The impact on the production costs of basic grains on small and medium producers in the context of food sovereignty and security in the eastern region of El Salvador

Abstract

The territory of El Salvador is divided by the Lempa River into two large areas, each with distinct cultural characteristics. The Eastern Region is marked by volcanoes that, throughout many periods of history, have expelled ash, destroying communities and crops, but have also created fertile soils for agricultural production. These have been utilized for new human settlements, and the inhabitants have developed skills in seed and plant manipulation, as well as knowledge of fertile soils.

The domestication of seeds such as corn and beans allowed for the development of agriculture since pre-Columbian times, fostering a cultural identity for the peoples around the cultivation of these grains.

In this way, staple grains are part of the social, economic, family, and cultural activities of the inhabitants of El Salvador, who have experienced interesting growth processes throughout history, as the population has increased and, consequently, the dietary needs of the residents require abundant grains for nutrition.

However, the way these staple grains are produced tends to change constantly due to endogenous and exogenous factors. Therefore, this article seeks to understand the impact that production costs currently have on small and medium farmers and how they affect the sovereignty and food security of the Eastern Region of El Salvador.

To conduct this study, opinions on the topic were gathered through interviews with key informants from central and local government, NGOs, and private companies. Additionally, small and medium producers were surveyed, which allowed for the identification of perceptions, criticisms, and proposals regarding the current situation of subsistence agriculture.