Dimensions of Peri-Urban Maize Production in the Toluca-Atlacomulco Valley, Mexico

Our traditional understanding of what is rural and urban is being questioned as the Latin American countryside transforms by processes of globalization and changes in livelihood strategies. In Mexico, a culture of land reform and maize production still exists alongside urban and industrial growth which impacts household land-use and livelihoods. This paper uses interviews with government officials and producer organizations along with national statistics to unravel the variables shaping maize production in the TolucaAtlacomulco valley, Mexico State. Rapid urbanization and agrarian policy undermining smallholders has led maize producers to modernize, grow for subsistence and/or engage in alternative on and off-farm employment.