Rural enterprise in Mexico: a case of necessity diversification. Issue 4 (12th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bosworth, Gary; McElwee, Gerard; Smith, Rob
• Is Part Of: Journal of enterprising communities. Volume 9:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 327
• Page End: 343
• Publication Date: 2015-10-12
• Subjects: Industries -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Ethnic communities -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.9105
• DOI: 10.1108/JEC-05-2014-0006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-6204

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – This paper aims to consider the challenges facing small rural businesses in Mexico in their efforts to be enterprising and sustainable when confronted with severe exogenous pressures. Extant literature on farm diversification has a developed economy focus (Pyysiäinen <italic>et al.</italic>, 2006; McElwee, 2008; McElwee and Smith, 2013), but relatively little has been published in developing economies. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – This paper considers diversification activities of Mexican farmers. It uses case studies, workshops and interviews to determine the barriers facing farmers and farm advisors. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – Farm businesses, particularly those located in drought-prone regions, have benefited from government-sponsored support, but this support needs to now be targeted to develop the entrepreneurial potential of individuals and collectives. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Research limitations/implications</title> <p> – Carried out in one region of Mexico only, and thus, the findings may not be transferable to other regions. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – Recruitment of well-qualified, honest farm advisors with entrepreneurial skills is necessary. Farmers need to be given additional training and support to develop both technological and entrepreneurial skills. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Social implications</title> <p> – Encouraging and supporting rural enterprises in Mexico helps to provide opportunities for regions to be economically and socially sustainable. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – A first attempt to look at farmers ' diversification strategies using an entrepreneurial framework.</p> </sec> </abstract>