PERCEPTIONS OF CHANGE IN HORTICULTURAL SUBSISTENCE STRATEGIES IN A RURAL MEXICAN COMMUNITY: SAN FRANCISCO PICHÁTARO, MICHOACÁN

The purpose of this thesis is to explore to what degree and how horticultural subsistence strategies are changing in an indigenous rural Mexican community. A case study research design was utilized to explore change, and perceptions of change that is occurring in home garden practices of San Francisco Pichátaro, Michoacán.  Research methods included in-depth interviews of home garden owners, a community-wide socioeconomic survey, participant observation, and secondary data collection. I found that change is occurring in Pichátaro regarding agricultural activities and that for the most part community members are conscious of that change. Home gardens have been adapting to increasing market participation during the last four decades, however most recently a shift from household participation in diversified on-farm activities to specialized off-farm activities is occurring, leading to abandonment of many home gardens in the community.