Significados y usos que los habitantes de una vereda en Chigorodó, Antioquia, Colombia, dan a los alimentos que producen.

Background: Family farming is a practice which makes it possible for the population to obtain food and income while contributing to the food safety of their region. Objective: To know the meaning and uses that the inhabitants of the rural settlement, located in the Chigorodó municipality in the Department of Antioquia, place on the food they grow. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study, based on focused etnography, in which data were collected via observation, semi-structured interviews to 14 participants, and property mapping. The data was transcribed, read and coded. Significant aspects and relationship was identified. Preliminary and emergent categories were consolidated and the results were validated with the participants. Results: Among the reasons for growing food, the following stand out: vocation, tradition and need to support one's family. Additionally, living in the countryside is associated with happiness, tranquility and health. The most common types of food are: plantain, mango, lemon, coconut and guava. In addition, they also raise animals. Household usages include: food, cosmetics, medicinal and cleaning. Outside the household these products are sold and traded. Furthermore, people express diverse knowledge on the medicinal and cosmetic uses of plants as well as on how to grow them. Conclusions: Growing food is a contribution to the food safety of these households and their family economy. Likewise, the leading role of women is highlighted in this activity. Finally, a diverse body of everyday knowledge was observed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]