering native (criolla) seeds associated with the Mayan Milpa. These practices have allowed the formation of the main node of a peninsular network for the exchange of native seeds which started thirteen years ago (South Yucatan and North Campeche communities are part of the network). The analysis of the data from research work initiated in 2012, which resumes aspects of the ethnographic method, clearly shows the importance of the transmission, re-signifying and horizontal circulation of knowledge in the process of autonomy building and the emergence and spreading of collective action that oppose the introduction of transgenic corn in Yucatan Peninsula by means of the recovery of ancestral and critical practices and knowledge.

Keywords: socioproductive and exchange practices, organic apiculture, fair trade, preservation of biocultural diversity.

Author Biography

María Amalia Gracia, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur

Investigadora Titular. Departamento de Sociedad y Cultura

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Published

2015-09-01

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 17 (2015): volume IX - nº 17, 2nd semester/2015

Section

Dossier Las búsquedas de opciones para la vida con/a pesar de/contra el capital: Miradas etnográficas

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