The transversally effect of maize production in a rururbano municipality of the State of Mexico

Abstract

In Mexico, the cultural, environmental and economic heritage of agricultural producers is positively and negatively affected by government policies that support agriculture. The objective of this work was to analyze the challenges and opportunities encountered by maize producers in a municipality in the State of Mexico. A mixed methodological approach was used including principles of territorial development, tools for the analysis of social networks, application of questionnaires, interviews, and participatory workshops. The results show that, in Chiautla, State of Mexico, there is a decrease and polarization of maize production. The growth of urbanization and the abandonment of cropland are associated with the low profitability and the poor interest of the young people for being involved in this productive activity. Government subsidies and support to boost maize production play a decisive role in the conservation and modification of territorial dynamics in communities where this activity is carried out.