The Socioeconomic Value of Yellow Plum (Spondias purpurea) Production in Rural Backyard Systems in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico

The cultivation of yellow plum (Spondias purpurea) represents a traditional resource with potential for utilization in rural communities of the municipality of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. The objective of this study was to analyze the food relevance and utilization potential of yellow plum cultivation in rural households by characterizing the socioeconomic profile of families, estimating domestic production levels, and identifying the uses and final destination of the fruit. The research was conducted using a mixed, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach, based on the application of 167 surveys to rural households. The results reveal a high presence of fruit trees in backyard systems, with significant production of yellow plum primarily intended for self-consumption. However, the findings also indicate the existence of production surpluses, low levels of processing, considerable fruit waste, and limited participation in commercialization activities, despite a favorable willingness among households to market the product. It is concluded that yellow plum production in rural backyard systems plays an important role in food security and exhibits an underutilized economic potential. Its full utilization requires strengthening productive capacities, improving access to processing technologies, and developing appropriate marketing channels, as well as the implementation of public policies aimed at supporting backyard production systems.