Maize diversity and gender: Research from Mexico

In the future, more food will be needed to feed a growing world population. High-yielding crop varieties will play a key role in meeting this challenge. This article draws on research undertaken by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in La Frailesca in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Both agricultural and social processes influence women's and men's preferences for new or traditional (local) maize varieties. Despite the advantages of high-yielding new varieties, many farmers are continuing to grow local varieties, with women in particular valuing the culinary role played by these varieties.