INVESTIGADORES
LOZADA Mariana
artículos
Título:
Traditional horticultural knowledge change in a rural population of the Patagonian steppe
Autor/es:
CECILIA EYSSARTIER; ANA LADIO; MARIANA LOZADA
Revista:
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
Editorial:
ACADEMIC PRESS LTD-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Referencias:
Año: 2011 vol. 75 p. 78 - 86
ISSN:
0140-1963
Resumen:
We investigated traditional horticultural knowledge related to plant
species cultivated in homegardens in an arid rural population of North-western Patagonia, Argentina.
By means of semi-structured interviews and field visits to the cultivated areas
we analyzed floristic composition and structure of: vegetable-gardens,
greenhouses and gardens. We evaluated species richness, cover and
biogeographical origin in each cultivated area and analyzed the influence of
socio-cultural factors, such as age and gender, on informants´ cultivation
practice. A total of 124 species were found: 75 species in vegetable-gardens, 63 in greenhouses and 68 in gardens. In all
cultivated areas, most plant species (91%) were exotic and mainly used for
edible purposes. Plant richness in homegardens increased with informants´ age
and both men and women play a relevant role in the maintenance of cultivated
areas. Traditional knowledge in this community has been suffering an erosion
process, which is in part influenced by the intervention of extension agents.
However, their presence creates the possibility of integrating new and ancestral
practices, favoring development of knowledge of a hybrid,
syncretic nature. Alongside these changes, Pilcaniyeu
inhabitants still maintain traditional homegardens cultivation, through which we can appreciate the
intricate relationship between people and their physical, historical, cultural
and spiritual contexts.