Abstract

Between 1975 and 2000 Mexico implemented institutional and political reforms involving substantial changes in incentive structure of agricultural sector. They were mean to improve rural factors market operation, foster investment and gain governability in the countryside. However, the outcome was not as expected: rural poverty deepened, and agriculture lost importance in the economy. The authors examine the consequences of rural policies in the insertion of this sector in domestic economy, in the relationship between peasants' communities and the state, and citizen behavior in rural sphere.