Socioeconomic characteristics of sugarcane producers in the municipality of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico

Abstract

Background: The differences in gross and net income, determined by the costs of harvesting, seed, transportation and educational level, between sugarcane producers with the same agricultural area. It is unknown if, through their income, the producer can contribute to improving their quality of life.

Objective: To analyze the economic and social characteristics of sugarcane producers in the municipality of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, focused on establishing the economic importance of sugarcane cultivation, the economic situation of the producers and their quality of life.

Methods: A mixed approach was used, in an exploratory-explanatory-cross-sectional investigation. We worked with a sample of 63 producers. Documentary analysis and survey were used, and a bivariate correlation model was applied. The questionnaire used has 44 items, with open and closed questions.

Results: Of the gross income obtained, the producer keeps a quarter, the rest goes to pay debts, harvest costs, insurance and salaries; 92.2% of producers have medical insurance and the majority of the housing level is high. Schooling is low in 80.9%; 15.9% have a high quality of life, 20.6% medium and 63.5% low.

Conclusions: The producers continue with this crop for the assurance of capital and market, access to social security and the pension to which they can aspire, even with low earnings. The high production costs are derived from the lack of own agricultural machinery and having to resort to maquila.