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Abstract
Objective: To identify the problematic faced by habanero chili producers in Campeche, Mexico, in order to provide a framework for the decision-making, as well as generating a baseline for further studies.Design/methodology/approach: A set of indicators was constructed by applying the MESMIS method for the general characterization of the production system. The critical factors were identified on the basis of a participatory rural diagnosis, by selecting the producers who most explained the resolution of the critical points using indicators. A structured survey was applied to diagnose the technological level and the benefits from the activity.Results: As a result, the producers were divided into four levels according to their productive and technological capacity, and the network of total exchanges which characterizes the production system was built.Limitations of the study/implications: There were no technical limitations for the study. However, strong technical and economic constraints have been found for producers who grow habanero chili in Campeche. Findings/conclusions: Despite the good results of the activity, its main limitations are as follows: insufficient management of irrigation water, lack of technology transfer, incidence of diseases and pests, excessive use of agrochemicals, lack of capital, inputs expensive, guaranteed prices non-existent, few commercial varieties, lack of added value, lack of organization among producers and poor marketing channels. If these limits are lifted, growing habanero chili will be a more profitable and competitive activity.