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<p>This study enhances our understanding of the iconic giant maize landrace (<i>Zea mays</i> subsp. <i>mays</i>) known internationally as <i>Jala</i> and locally as <i>maíz de húmedo</i>, focusing on its presence within the municipality of Jala in Nayarit state, Mexico. It examines the current geographical, environmental, and social contexts surrounding this landrace and the dominant narrative that <i>Jala</i> maize is only cultivated in Jala Valley for conservation purposes. The study is based on interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, questionnaires, and participatory mapping workshops with maize farmers from seven communities within the entire municipality of Jala. The study presents robust evidence that the cultivation of <i>maíz de húmedo</i> covers both the valley and the mountain area of the Jala municipality. It also identifies two agroecological niches in which this landrace is cultivated. Results show differences in the reasons for continuing to grow <i>maíz de húmedo</i>. Farmers in the mountain region emphasized cultivating it due to its strong adaptation to the local environment. In contrast, farmers in the valley highlighted tradition as the primary reason for their cultivation practices. As a valuable genetic resource for one of the world’s most important crop plants, the conservation and promotion of <i>maíz de húmedo</i> should be carefully considered. This study demonstrates how research integrating local expertise and participatory mapping, providing geographical context, can provide valuable, often-overlooked insights that help explain why and how to sustain and enhance the future of this landrace and the communities that cultivate it.</p>

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Reviewing assumptions around the giant maize Jala landrace locally known as maíz de húmedo: the importance of local knowledge for the in situ conservation of agrobiodiversity

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月2日

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  • Emerita Ramírez-Grande,
  • Marta Astier,
  • Denise E. Costich,
  • Carolina T. Camacho-Villa

摘要

This study enhances our understanding of the iconic giant maize landrace (Zea mays subsp. mays) known internationally as Jala and locally as maíz de húmedo, focusing on its presence within the municipality of Jala in Nayarit state, Mexico. It examines the current geographical, environmental, and social contexts surrounding this landrace and the dominant narrative that Jala maize is only cultivated in Jala Valley for conservation purposes. The study is based on interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, questionnaires, and participatory mapping workshops with maize farmers from seven communities within the entire municipality of Jala. The study presents robust evidence that the cultivation of maíz de húmedo covers both the valley and the mountain area of the Jala municipality. It also identifies two agroecological niches in which this landrace is cultivated. Results show differences in the reasons for continuing to grow maíz de húmedo. Farmers in the mountain region emphasized cultivating it due to its strong adaptation to the local environment. In contrast, farmers in the valley highlighted tradition as the primary reason for their cultivation practices. As a valuable genetic resource for one of the world’s most important crop plants, the conservation and promotion of maíz de húmedo should be carefully considered. This study demonstrates how research integrating local expertise and participatory mapping, providing geographical context, can provide valuable, often-overlooked insights that help explain why and how to sustain and enhance the future of this landrace and the communities that cultivate it.