A Maize Production Model Using Structural Equation Modeling in Chicontepec, Veracruz, Mexico

Modelo de producción de maíz con ecuaciones estructurales en Chicontepec Veracruz, México

José Osorio-Antonia1

Fredy Juárez-Pérez2

Published

Instituto Tecnológico Superior Corporativo Edwards Deming. Quito - Ecuador

 

Frequency

April–June

Vol. 1, No. 29, 2026

pp. 16–52

http://centrosuragraria.com/index.php/revista

 

 

Dates of receipt

Received: January 12, 2026

Approved: March 25, 2026

 

 

Corresponding author

osorio.an.jose@gmail.com

 

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License, Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.es

 

 

 

 

Research Professor: Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Álamo Temapache, Veracruz, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9172-8173

osorio.an.jose@gmail.com

jose.oa@alamo.tecnm.mx

 

 

Professor and Researcher: Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Álamo Temapache, Veracruz, Mexico

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9049-9885

fredy.jp@alamo.tecnm.mx

 

 

 

 


Key words: transplanting, flowering, fruiting, stages, physiology.

Abstract: This article models corn production in Chicontepec, Veracruz, using structural equation modeling, based on the factors identified in the literature review, which are: organization, yield, support policies, production costs, climatic conditions, and marketing. The objective was to validate, using SPSS software, 324 questionnaires completed by corn producers. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the scientific software LISREL for analysis and modeling with structural equation modeling (SEM), in accordance with (Littlewood & Bernal, 2014) . Its originality lies in the fact that, after obtaining the results of the field study, the variables were validated in the LISREL software using statistical techniques—confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling—to obtain the final model. The method used was the hypothetical-deductive and descriptive approach. The relevant findings are that, of the six independent variables studied, two were validated: yield and production. The variables support policies, production costs, climatic conditions, marketing, and organization do not explain the dependent variable, production. Two possible scenarios are conceived: that the production variable is explained solely by the yield variable because it is a multidimensional variable, or that the other variables need to be redesigned. Among the limitations of the research, the field research process was not easy, as it was difficult to obtain information from producers due to the mistrust generated by the political climate.

Keywords:  Lisrel, structural equations, confirmatory factor analysis

 

 

 

 

Resumen: En este artículo se modela la producción de maíz en Chicontepec Veracruz con ecuaciones estructurales, a través de los factores que incidieron en el análisis de la literatura las cuales son: Organización, rendimiento, políticas de apoyo, costos de producción condiciones climáticos, y comercialización. El objetivo consistió en validar a través el software SPSS, 324 test contestados por los productores de maíz, así mismo se realizó el análisis factorial confirmatorio con el software científico LISREL para el análisis y modelación con ecuaciones estructurales o structural ecuation modeling (SEM), de acuerdo con (Littlewood & Bernal, 2014). Su originalidad radica en que después de obtener los resultados del estudio de campo se sometió a la validación de las variables en el software Lisrel con las técnicas estadísticas; análisis factorial confirmatorio y ecuaciones estructurales para obtener el modelo final. El método que se utilizó fue el enfoque hipotético deductivo y descriptivo. Los resultados de relevancia de hallazgos encontrados, es que de las seis variables independientes estudiadas, se validaron dos, rendimiento y producción, las variables; políticas de apoyo, costos de producción, condiciones climáticas, comercialización y organización no explican a la variable dependiente producción se concibe dos posibles situaciones; que la variable producción sea solamente explicada por la variable rendimiento debido a que es una variable que toma muchas dimensiones o que las demás variables requieran ser rediseñadas. Dentro de las limitaciones de la investigación el proceso de investigación de campo, no fue fácil obtener información de los productores dada a la desconfianza generada por ambientes políticos.

Palabras clave:  Lisrel, ecuaciones estructurales, factorial confirmatorio

Introduction

Corn cultivation in Mexico takes place in diverse geographical contexts—altitude, latitude, climatic conditions, temperature, humidity, and soil type—ranging from traditional farming practices to the use of production technologies in some states.

Based on the above description, these are classified into 11 regions corresponding to relatively homogeneous geographic areas in terms of the climatic, agroecological, and socioeconomic factors that influence maize production in Mexico (Donnet, 2012).

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 1. Corn-growing regions in Mexico.

 

Source: The market potential of improved maize seeds in Mexico (CIMMYT 2012) cited by Donnet, et al. (2012).

 

Figure 1.5 shows a map of the United Mexican States, illustrating the maize-growing regions, which are divided into eleven regions: Valles Altos comprises the states of Tlaxcala, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, and Puebla;  Bajío comprises the states of Guanajuato and Querétaro; Central Valleys comprises the states of Northern Oaxaca, Northern Guerrero, Puebla, Southern , Tlaxcala, Mexico City, Morelos, and the State of Mexico; Lower Pacific Tropics comprises Guerrero, Jalisco, and Michoacán;  the Lower Atlantic Tropics include the states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, central Campeche, and northern Veracruz; the Humid Tropics include the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, northern Oaxaca, and southern Puebla; Intermediate Zone includes the states of Zacatecas, Durango, Aguas Calientes, San Luis Potosí, and Northeast Sonora; North Pacific includes Northwest Sonora, Sinaloa, Baja California Norte, and Baja California Sur;  Chihuahua includes the state of Chihuahua, northern Coahuila, northern Tamaulipas, and northern Nuevo León; the Northern Gulf region includes the states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo León.

Corn production in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, is concentrated in approximately 20 municipalities. Likewise, the 10 municipalities with the highest production over the last five years are: Papantla, San Andrés Tuxtla, Minatitlán, Soteapan, Las Choapas, Hueyapan de Ocampo, Álamo Temapache, Texistepec, Perote, and Tierra Blanca.

In Mexico, corn has been part of the daily diet since ancient times. Understanding corn production in different regions could facilitate decision-making at the local, regional, and national levels to increase or ensure the necessary yield results, as is done in other countries. This research aims to model the variables that influence corn production in the municipality of Chicontepec, Veracruz.

Although the municipality of Chicontepec is not among the top 10, it is a major corn producer and has significant potential. It would be of utmost importance to develop projects at all three levels of government to revitalize corn production and support farmers’ livelihoods.

According to Rodríguez (2012), the state of Veracruz, with a population of 7.6 million, consumes approximately 1.2 million tons of corn.

Veracruz accounts for 5.7% of Mexico’s total corn production. Additionally, it is noted that in some areas there are two types of corn production: the commercial system and the subsistence system; the former is market-oriented, as production aims for the intensive use of resources to benefit producers, while the latter is based essentially on the intensive use of family labor, as is the case in the municipality of Chicontepec, Veracruz (Agriculture in Mexico, 2015) .

Corn varieties in Veracruz: Tuxpeño, Celaya, Cónico, Cónico Norteño, Chalqueño, Elotes Cónicos, Elotes Occidentales, Olotillo, Bolita, Dzit-Bacal, Nal-Tel, Pepitilla, Mushito, Cacahuacintle, Palomero, Tepecintle, Arrocillo Amarillo, Olotón, Coscomatepec (Serratos, 2009).

In a survey conducted in the state of Veracruz in the so-called Priority Attention Zones of the Center for Studies on Sustainable Rural Development and Food Sovereignty (CEDRSSA) of the Chamber of Deputies; Mexico City, they found localities where 75.9% of the population lived in poverty and 25.5% in extreme poverty; within these, there are 94.8 million corn producers who produce 610,200 tons of corn with a yield of 2.24 tons per hectare and 53.7% of production for subsistence consumption; human consumption of corn in these 43 ZAP municipalities is estimated at 214,300 tons (CEDRSSA, 2020)

The three main corn-producing municipalities in the state of Veracruz, which remained among the top three during the Spring–Summer and Fall–Winter 2019 cycle in the category of irrigated and rain-fed grain corn, are as follows: San Andrés Tuxtla, Papantla, and Soteapan; however, there are 17 out of 212 municipalities in the state of Veracruz that are dedicated to and contribute significantly to corn production; among this group is the municipality of Chicontepec de Adalberto Tejeda.

Veracruz is ranked as one of the states with the greatest potential to excel in the agricultural, livestock, forestry, and fishing sectors, accounting for 96.29% of the production value in these sectors.

However, it faces significant challenges due to its structural characteristics, including inefficient marketing systems, difficulties in accessing government resources, and potential misuse of those resources. These issues result in products with no added value, low yields, narrow profit margins, and consequently, low income levels.

Perhaps the opportunities for developing the rural sector include, among others, leveraging the capacity and diversity of existing natural resources, surpluses of primary production, available human potential, water resources in a sustainable manner, and the robust education and research system throughout the state.

In the state of Tlaxcala, Lazos (2014) notes that the annual harvest ranges between 100,000 and 120,000 hectares. It is confirmed that yields were previously higher; the decline was due to a lack of credit, low corn prices, and the high frequency of natural disasters, hectares.

In the study “Analysis of Corn Production Costs in the Bajío Region of Guanajuato” by Guzmán, De la Garza, González, & Hernández (2014), the authors break down and analyze corn production costs for a spring-summer production cycle using three technologies: rainfed, irrigated with livestock, and irrigated without livestock. the results show that, among marketable inputs, fertilization represented the highest cost for the producer; it accounted for 75% of total costs per hectare under the two contexts in which the three technologies were analyzed, both excluding and including the planted area.

(Barajas, Vazquez, Sapien, & Gutierrez, 2015) Given that the price of corn grain has been falling every year, this led corn producers in the municipality of Papantla, in northern Veracruz State, to begin considering the sale of corn leaves as an additional source of income alongside the sale of corn grain. The model includes facilities for bleaching with the aim of adding value for export so that the product can compete. At the macro level, the following is recommended: equitable distribution of resources between the north and south of the country across various programs.

In 2018, Mexico had a total consumption of 44.1 billion tons; in 2019, it increased to 44.5 billion tons, an increase of 400,000 tons; currently, Veracruz contributes 5% of the country’s corn production (Agency for Agricultural Marketing Services and Market Development, 2020) .

Table 1.1 explains the factors or variables identified in the literature review for this study.

Table 1. Variables in the corn production process.

 

Variable

Empirically Verified Findings

Empirically verifiable explanations

Organization

This is the amount of corn grain per hectare produced by a region based on the variety or type of corn used. According to (Serratos, 2009) , the following varieties exist in Veracruz: Tuxpeño, Celaya, Cónico, Cónico Norteño, Chalqueño, Elotes Cónicos, Elotes Occidentales, Olotillo, Bolita, Dzit-Bacal, Nal-Tel, Pepitilla, Mushito, Cacahuacintle, Palomero, Tepecintle, Arrocillo Amarillo, Olotón, Coscomatepec

This is the classification system used by corn producers within the organizational culture in sectors such as: ejidos, smallholdings, and communal lands, most of which plant native corn varieties or hybrid corn varieties, as well as various crops suited to the climatic conditions of Chicontepec, Veracruz, related to production chains (INEGI, 2017)

Yield

This refers to the corn production process, which may rely on technologies such as rain-fed farming, irrigation, or intercropping with other crops to maximize yield. In Mexico, there are six programs supporting agricultural activity; one of them is the irrigation modernization program (Gúzman, de la Garza, Gónzalez, & Hernández, 2014) , according to SAGARPA (2016).

It is the process of corn production that can be based on technologies such as: rain-fed, irrigated, or intercropped with other crops to maximize yield. In Mexico, there are six programs supporting agricultural activity, one of which is the modernization of irrigation (Gúzman, de la Garza, Gónzalez, & Hernández, 2014) , according to SAGARPA (2016).

Support Policies

These are the laws that regulate and require different levels of government to implement programs to incentivize corn production (ECLAC, 2012)

These are programs to promote agricultural activity or comprehensive production: Agricultural Production Systems (SISPROA), PROAGRO Productivo, Irrigation Modernization, Agri-Food Innovation, Modernization of Machinery and Equipment, Incentive Program for Corn and Bean Producers (SAGARPA, 2016).

Production Costs

Production costs include: labor, fertilizers, land preparation machinery, harvesting machinery, seeds, inputs, spraying, and harvesting (Suarez, 2015) .

These are the expenses incurred to ensure the growth, development, harvest, and marketing of an agricultural crop in different environmental, , and water-technological conditions (also called operating costs), which are necessary to maintain corn production, & Hernández (2014), Vaz & Leyva (2015)

Climatic conditions

These are meteorological phenomena (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, winds, frosts, dry seasons) that determine whether or not a crop yields a harvest (Esparza, 2012), (Grammont, 2010), (Ortíz, 2013), (Villa & Bracamonte, 2013), (López, 2014).

It encompasses determining factors such as excessive rain, drought, and flooding (Grammont, 2010), (Ortíz, 2013), (Villa & Bracamonte, 2013), (López, 2014), (Esparza, 2012).

Marketing

These are meteorological phenomena (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, winds, frost, dry seasons) that determine whether or not a crop yields a harvest (Esparza, 2012), (Grammont, 2010), (Ortíz, 2013), (Villa & Bracamonte, 2013), (López, 2014).

Product distribution and sales channels to generate the necessary profit. Barajas, M., Vázquez, M., Sapien, A., & Gutiérrez, M. (2015)

 

Facts based on conjecture, but not proven

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Prepared by the author based on the literature review.

The variables to be used in this research are shown in the ex ante diagram in Figure 1.1; they are grounded in the theoretical and contextual framework and the state of the art presented previously, which will serve to describe the evolution of corn production in the municipality of Chicontepec using agent-based modeling.

Figure 2.  Ex-ante diagram

 

 

 

Source: Prepared by the author based on the theoretical framework presented in this research

 

Figure 2.3 shows the ex-ante diagram based on the empirical evidence documented in the state of the art. From this perspective, this research adopts an approach focused on the evolution of competitiveness in corn production in Chicontepec, Veracruz, considering the independent variables of organization, yield, support policies, production costs, marketing, and climatic conditions.

 

 

 

Methodology

The formal research method, employing a sequential design, represents a set of systematic, empirical, and critical research processes involving the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as joint conclusion and discussion, to draw inferences from all the information gathered.

In the first stage, the context of the research topic was reviewed from the perspectives of international, national, regional, and local corn production; the local component corresponds to corn production in the municipality of Chicontepec.

The theoretical framework and state of the art were reviewed, taking into account the following: competitiveness, agricultural competitiveness, competitiveness of corn production, and agent-based modeling.

The second stage included the problem statement, general and specific objectives, the definition of the study method and type of research, as well as the determination of the sample size of male and female producers engaged in corn production in the municipality of Chicontepec.

In the third stage, which involved data collection, studies were conducted in several communities within the municipality of Chicontepec, both in Spanish and in Nahuatl—the latter being the native language of the study population. Statistical analysis was then performed using SPSS to assess the validity of the instrument, the degree of correlation between independent and dependent variables, and the model will be validated against the theory through confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and the agent-based model.

Given the characteristics and nature of the problem addressed in this research, the study will have a quantitative and qualitative approach, as it will describe the evolution of competitiveness using a measurement instrument that applies statistical techniques and tests; subsequently, the characteristics or qualities of the data will be analyzed based on the results obtained.

The research is mixed-methods and explanatory in nature, as it employs a structural and statistical approach; so it may become descriptive and correlational, as it addresses the questions raised regarding the variables to describe the relationship in terms of the magnitude of each variable, as well as the use of multivariate statistical techniques to test and estimate causal relationships based on statistical data and qualitative assumptions about causality.

Analysis of complex systems, as agent-based modeling will be used to simulate the production or behavior of agents in corn production.

The variables in this research are grounded in the contextual framework of corn production, as well as in the theoretical framework and state of the art, which is developed to measure the competitiveness of corn producers in the municipality of Chicontepec using agent-based modeling.

A model is designed to describe and simulate the conditions under which this agricultural activity takes place in the municipality of Chicontepec.

Within the theoretical framework, information related to the research topic was analyzed in scientific articles found in highly prestigious journal databases regarding the subject of study, which are: competitiveness, agricultural competitiveness, the competitiveness of corn production, and agent-based modeling.

After obtaining the measurement scale for the independent variables and specifying the coding or values, the pilot test was conducted.

It was administered to 324 corn producers, both women and men, from communities in the municipality of Chicontepec, Veracruz, in the language they speak fluently, which is Nahuatl. Annexes III and IV show the operationalization of the independent and dependent variables, and Annex V shows the evaluation instrument for this research.

The following statistical tests were performed:

After administering the 324 surveys to the corn producers, the data were entered into the statistical software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 25. The reliability of the measurement instrument was then assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a result of .857 (APPENDIX II), which means that the measurement instrument is reliable because it has a Cronbach’s alpha greater than 0.7

Next, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were performed.

 

Results

Based on the validation in the statistical software of the 324 tests answered by the corn producers of Chicontepec, Veracruz, confirmatory factor analysis was performed.

The results of the confirmatory factor analysis are shown; this is a necessary step for structural equation modeling (SEM), According to (Littlewood & Bernal, 2014) , SEM is a statistical technique that allows for the testing of theoretical models and establishes causal relationships between independent and dependent variables based on a theoretical review. The measurement of these relationships using SEM is performed through the items of the dimensions and indicators outlined in the assessment instrument. The modeling

Thus, structural equation modeling requires two stages: confirmatory factor analysis, which validates the measurement model of the variables or constructs, and the verification of the parameters among the latent variables

Structural equation modeling was performed using LISREL, a scientific software package that allows researchers in the social sciences, management sciences, behavioral sciences, and other fields to evaluate their theories. It is classified as statistical software It can run on 64-bit computers for structural equation modeling and is available for data obtained from surveys on categorical variables, as well as for data from random samples.

Based on the validation of the obtained data, we proceed to design the agent-based modeling of the performance variable and the validated items for the SEM model.

Confirmatory factor analysis.

In the factor analysis, the validity of the results obtained in the field study was verified, classified or categorized with their respective independent and dependent variables based on the dimensions, indicators, and items presented in this research, as shown in Appendices II, III, and V.

In the first stage, several constructs were analyzed simultaneously along with their respective indicators (items), which are O54, O55, O35, O36, O37, O38, O40, O34, and O39 corresponding to the Organization variable; R7, R8, R11, R45, R12, R9, R10, R43, R44, R20, R25, R27, R28, R29, R30, R31, R32, R33, R41, R42, corresponding to the Performance variable; PA24, PA51, PA26, PA50, PA52, PA53, corresponding to the Support Policies variable; CP5, CP1, CP2, CP4, CP6, CP3, corresponding to the Production Costs variable; CO56, CO57, CO58, CO59, for the Marketing variable; CC13, CC14, CC19, CC17, CC18, CC15, CC16, CC23, CC21, CC22, indicators of the Climatic Conditions variable; and PR46, PR47, PR48, PR49, for the dependent variable, corn production.

Based on the analysis run in the LISREL software, Figure 1.2 is shown

Figure 3. Confirmatory factor analysis

Source: Author’s own work based on the confirmatory factor analysis with latent variables

 

The yield variable “R” shows a strong positive relationship with item R8 “use of organic fertilizer” and item R10 “use of insecticides to combat pests,” as the correlation coefficients in these cases are 0.99 and 0.98, respectively.

As for the production variable “PR,” it shows a strong positive relationship with item PR47 “harvest more than one ton per hectare,” since the correlation coefficient between these two variables is 0.56

We can also observe that the production variable “PR” shows a weak positive relationship with items R20 “lack of rain does not affect my crop because I have irrigation” and R48 “I harvest more than 2 tons per hectare,” since the correlation coefficients are 0.31 and 0.41, respectively.

In an effort to validate these latent variables and the relationship between them, as well as the dependent variable, Figure 1.2. shows the results, where the Yield (R) variable validates items 8 and 10 with reliable values of 0.99 and 0.98; likewise, the dependent variable Production (PR) validates the relationship with items 20, 4, and 48, thus establishing two latent variables with their respective indicators.

Likewise, in the figure we can identify four principal indices indicating that the Confirmatory Factor Analysis is valid because the Chi-square value is 7.28, and the RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) value is 0.052, for which the measurement criterion is that a result of 0.8 or less is satisfactory;

The following code was used for the confirmatory factor analysis.

Correlation Matrix From File JOSE.COR

 Sample Size 324

 Latent Variables: O R PA CP CO CC PR

 Relationships:

 PR48 PR47 R20 = PR

 R8 R10 = R

 Number of Decimals = 3

 Wide Print

 Print Residuals

 Path Diagram

 End of Problem

 Sample Size = 324

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3: Correlation matrix resulting from confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

 

R8

R10

R20

PR47

PR48

R8     

1,000

 

 

 

 

R10

0.011

1,000

 

 

 

R20

0.178

0.270

1,000

 

 

PR47

0.167

.178

0.537

1,000

 

PR48

0.069

0.215

0.638

0.525

1.000

 

Source: Results of confirmatory factor analysis

           

In the correlation matrix in Table 1.2, it can be seen that the strongest correlations occur between item R20 “the lack of rain does not affect my crop because I have irrigation” and PR47 “I harvest more than one ton per hectare” and PR48 “I harvest more than two tons per hectare”; At the same time, it is observed that the latter items mentioned have a strong correlation with each other.

On the other hand, the weakest correlations are between item R8 “I use organic fertilizer” and items R10 “I use insecticides to control pests” and PR48 “I harvest more than two tons per hectare”

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

Structural equation modeling (SEM) has the capacity to model constructs, which are referred to as latent or hidden variables in the individual modeling of the structural model; these are estimated in the model based on the variables measured in the indicators, allowing for the estimation of the model’s average reliability.

In the literature review, latent variables or constructs were identified by specifying the dimensions and indicators that explain their relationship, as proposed in the ex ante model

From this perspective, all those presented in this study were analyzed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 4. Final model obtained from the LISREL software.

 

Source: Author’s own work. Result: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

 

According to the structural equation modeling in Figure 1.3, the only independent variable that explains production (dependent variable) is yield.

The complete model, which considers the variables Support Policies (SP), Production Costs (PC), Climatic Conditions (CC), Marketing (MO), Organization (O), and Yield (Y) (independent variables), does not explain PR due to two possible situations:

1. That the dependent variable (PR) is explained solely by the independent variable (R), since it is a variable that encompasses many dimensions, indicators, and items, making it a highly relevant variable for SEM modeling.

2. PA, CP, CC, CO, and O need to be redesigned.

3.- CP, CC, O, and PA are independent variables of Performance (R), and therefore it is necessary to redefine the model in further research.

Correlation Matrix From File JOSE.COR

 Sample Size 300

 Latent Variables: O R PA CP CO CC PR

 Relationships:

 PR48 = 1*PR

 R20  = PR

 R8 = 1*R

 R10 = R

 PR = R

 Number of Decimals = 3

 Wide Print

 Print Residuals

 Path Diagram

 End of Problem

 Sample Size =   324

The most important indicators validating the model are described below:

1.-It can be observed that the CHI-SQUARE value is 1.845; therefore, it can be concluded that this is an acceptable model.

Normal Theory Weighted Least Squares Chi-Square = 1.840 (P = 0.175)

2.-Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.0530

We can see that RMSEA = 0.0530, which indicates that it is satisfactory; this means there is no need to adjust the model

Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.0530

3.-In this case, we observe that the Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.989, which means that the theoretical model improves the fit relative to the null model to an acceptable degree.

Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.989    

4.-As we can see, the CFI = 0.995, which is a value very close to 1; this means that the comparison between the theoretical model and the null model has a good fit.           

Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) = 0.997

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5. Correlation matrix; structural equation modeling (SEM)

 

 

R20      

PR48        

R8       

R10  

 

R20     

1,000

 

 

 

PR48     

0.638     

1,000

 

 

R8     

0.174     

0.118     

1,000

 

R10     

0.273     

0.184     

0.011     

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Author’s own work, based on SEM analysis

 

 

In correlation matrix 1.3, it can be observed that, among all possible item combinations, the highest correlation is between R20 “lack of rain does not affect my crop because I have irrigation” and PE48 “I harvest more than two tons per hectare,” which means that having irrigation increases production by more than two tons per hectare; Conversely, the lowest correlation is between item R8 “use of organic fertilizer ” and R10 “I use insecticides to combat pests,” which means that using little organic fertilizer also leads to using little insecticide.

 

Conclusions

Based on the general objective of this research to “design a competitiveness model for corn production in Chicontepec, regarding types of organization, support policies, climatic conditions, production costs, yield, and marketing, using agent-based modeling,” the agent-based model was designed based on the two variables validated in the confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Additionally, six specific objectives were formulated with six research questions that allowed for the formulation of hypotheses.

Data collection was conducted using a measurement instrument administered to 324 small-scale corn farmers in the municipality of Chicontepec. The data obtained were subjected to statistical tests, and the variables were validated using the scientific software LISREL to design the agent-based model.

Regarding the fulfillment of the general and specific objectives, it is concluded that:

The general objective was achieved by designing the agent-based model based on the SEM validation of the yield and production variables with their respective indicators: “lack of rain affects my crop” with a correlation of 1.000, “I harvest more than one ton per hectare” with a correlation of 0.638, and “I harvest more than 2 tons per hectare” with a correlation of 0.525. On the other hand, there is a weak correlation with “use of fertilizers”; however, it was taken into account for the simulation because it is a relevant input for yield according to Table 4.2; From the two variables mentioned, the following parameters were used for the simulation: available land area, rainfall, fertilizers, planted area, and planting cycle; “support programs” were also taken into account as a complementary factor.

References

Trusts Established in Relation to Agriculture. (2015). Agri-Food Program. Mexico: FIRA.

Trusts Established in Relation to Agriculture. (December 2, 2019). InfoRural. Retrieved from Agri-Food Outlook: https://www.inforural.com.mx/panorama-agroalimentario-del-maiz/

Shuping, N., & Stanway, D. (September 11, 2013). Reuters Latin America. Retrieved from China’s corn production expected to reach record high in 2013: CNGOIC: http://lta.reuters.com/article/idLTASIE98A00L20130911

2000Agro. (April 2, 2014). Michoacán plants only 30% of its potential corn production. Retrieved April 22, 2016, from http://www.2000agro.com.mx/agroindustria/siembra-michoacan-solo-30-del-maiz-de-su-potencial-de-produccion/

Agency for Agricultural Marketing Services and Market Development. (2020). Corn Market Report. Mexico City: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://www.cima.aserca.gob.mx/work/models/cima/pdf/cadena/2020/Reporte_mercado_maiz_200120.pdf

Agency for AgriculturalGovernment of Mexico. Retrieved January 6, 2020, from Corn, a representative crop of Mexico: https://www.gob.mx/aserca/articulos/maiz-grano-cultivo-representativo-de-mexico?idiom=es

Agriculture in Mexico. (May 5, 2015). IMPORTANCE OF CORN PRODUCTION IN MEXICO. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://hidroponia.mx/importancia-de-la-produccion-de-maiz-en-mexico/

Agrimoney. (January 1, 2015). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from Decline in the GMO corn harvest in the EU and New European Directive on GMO crops: https://noticiasdeabajo.wordpress.com/2015/01/18/descenso-de-la-cosecha-de-maiz-transgenico-en-la-ue-durante-2013-y-nueva-directiva-europea-sobre-los-cultivos-transgenicos/

Agrofy News. (November 21, 2015). Retrieved April 20, 2016, from http://www.fyo.com/noticia/153968/china-recortara-su-produccion-maiz-durante-siguientes-cinco-anos

Alcantara, I. (2013). Determinants of grain corn production: an analysis for the states of the Mexican Republic. ResearchGate, 1-18.

Alliance for Food Health. (November 10, 2015). Alliance for Food Health. Retrieved from Permits and planting of genetically modified corn suspended in Mexico: http://alianzasalud.org.mx/2015/11/suspenden-permisos-y-siembra-de-maiz-transgenico-en-mexico/

AméricaEconomía. (Friday, October 2013). AméricaEconomía 1986–2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from http://www.americaeconomia.com/node/103712

Andrés, I. (July 19, 2015). La Razón. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from Corn Situation: http://www.razon.com.mx/spip.php?article269311

Anove. (April 20, 2016). ANOVE BLOG. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from The cultivation of improved corn varieties in the European Union: http://www.anoveblog.es/el-cultivo-de-variedades-vegetales-mejoradas-de-maiz-en-la-union-europea/

Anzil, F. (July 18, 2008). Zona Economia. Retrieved from Competitiveness: http://www.zonaeconomica.com/definicion/competitividad

Aragón, F., Suketoshi, T., Hernández, J., Figueroa, J., & Serrano, V. (2005). Project CS002, Update on information regarding native maize varieties of Oaxaca. Mexico City: National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural, and Livestock Research No. CS002 Mexico City

Arroyo Menendez, M., & Hassan Collado, S. (2007). Simulation of social processes based on software agents. EMPIRIA. Journal of Social Science Methodology., 157.

Avendaño, B. (2006). Globalization and competitiveness in the fruit and vegetable sector: Mexico, the big loser. Tijuana, Mexico: Autonomous University of Baja California.

Avila, F., Castañeda, Y., & Mass, Y. (August 2014). Corn farmers in Puebla face the release of genetically modified corn. Retrieved Friday, April 2016, from Sociológica (Mex.) vol. 29, no. 82, Mexico, May/Aug. 2014: http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?pid=S0187-01732014000200002&script=sci_arttext

Ayala, A., Sangerman-Jarquín, D., Schwentesius, R., Almaguer, G., & Jolalpa, J. (2011). Determining the competitiveness of the agricultural sector in Mexico, 1980–2009. Mexican Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 502-513.

Chicontepec City Council. (April 1, 2011). Municipal Development Plan 2011-2013. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from http://www.invedem.gob.mx/files/2014/02/ifm-pmd-chicontepec-11-13.pdf

Bada, L. (2002). Competitiveness of Orange Producers in Alamo, Veracruz. Administrative Research.

Bada, L. (2010). Model of collaboration in the production chain of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the citrus agro-industry in northern Veracruz. Mexico: National Polytechnic Institute.

Bada, L. (2010). Associative model in the production chain of agro-industrial micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in northern Veracruz. Mexico City: National Polytechnic Institute.

Bada, L. (2010). Associative model in the production chain of agro-industrial micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the citrus sector in northern Veracruz. Mexico City: IPN.

Bada, L., & Rivas, L. (2009, pp. 176–177). Typologies and models of production chains in MSMEs. Lebret Journal, 198.

Baetancourt, J. (2014). Agent-based modeling as a pedagogical tool in the Public Health course. Higher Medical Education, 436.

Barajas, M., Vazquez, M., Sapien, A., & Gutierrez, M. (2015). Social research on marketing and sustainability. Mexico City: Competitive Press, S.A. de C.V.

Basurto, S., & Escalante, R. (2013). Impact of the crisis on the agricultural sector in Mexico. UNAM Economics, 51-73.

Bernal, E. (2013). Toward the systemic competitiveness of MSMEs: an analysis of the Colombian context. Ensayos Journal, 43-59.

Bianco, C. (2007). What do we mean when we talk about competitiveness? Buenos Aires, Argentina: Center for Studies on Science, Development, and Higher Education.

Mexican Biodiversity. (October 2011). Corn Varieties of Mexico. Retrieved May 2, 2016, from http://www.biodiversidad.gob.mx/usos/maices/razas2012.html

Bonales, J. (2001). Competitiveness of Companies in Uruapan, Michoacán, Exporting Avocados to the United States of America. Administrative Research.

Buitrago, M. (2008). THEORY OF STRATEGY AND COMPETITIVENESS: STATE OF THE ART FROM THE. BOGOTÀ – COLOMBIA: UNIVERSITY OF LA SALLE, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

Chamber of Deputies, C. d. (February 2007). Mexico: The Corn Market and the Tortilla Agroindustry. Mexico City, Mexico.

Cárdenas, J. (April 11, 2015). Retrieved April 22, 2016, from http://noreste.net/noticia/pronostican-baja-produccion-de-maiz/

Cárdenas, A. (2008). The Biofuels Dispute. European Union; NAICS: 926110;, 1,2.

Caballero, M. (2009). Study of the overarching vision and economic and financial feasibility for the development of grain and oilseed storage and distribution infrastructure for the medium and long term at the national level. Mexico: SAGARPA-FIRCO-COLPOS-NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE OILSEED PRODUCTION SYSTEM.

Cadavid, L., & Franco, C. J. (2012). System Dynamics and Agents for Modeling the Diffusion of Two Competing Innovations. 10th Latin American Congress on System Dynamics, 3rd Brazilian Congress on System Dynamics, 1st Argentine Congress on System Dynamics (pp. 1, 12). Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Research Group on Systems and Computer Science, National University of Colombia – Medellín Campus.

Calvo, D. (2006). Theoretical Models and Knowledge Representation. Madrid: Complutense University of Madrid.

Cardoso, C., Bert, F., & Podestá, G. (2011, pp. 1–2). Agent-Based Models (ABM): Definition, Scope, and Limitations. Land Use, Biofuels, and Rural Development in the La Plata Basin, 2-7.

Castro, G. (2005). Genetically Modified Corn in Mexico: Genetic Contamination of Indigenous Lands. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.

ITC. (2003). International Trade Centre. Retrieved from International Trade Centre, International Trade Forum: http://www.forumdecomercio.org/La-ventaja-competitiva-nacional/

ITC. (2003). International Trade Centre. Retrieved from The National Competitive Advantage: http://www.forumdecomercio.org/La-ventaja-competitiva-nacional/

Ceballo Pérez, S. G. (2005). FOREIGN TRADE, PRODUCTION, AND PRICING OF CORN IN MEXICO: IMPLICATIONS AND PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING COMPETITION. Mexico City.

Ceballos. (2006). Foreign Trade, Production, and Price Determination of Corn in Mexico: Implications and Proposals to Improve Competition. Mexico City: UNAM.

Ceballos, S. (n.d.).

Ceballos, S. (2005). FOREIGN TRADE, PRODUCTION, AND PRICING OF CORN IN MEXICO: IMPLICATIONS AND PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING COMPETITION. Mexico: UNAM.

Ceballos, S. (2005). Foreign trade, production, and corn price determination in Mexico: implications and proposals for improving competition. Mexico: UNAM.

Ceballos, S. (2005). Foreign trade, production, and corn pricing in Mexico: implications and proposals for improving competition. Mexico: UNAM.

Ceballos, Y. F., Baqueiro Espinosa, O., & Dyner, I. (2013). Analysis of social development in isolated rural areas using agent-based simulation. Engineering Journal, University of Medellín, 133.

CEDRSSA. (2020). Production and consumption of corn and beans in municipalities of the Priority Attention Zones in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Veracruz, and Puebla. Mexico City: San Lázaro Legislative Palace. Retrieved September 11, 2020, from http://www.cedrssa.gob.mx/files/b/13/46Ma%C3%ADz_frijol_ZAP_20XII18.pdf

Centeno, M. (July 22, 2015). El Economista. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from Opinion and Analysis: http://eleconomista.com.mx/columnas/agro-negocios/2015/07/22/impulso-las-actividades-red-maiz-mexico-i

Centeno, M. (July 22, 2015). Boosting the activities of the corn network in Mexico. Retrieved from http://eleconomista.com.mx/columnas/agro-negocios/2015/07/22/impulso-las-actividades-red-maiz-mexico-i

Center for Brokers and Agents of the Grain Exchange. (2014). Corn in Argentina. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from Major Crops: http://www.centrodecorredores.com/index.php/maiz

ECLAC Subregional Office in Mexico. (2012). Report of the Expert Meeting on Transparency and Competition in the Bean and Corn Markets in Central American Countries. San José, Costa Rica: United Nations.

Chauvet, M., & Lazos, E. (2014). Genetically Modified Corn in Sinaloa: Inappropriate, Obsolete, or Cutting-Edge Technology? Socioeconomic Implications of Potential Commercial Planting. Sociológica, 44.

Chauvet, M., & Lazos, E. (2014). Genetically modified corn in Sinaloa: inappropriate, obsolete, or cutting-edge technology? Socioeconomic implications of potential commercial cultivation. Sociology, 8-40.

Chauvet, M., & Lazos, E. (2014). Genetically modified corn in Sinaloa: inappropriate, obsolete, or cutting-edge technology? Socioeconomic implications of potential commercial cultivation. Sociological, 33.

Ciani, R. (1993). Study of Agricultural and Agroindustrial Competitiveness; Cereals, Wheat, and Corn and Their Derivatives. Buenos Aires, Argentina: F.M. GRAFICA S.R.L.

CIBIOGEM. (March 6, 2015). Project Results: Social, Economic, and Cultural Impacts of the Possible Introduction of Genetically Modified Corn in Mexico. Retrieved from www.conacyt.gob.mx/cibiogem/images/.../EstadosUnidosmaiz.pdf

CIMMYT. (October 22, 2015). Research on Maize. Retrieved from http://www.cimmyt.org/es/que-hacemos/investigacion-sobre-maiz/item/sagarpa-and-cimmyt-aligning-agendas-for-a-great-new-vision-on-sustainable-maize-and-wheat-systems-for-improved-livelihoods?category_id=49

CIMMYT. (October 22, 2015). Maize Research. Retrieved from http://www.cimmyt.org/es/que-hacemos/investigacion-sobre-maiz/item/sagarpa-and-cimmyt-aligning-agendas-for-a-great-new-vision-on-sustainable-maize-and-wheat-systems-for-improved-livelihoods?category_id=49

CINVESTAV. (October 29, 2014). CINVESTAV Communication Portal. Retrieved from Scientific studies are already underway to create a tasty super tortilla: https://comunicacion.cinvestav.mx/Inicio/TabId/55/ArtMID/954/ArticleID/204/Hay-ya-estudios-cient237ficos-para-crear-sabrosa-s250per-tortilla.aspx

Clarín. (February 4, 2011). Corn: Argentina is well ahead. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from http://www.clarin.com/rural/Maiz-Argentina-bien-arriba_0_421758086.html

Wheat Trading Company. (October 25, 2015). International Market - Corn - Major Importers. Retrieved from http://www.cotrisa.cl/mercado/maiz/internacional/importadores.php

Wheat Marketing Agency. (September 3, 2020). Wheat Marketing Agency. Retrieved January 6, 2020, from International Market - Corn - Global Production Details: https://www.cotrisa.cl/mercado/maiz/internacional/detalle.php

CONABIO. (2010). Global Project on Native Maize, descriptive table of maize varieties in Mexico. Mexico City: CONABIO.

Contreras, J., & Ramos, I. (2013). Determinants of Grain Corn Production: An Analysis for the States of the Mexican Republic. Baja California: ResearchGate.

Crece Negocios. (September 6, 2015). Crece Negocios. Retrieved from What is a competitive advantage: http://www.crecenegocios.com/que-es-una-ventaja-competitiva/

Greenpeace. (2013). Native, hybrid, and genetically modified corn. Autonomous University of Chapingo.

Agricultural Markets Consulting Group. (April 2011). Agricultural Markets Consulting Group. Retrieved October 2014, from http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/agronegocios/Documents/estudios_economicos/Seminarios/entorno_agroeconomico/PRODUCTIVIDAD%20Y%20COMPETITIVIDAD%20DE%20GRANOS%20EN%20MEXICO%20%28Abr%202011%29.pdf

GrupoClarin. (February 2, 2015). In-depth analysis of corn consumption in Argentina. Retrieved April 21, 2016, from http://www.clarin.com/rural/agricultura/maiz-consumo_interno-grano-bioetanol-forraje_0_1303070062.html

Gómez, C. (2011). Competitiveness and economic growth: empirical evidence of ICG variables in Mexico. Mexico: Innovation Networks.

Gómez, E. (October 5, 2015). Network in Defense of Corn. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://redendefensadelmaiz.net/2015/10/opinion-ue-prohibe-transgenicos/#&panel1-5

Guo, Y., Wang, Y., & Huang, W. (2014). Cultivation Techniques for High-Yield Corn in a Karst Region of Southwest Guizhou. Agricultural Science & Technology, 1339-1341.

Heraldo de Aragón Editora S.L.U. (May 12, 2014). With 40% of production, Aragón has established itself as Europe’s largest producer of genetically modified corn. Retrieved April 25, 20

Hernández, J. (February 17, 2014). El Economista. Retrieved from Current situation of corn: http://eleconomista.com.mx/columnas/agro-negocios/2014/02/17/situacion-actual-maiz

Hernández Sampieri, R., Fernández Collado, C., & Baptista Lucio, P. (2014). Research Methodology. Mexico City: McGraw-Hill.

Hernández, F. (February 17, 2014). El Economista, Opinion and Analysis. Retrieved from Current Situation of Corn: http://eleconomista.com.mx/columnas/agro-negocios/2014/02/17/situacion-actual-maiz

Hernández, J. (March 3, 2015). El Economista, Opinion and Analysis. Retrieved from National outlook on corn: http://eleconomista.com.mx/columnas/agro-negocios/2015/03/04/panorama-nacional-maiz

Hernández, R., Fernández, C., & Baptista, P. (2014). Research Methodology. Mexico: McGraw-Hill.

Hernandez Soto, D., & Garza-Carranza, M. T. (2011). Competitiveness of Mexican Strawberries and Exports to the U.S.: A Partial Equilibrium Model. GCG GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY - UNIVERSIA, 113.

Veracruz Corn Husk. (May 2, 2012). Premium-quality Veracruz corn husk for tamales. Retrieved from http://www.hojademaiz.com/search?updated-max=2012-06-11T12%3A47%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=3#PageNo=2

Huang, G. (2004). Modeling soil water regime and corn yields considering climatic uncertainty. Plant and Soil, 259, 221–229.

IMCO. (2012). MEXICAN INSTITUTE FOR COMPETITIVENESS A.C. Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://imco.org.mx/videos_es/que_es_competitividad_-_imco/

IMCO Staff. (2015). IMCO. Retrieved from International Competitiveness Index 2015: http://imco.org.mx/competitividad/indice-de- competitividad-internacional-2015-la-corrupcion-en-mexico-transamos-y-no-avanzamos/

IMD. (May 30, 2016). IMD WORLD COMPETITIVENESS CENTER. Retrieved from IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2016 Results: http://www.imd.org/wcc/news-wcy-ranking/?MRK_CMPG_SOURCE=DME_1516009

IndexMundi. (January 6, 2020). Market prices for corn. Retrieved January 7, 2020, from Corn vs. Corn - Price Rate of Change Comparison: https://www.indexmundi.com/es/precios-de-mercado/?mercancia=maiz&meses=60&moneda=mxn&mercancia=maiz

INEGI. (2011). NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STATISTICS AND GEOGRAPHY. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from INEGI Information Bank: http://www3.inegi.org.mx/sistemas/biinegi/?ind=1009000029

National Institute of Statistics and Geography. (October 10, 2017). National Institute of Statistics and Geography. Retrieved from Digital Map of Mexico: http://gaia.inegi.org.mx/mdm6/?v=bGF0OjE5LjgyNjc0LGxvbjotOTcuNDQzNTAsejoyLGw6Y2Fncm8=

IT Agrícola. (October 10, 2012). GMOs: Corn—Advantages and Disadvantages. Retrieved May 2, 2016, from https://perezguarinos.wordpress.com/2012/10/10/transgenicos-el-maiz-ventajas-y-desventajas/

Izquierdo, L., Galán, J., Santos, J., & del Olmo, R. (2008, pp. 98). Modeling complex systems using agent-based simulation and system dynamics. EMPIRIA. Journal of Social Science Methodology, 112.

Lara, P. E., Canché, M. C., Magaña, H., Aguilar, E., & Sanginés, J. R. (2009). In vitro gas production and degradation kinetics of mulberry (Morus alba) fodder meal mixed with corn. Cuban Journal of Agricultural Science, 273-280.

LATINPYME. (March 16, 2015). http://www.latinpyme.com.co/articulo/3344. Retrieved from Management tools for business competitiveness: http://www.latinpyme.com.co/articulo/3344

Lazos, E. (2014). Socioeconomic and cultural considerations in the controversial introduction of genetically modified corn: the case of Tlaxcala. Sociologica, 201-240.

Lazos, E. (November 21, 2015). The California Campaign. Retrieved April 21, 2016, from The role of Sinaloa producers in the future of genetically modified corn: http://jornadabc.mx/tijuana/21-11-2015/rol-de-los-productores-sinaloenses-en-el-futuro-del-maiz-transgenico

León, R., Tejada, E., & Yataco, M. (2003). Intelligent Organizations. Industrial Data, 82-87.

Li, B., Sun, D., Zhu, R., & Li, Z. (2015). Agent-Based Modeling of Organizational Dynamics in Terrorist Networks. Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society, 2015, 17.

Littlewood, H., & Bernal, E. (2014). My First LISREL Structural Equation Modeling. Mexico City, Mexico: Porrúa.

Lumbreras, C. (July 8, 2019). Agropopular. Retrieved September 8, 2020, from EU grain imports in 2018/19 reached a record high, due to corn: https://www.agropopular.com/importaciones-cereales-08072019/

Luna, B., & Altamirano, J. (2014). Genetically Modified Corn: A Benefit for Whom? Social Studies, 161.

López, A., & Galán, J. (2012, p. 13). Agent-based modeling for the study of. Nóvatica, 218.

López, E. (1999). The concept of competitiveness in technological positioning. Mexico City: UNAM.

López, J. (November 4, 2014). TecnoAgro. Retrieved from U.S. corn production reports: http://tecnoagro.com.mx/revista/2014/no-96/los-reportes-de-produccion-de-maiz-en-estados-unidos/

López, T., Herrera, J., González, F., Cid, G., & Chaterlán, Y. (2009). Efficiency of a crop simulation model for predicting corn yield in the southern region of Havana. Journal of Agricultural Technical Sciences, 1-6.

López, T., Herrera, J., González, F., Cid, G., & Chaterlán, Y. (2009). Efficiency of a crop simulation model for predicting corn yield in the southern region of Havana. Agricultural Technical Sciences, 6.

Márquez, F. (2008). FROM NATIVE CORN VARIETIES (Zea mays L.) TO HYBRIDS. AGRICULTURE, SOCIETY, AND TRANSGENIC DEVELOPMENT. I: COLLECTION OF GERMPLASM AND IMPROVED VARIETIES, 166.

Machinea, J. (2007). The Competitive Advantage of Nations. Harvard Business Review, 4-23.

Macías, A. (2008). Emerging Fruit and Vegetable Regions in Mexico: Long-Term Viability or Short-Term Phenomenon? Avocado Production in Southern Jalisco. Social Studies, 203-235.

Malave, N. (2007). Model Study for Action Research Approaches, Likert Scale. Venezuela: Jacinto Navarro Vallenilla University Institute of Technology.

Maluenda, J. M. (2019). Corn 2019/20. Record production and declining stocks in consecutive seasons. Madrid, Spain: Agrodigital. Retrieved January 7, 2020, from https://www.agrodigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/maiz201920c.pdf

Maluenda, M. (2015). Agrodigital. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from http://www.agrodigital.com/Documentos/maizmy15.pdf

Martin, G. (n.d.). Corn Cultivation. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from http://ecaths1.s3.amazonaws.com/forrajicultura/CultivoMaiz.pdf.

Martinez, D. (March 7, 2010). Strategic Planning. Retrieved from ELEMENTS THAT MAKE AN ORGANIZATION COMPETITIVE: http://planeacinestrategicapaum.blogspot.mx/2010/03/11-elementos-que-hacen-competitiva-una.html

Morales, J., Hernández, J., Rebollar, S., & Guzmán, E. (2011). Production costs and competitiveness of potato cultivation in the State of Mexico. Mesoamerican Agronomy, 339-349.

Morales, M., & Pech, J. (2000). Competitiveness and strategy: the core competencies approach and the resource-based approach. Accounting and Administration, 47-63.

Municipalities. (2010). Papantla. Retrieved April 22, 2016, from Information about Papantla: http://www.municipios.mx/veracruz/papantla/

Municipalities. (2010). Soteapan. Retrieved April 22, 2016, from Information about Soteapan: http://www.municipios.mx/veracruz/soteapan/

Municipalities. (2014). Retrieved October 12, 2014, from http://www.municipios.mx/veracruz/

Muñiz, R. (2016). Center for Financial Studies. Retrieved from Competitive Analysis: http://www.marketing-xxi.com/analisis-competitivo-17.htm

Núñez, L. D. (February 11, 2013). El Economista, Opinion and Analysis. Retrieved from Corn production in Mexico and the world: http://eleconomista.com.mx/columnas/agro-negocios/2013/02/11/produccion-maiz-mexico-mundo

Nieto, E. (June 10, 2001). Gestiopolis. Retrieved from Theories of competitiveness and competitive strategies: http://www.gestiopolis.com/teoria-de-la-competitividad-y-estrategias-competitivas/

Agricultural News. (January 31, 2019). Retrieved December 23, 2019, from Global corn consumption will exceed production: https://www.noticiasagropecuarias.com/2019/01/31/el-consumo-mundial-del-maiz-sera-superior-a-la-produccion/

Papantla News. (November 30, 2015). Papantla News. Retrieved April 22, 2016, from SEDATU aims to increase the production of native corn in the Totonacapan highlands: http://noticiaspapantla.blogspot.mx/2015/11/sedatu-pretende-incrementar-la.html

Ochoa O., Zezzatti, A. (2008). Cultural Algorithms. Ide@s Gazette, CONCYTEG, 15.

Odarda, O., & Santa, G. (2011). PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA CORN. People’s Republic of China: Ministry of Agriculture (MAGyP).

OIDEDRUS Veracruz. (2016). White corn. Retrieved from http://www.oeidrus-veracruz.gob.mx/principal/anio_agricola?productos=Ma%C3%ADz+grano+blanco&indicadores=agri_SupSembrada&example_length=5

Oppong, B., Onumah, E., & Asuming-Brempong, S. (2014). Stochastic Frontier Modeling of Maize Production in Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. Agris on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, VI, 67-75.

Ortega, F. F., & Gómez, N. A. (2014, pp. 19). Current Status of Agent-Based Models and Their Impact on Organizational Research. Bogotá, Colombia: Universidad del Rosario.

Ortíz, J. (March 4, 2013). Cadena 5. Retrieved from Low water levels are advancing in Sinaloa: http://maxima103.com/cadenacinco/etiqueta/estiaje/

Palacios, O., Ortega, A., Guerrero, M., Hernández, J., & Peinado, L. (2008). Project FZ002. Knowledge of the diversity and current distribution of native maize and its wild relatives in Mexico. Sinaloa, Mexico: INIFAP-CONABIO.

Paliwal, R. (2001). FAO Document Repository. Retrieved Wednesday, April 2016, from Types of Maize: http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/x7650s/x7650s07.htm

Pat, V., & Caamal, I. (2009). Analysis of levels and approaches to competitiveness. Analysis of the Latin American rural environment , 63-75.

Pat, V., Caamal, I., & Ávila, J. (n.d.).

Pat, V., Caamal, I., Avila, J., & Hernández, J. (2010). Analysis of corn competitiveness in the Mennonite farmlands of Hecelchakán, Campeche. Analysis of the Latin American Rural Environment, 53-66.

Pavón, J., & Martínez, J. (2010). Modeling Trust into an Agent-Based Simulation Tool to Support the Formation and Configuration of Work Teams. Advances in Information and Communication Technology, 166.

Pavón, J., López, A., & Galán, J. (2012). Agent-based modeling for the study of complex systems. Novática, 13-18.

Paz, F. (February 15, 2015). Network in Defense of Corn. Retrieved April 22, 2016, from Despite the reduction in acreage, the corn harvest remains the leading crop in Michoacán: http://redendefensadelmaiz.net/2015/02/a-pesar-del-recorte-en-superficie-la-cosecha-del-maiz-continua-a-la-cabeza-en-michoacan/#&panel1-6

Perea, J. (March 3, 2011). Getiopolis. Retrieved from Types of competitiveness for development: http://www.gestiopolis.com/tipos-de-competitividad-para-el-desarrollo/

Pérez. (March 9, 2016). Court order banning permits for genetically modified corn, a “victory” for farmers. La Jornada, p. 31.

Pérez, C., & Bermúdez, M. (September 28, 2012). Eumed. Retrieved from International Competitiveness Index: http://www.eumed.net/cursecon/ecolat/mx/2012/psba.html

Rivas Tovar, L. A., Peña Cruz, M. d., & Gómez Tagle, M. G. (2005). Competitiveness of mango producers on the Costa Grande in the municipality of Tecpan de Galeana, State of Guerrero, Mexico. Administrative Research, 26-28.

Rivas, A. (2017). Thesis Writing: Structure and Methodology. Mexico: Trillas.

Rivas, L. (2006). How to Write a Master’s Thesis? Mexico City: Ediciones Taller Abierto.

Rivas, L. (2015). Evolution of Complexity Theory. Mexico: Trillas.

Rivas, L. (2016). How to Write a Thesis? Mexico: IPN.

Rivas, L. (2017). Thesis Writing: Structure and Methodology. Mexico City: Trillas.

Rivas, L. A. (2011). Strategic Management and Organizational Processes: New Models for the 21st Century. Mexico City: IPN.

Rivas, L. A. (2016). How to Write a Thesis. Mexico: Trillas.

Rodríguez, E. (June 5, 2012). El Golfo Info. The real-time newspaper for the people of Veracruz. Retrieved April 22, 2016, from http://www.elgolfo.info/nota/117243-veracruz-ocupara-el1er-lugar-enproduccion-demaiz/

Román, J. A. (September 27, 2011). National Chamber of Industrialized Corn. Retrieved from Conagua and Sagarpa implement emergency plan in response to low water levels: https://cnmaiz.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/implementan-conagua-y-sagarpa-plan-de-emergencia-ante-estiaje-luege/

Román, J., Abarca, M., Ceja, R., & Mujica, C. (2014). Preparation of corn tortillas with added organic nopal to be considered a functional food and to determine their degree of acceptance. FOOD, 50.

Rossi, G., & Calzada, J. (January 23, 2015). Rosario Stock Exchange. Retrieved April 21, 2016, from Calculation of corn consumption in Argentina: https://www.bcr.com.ar/Pages/Publicaciones/infoboletinsemanal.aspx?IdArticulo=1175

Ruiz, C. (February 13, 2013). Consultative Forum. Retrieved from CONCEPT OF COMPETITIVENESS: CROSS-CUTTING ASPECTS IN MEXICO AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: http://www.foroconsultivo.org.mx/eventos_realizados/ciclo_talleres_competitividad/taller_1/ruiz_duran.pdf

Sáenz, K., & Tamez, G. (2014). Qualitative and Quantitative Methods and Techniques Applicable to Social Science Research. ResearchGate.

Sánchez, D. (2012). The impact of ICTs on the performance of SMEs in Ecuador in 2010—San Cristóbal and Isabela cantons, Galápagos province. Loja, Ecuador: Loja University Center.

Sánchez, V. (2011). Competitiveness and sustainability in tomato production in Huichapan, Hidalgo. Mexico City: National Polytechnic Institute.

SAGARPA. (June 2011). National corn consumption: SAGARPA. Retrieved April 19, 2016, from the SAGARPA website: http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/agronegocios/Documents/estudios_economicos/escenariobase/perspectivalp_11-20.pdf

SAGARPA. (June 2011). Long-term outlook for Mexico’s agricultural sector 2011–2020. Mexico City: Undersecretariat for Agribusiness Development. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from Long-term outlook for Mexico’s agricultural sector 2011–2020:

SAGARPA. (June 2011, pp. 13). Long-Term Outlook for Mexico’s Agricultural Sector 2011–2020. Mexico City: Undersecretariat for Agribusiness Development. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from Long-term Outlook for Mexico’s Agricultural Sector 2011–2020: http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/agronegocios/Documents/estudios_economicos/escenariobase/perspectivalp_11-20.pdf

SAGARPA. (2016). SAGARPA. Retrieved from Opening and Closing of Application Windows: http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/ProgramasSAGARPA/2016/Paginas/Apertura-y-Cierre-de-Ventanillas.aspx

Salinas, Y., Soria, J., & Espinoza, E. (2010). Utilization and Distribution of Blue Corn in the State of Mexico. Texcoco, State of Mexico: INIFAP-SAGARPA.

Santes, E. (2008). Corn varieties and production techniques used by farmers in the community of Carrizal, Papantla, Veracruz. Papantla, Veracruz: Universidad Veracruzana Intercultural.

Schwab, K., & Sala-i-Martín, X. (2016). The Global Competitiveness Report 2015–2016. Geneva, Switzerland: World Economic Forum.

SD, C. (n.d.). SD.

Six Elements of Competitiveness. (October 4, 2011). Retrieved from http://blog.trabajando.pe/consejos/204-seis-elementos-de-la-competitividad

Serratos, J. (2009). The Origin and Diversity of Maize in the Americas. Mexico City: Autonomous University of Mexico City.

SFA SAGARPA. (April 19, 2016). Long-Term Outlook for Mexico’s Agricultural Sector 2011–2020. Retrieved from http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/agronegocios/Documents/estudios_economicos/Seminarios/entorno_agroeconomico/PRODUCTIVIDAD%20Y%20COMPETITIVIDAD%20DE%20GRANOS%20EN%20MEXICO%20(Apr%202011).pdf

SIAP. (2014). AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, Cycle: Agricultural Year OI+PV 2014, Type: Irrigated + Rainfed, Grain corn. Retrieved from http://www.siap.gob.mx/cierre-de-la-produccion-agricola-por-estado/

SIAP. (2014). MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FISHERIES, AND FOOD. (M. AGRI-FOOD AND FISHERIES INFORMATION SERVICE, Producer) Retrieved October 9, 2015, from http://www.siap.gob.mx/cierre-de-la-produccion-agricola-por-estado/

SIAP. (2014). Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from Agricultural Production by State: http://www.siap.gob.mx/cierre-de-la-produccion-agricola-por-estado/

SIAP. (December 30, 2020). Agricultural, Agri-Food, and Fisheries Information Service: Actions and Programs. (Mexico City, Publisher) Retrieved September 10, 2020, from Statistical Yearbook of Production: https://nube.siap.gob.mx/cierreagricola/

Simple Organization. (2016). TiposDe.org Educational Portal. Retrieved Wednesday, April 2016, from Types of Corn: http://www.tiposde.org/general/431-tipos-de-maiz/

Agri-Food and Fisheries Information System. (December 20, 2019). Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service. Retrieved December 20, 2019, from Statistical Yearbook of Agricultural Production: https://nube.siap.gob.mx/cierreagricola/

Soboll, A., & Schmude, J. (2011). Simulating Tourism Water Consumption Under Climate Change Conditions Using Agent-Based Modeling: The Example of Ski Areas. Soboll and Schmude, 1049-1066.

Soto, L. (April 24, 2015). Agromarketing. Retrieved April 22, 2016, from Potential Production and Consumption of Corn in the State of Mexico: http://agromarketing.mx/agricultura/produccion-potencial-y-consumo-de-maiz-en-el-estado-de-mexico/

Sotomayor, O., Rodríguez, A., & Rodríguez, M. (2011). Competitiveness, sustainability, and social inclusion in agriculture: New directions in policy design in Latin America and the Caribbean. Santiago, Chile: UNITED NATIONS.

Statista. (August 17, 2020). Food and Nutrition. Retrieved August 31, 2020, from Corn production in the U.S. between 2011-2017: https://es.statista.com/estadisticas/517323/produccion-de-maiz-en-los-ee-uu/

Storti, L. (2019). Cereals: Corn. Secretariat of Economic Policy, Undersecretariat of Microeconomic Planning. Buenos Aires: Ministry of Finance. Retrieved August 10, 2020, from https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/sspmicro_cadenas_de_valor_maiz.pdf

Suárez, H. (July 9, 2015). CERT de Seguridad Industria. Retrieved from What is a correlation? … and data analysis tools: https://www.certsi.es/blog/correlacion-herramientas-analisis-datos

Suarez, A. (2015). Effects of the Colombia-U.S. FTA on agriculture. Bogotá, Colombia: Corcas Editores SAS.

Sun, X., Zhang, L., Tan, H., Bao, J., Strouthos, C., & Zhou, X. (2012). Multi-scale agent-based brain cancer modeling and prediction of TKI treatment response: Incorporating EGFR signaling pathway and angiogenesis. BMC Bioinformatics, 1471-2105/13/218, 1-14.

Tolentino, J. (2013). Rice production in the state of Morelos: an approach from the SIAL perspective. Social Studies, 38-61.

Torres, Z., & Navarro, J. C. (2007). Fundamental Concepts and Principles of Epistemology and Methodology. Mexico City, Mexico.

Tosquy, O., Palafox, A., Sierra, M., Zambada, A., Martínez, R., & Granados, G. (2005). Mesoamerican Agronomy. 16 (1).

United States Department of Agriculture. (2012). United States Department of Agriculture.  Retrieved August 15, 2015, from http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome.

United States Department of Agriculture. (August 1, 2019). United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved January 7, 2020, from Corn is the largest crop in the United States in 2019: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2019/07/29/corn-americas-largest-crop-2019

United States Department of Agriculture. (November 2019). United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Retrieved September 3, 2020, from Quick Stats: https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/results/7A66208F-A8A0-3DF0-95DB-5B785FE4CBEA

Vallejo, H., Ramírez, J., Chuela, M., & González, R. (December 2004). TECHNOLOGY FOR PRODUCING CORN IN THE BAJÍO MICHOACANO. Uruapan, Michoacán: INIFAP-PACIFIC REGIONAL RESEARCH CENTER, URUAPAN EXPERIMENTAL FIELD. Retrieved from http://biblioteca.inifap.gob.mx:8080/jspui/bitstream/handle/123456789/1267/maiz_bajio_1267.pdf?sequence=1

Vargas, B., & del Castillo, C. (2008, pp. 26–70). SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL BUSINESSES: A model for promoting endogenous capabilities to foster sustainable competitive advantages and high productivity. Sustainable competitiveness of small businesses.

Vaz, D., & Leyva, Á. (2015). Critical period of competition between arvenses and maize (Zea mays L.) in Huambo, Angola. Tropical Crops, 14-20.

Vergara, G. (March 30, 2009). The importance of business and professional competitiveness for achieving success. Retrieved from Strategy, Management, Improve Your Management: http://mejoratugestion.com/mejora-tu-gestion/importancia-de-la-gestion-empresarial-y-profesional-en-mejora-tu-gestion/

Viglizzo, E. (1997). Green Paper; Elements for an Agro-Environmental Policy in the Southern Cone. Montevideo, Uruguay: PROCISUR.

Villa, A., & Bracamonte, A. (2013). Learning processes and productive modernization in agriculture in northwestern Mexico: The cases of commercial agriculture on the Hermosillo Coast, Sonora, and organic agriculture in southern Baja California Sur. Estudios Fronterizos, new series, 217-254.

Zamora, A. (September 23, 2013). Fundación Antama. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from Spanish farmers reach a historic record for biotech crop planting with more than 136,000 hectares in 2013: http://fundacion-antama.org/agricultores-espanoles-record-historico-cultivos-transgenicos-mas-136-000-hectareas-2013/