Contributions of Agriculture to the Rural Development in Mexico

Abstract

Maize is the most extensive crop grown in Mexico. It is estimated that 3 million farmers cultivate maize, 67 percent is grown on small farms mainly for self-consumption, 23 percent on medium-sized farms and only 10 percent on commercial farms. Thus, the study sought to examine the contributions of agriculture to rural development in Mexico. The study was literature-based and the findings were based on the findings from the previous studies. The study results show that agriculture is one of the critical factors that increase the economic development of a country. In most developing countries, agriculture is considered a back born for development. It was noted that in some the countries such as Mexico, agriculture contributes more than 13% to the GDP. The study noted that maize farming is one most practiced in Mexico. Concentrating and putting more effort into agriculture and rural development is necessary for making it possible for growing nations to tackle the essential concerns of food security, reducing poverty and economic growth. The study discovered that the increasing agricultural surplus triggered by improvement in agricultural production and productivity tends to boost social welfare, especially in rural areas. The study concluded that farming and particularly maize farming increases productivity. In addition, the study concluded that agriculture is a reliable driver for development and an essential basis for prosperous income for the majority of nations that depend on agriculture.  Consequently, the study recommended that more efforts need to be put into farming. The government needs to increase subsidies to the farmers. The farmers need to be trained on the most effective inputs to be used during the farming. Proper measures are required to strengthen agriculture and attain greater development. The government and policymakers ought to start a diversity and increase appropriation in terms of budgeting for the farming sector. Also, there is a need to guarantee rural farmers a ready market for their agricultural products to avoid wastage and encourage them to do more in the agricultural sector. Keywords: Agriculture, rural development, Mexico