Plant Biodiversity Knowledge Varies by Gender in Sustainable Amazonian Agricultural Systems Called Chacras

LUZURIAGA QUICHIMBO, CARMEN XIMENA; Míriam Hernández del Barco; José Blanco-Salas; Carlos E. Cerón-Martínez; Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez

doi:10.3390/su11154211

Plant Biodiversity Knowledge Varies by Gender in Sustainable Amazonian Agricultural Systems Called Chacras

Journal

Sustainability

ISSN

2071-1050

Date Issued

2019-08-04

Author(s)

LUZURIAGA QUICHIMBO, CARMEN XIMENA

Facultad de Odontología

Míriam Hernández del Barco

José Blanco-Salas

Carlos E. Cerón-Martínez

Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez

DOI

10.3390/su11154211

URL

https://cris.ute.edu.ec/handle/123456789/835

Abstract

Chacras, which are Amazonian agricultural systems, are examples of traditional agricultural management that are sustainable. They are also characteristic of the identities of different ethnographic groups in tropical America. However, information regarding the botanical characterization of chacras is scant. In tropical rural communities, there is a gender bias hypothesis that makes women potential reservoirs of traditional chacras plant knowledge. We present an experimental study in order to demonstrate if this knowledge difference really exists and to plan accordingly. We performed workshops in an isolated Kichwa community from Amazonian Ecuador. We calculated the cultural signififcance index (CSI) for 97 local flora plants. Our results revealed statistically significant differences. They were coherent with the Kichwa worldview and the structure of their society. We concluded that gender perspective must be taken into account in biodiversity conservation programs, such as, for example, those to implement the resilient agricultural practices of tropical contexts promoted by The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SGD2).