Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of malanga (Colocasia esculenta L. Shott) cultivation in Actopan, Veracruz

Abstract

Taro cultivation (Colocasia esculenta L. Shott) has increased the area of production due to its profitability and easy adaptation in the municipality of Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico. The agriculture of this crop has generated economic and social benefits to the local population because an increase in the production up to 40,000 plants per hectare, which has caused a greater demand in land, water, agrochemicals and workers. The aim of this work was to evaluate the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of its production, through a mixed methodology that included an analysis of soil and water according to Mexican regulations, field visits, as well as semi-structured interviews with different key actors of the production chain, during December 2022 to March 2023. The high demand and price of the product generates profitable economic activity and a source of permanent jobs with attractive wages. However, the unprotected application of 16 agrochemicals, two of them highly dangerous to human health due to their active substances harmful to workers and the environment, generates adverse social implications, as well as adverse consequences in water and soil.