Caña de azúcar y liberalización económica. Estrategias campesinas y cambios territoriales en Jalisco y Veracruz

Abstract

Abstract. In Mexico, sugarcane growing is expanding since decades, despite the changes which have affected this sector. The aim of this paper is to illustrate and explain this dynamic, by comparing two sugarcane regions with different natural characteristics and historical trajectories. After a brief description of each region, we studied the evolution of sugarcane cropping during two contrasting stages: the decades characterized by state support for the sector and the era of economic liberalization and the withdrawal of the state. Conducting numerous interviews, the review of Ejido’s acts of Assembly and an extensive bibliographic work helped us identify farmer’s productive strategies, especially the relation between sugarcane and other crops as well as the role of land tenure. The decision to continue growing sugarcane, and even expand it, is largely explained by the social benefits that still offers sugarcane in the crisis context of agriculture.