Intercontinental Cultural Interchange on Crop Diversity

This case study compares crop origin and diversity between two villages of similar size and contrasting conditions of human development: Acteal (Chiapas, Mexico) and Tuñon (Asturias, Spain). With an ethnographic approach, we found a significantly higher proportion of imported species and lower crop diversity in Acteal than in Tuñon, opposite to the expected from the respective natural diversity and conservation of local traditions in the two areas. The results are explained based on less priority given to natural resources than to social development in regions affected by conflicts and/or poverty. According to FAO directions, emphasizing the protection of local agricultural varieties in development plans is highly recommended.