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Kumiai community recorded a low value due to their lack of participation in
decision-making issues arising from agrarian law; in addition, most interviewees
have a less optimistic perception of the future. A positive aspect is that the indigenous language is taught in primary school, and residents are satisfied with teaching.
The Kumiai emphasize the fundamental role of language teacher, whom they perceive as a pillar in safeguarding their cultural values.
In contrast, the Cucapá native community recorded the lowest value attributable
to factors such as low participation in decision making, the pessimistic perception
of the future, and the prevalence of modern uses in medical aspects, education, and
nutrition. Villareal (2014) described that the current diet of Cucapá includes many
processed foods, causing high levels of glucose in the blood and several cases of
type II diabetes mellitus (Camarena 2009).
Economic Sub-Index
It is important to mention that economy of the three groups is mainly based on primary sector activities. The community of Kumiai registered the highest economic
sub-index, and the underlying reason is the supplements of its economy, like hunting or raising animals and planting or harvesting plants. This is probably due to the
influence of the predominantly agricultural economy in the region and, to a lesser
extent, to the development of animal husbandry (intensive and extensive). The interviewees of San Antonio Necua considered that their economy is attached to the
Valle de Guadalupe because they are hired as farmers or laborers in neighboring
ranches.
Furthermore, the Pa Ipai community presented a lower value due to the limited
activity of cattle breeding, which is discouraged by the cold and dry climate (Wilken
1998). However, the Pa Ipai interviewees mentioned that they complement their
economy collecting pine nuts (Pinus pinea, piñon), some of them have orchards that
provide seasonal vegetables and supplement their income with federal government
programs.
The Cucapá have the lowest value since they do not complement their economy
with agricultural activities of self-subsistence. Nowadays they try to continue fishing, but the fluctuations in the volume of the river and the pollution of residual
waters of the Laguna Salada basin (Villareal 2014), plus the fishing seasons imposed
by the national authorities, make it difficult to continue their fishing activity.
Therefore, some of the Cucapá interviewees mentioned that they look for employment in surrounding ejidos or even at the city of Mexicali in order to obtain monetary income. They also mentioned that they supplement their income with federal
government programs aimed at combating poverty, reducing socioeconomic
inequalities, and expanding opportunities for indigenous communities.
12 Sustainability Assessment in Indigenous Communities: A Tool for Future…
Kumiai community recorded a low value due to their lack of participation in
decision-making issues arising from agrarian law; in addition, most interviewees
have a less optimistic perception of the future. A positive aspect is that the indigenous language is taught in primary school, and residents are satisfied with teaching.
The Kumiai emphasize the fundamental role of language teacher, whom they perceive as a pillar in safeguarding their cultural values.
In contrast, the Cucapá native community recorded the lowest value attributable
to factors such as low participation in decision making, the pessimistic perception
of the future, and the prevalence of modern uses in medical aspects, education, and
nutrition. Villareal (2014) described that the current diet of Cucapá includes many
processed foods, causing high levels of glucose in the blood and several cases of
type II diabetes mellitus (Camarena 2009).
Economic Sub-Index
It is important to mention that economy of the three groups is mainly based on primary sector activities. The community of Kumiai registered the highest economic
sub-index, and the underlying reason is the supplements of its economy, like hunting or raising animals and planting or harvesting plants. This is probably due to the
influence of the predominantly agricultural economy in the region and, to a lesser
extent, to the development of animal husbandry (intensive and extensive). The interviewees of San Antonio Necua considered that their economy is attached to the
Valle de Guadalupe because they are hired as farmers or laborers in neighboring
ranches.
Furthermore, the Pa Ipai community presented a lower value due to the limited
activity of cattle breeding, which is discouraged by the cold and dry climate (Wilken
1998). However, the Pa Ipai interviewees mentioned that they complement their
economy collecting pine nuts (Pinus pinea, piñon), some of them have orchards that
provide seasonal vegetables and supplement their income with federal government
programs.
The Cucapá have the lowest value since they do not complement their economy
with agricultural activities of self-subsistence. Nowadays they try to continue fishing, but the fluctuations in the volume of the river and the pollution of residual
waters of the Laguna Salada basin (Villareal 2014), plus the fishing seasons imposed
by the national authorities, make it difficult to continue their fishing activity.
Therefore, some of the Cucapá interviewees mentioned that they look for employment in surrounding ejidos or even at the city of Mexicali in order to obtain monetary income. They also mentioned that they supplement their income with federal
government programs aimed at combating poverty, reducing socioeconomic
inequalities, and expanding opportunities for indigenous communities.
12 Sustainability Assessment in Indigenous Communities: A Tool for Future…