Giving Young Farmers Access to Land

Background

In the last decade, Mexico has undertaken major efforts to transform its rural and agricultural sectors, and to make the rural social sector in particular part of a more dynamic economic environment. The rural social sector consists of “ejidos” and “communal lands” that represent half the country’s land. This is where nearly 70% of the rural population live and where poverty rates are the highest.

Mexico’s efforts, however, have been limited by legal and administrative restrictions, and a lack of economic incentives. In the “ejidos”, most land rights belong to older people, many of whom are unable to use their land efficiently. Meanwhile, young households, headed by more educated and potentially more innovative farmers, suffer from land shortages or insecure land tenure. As a result, the rural social sector is getting older and young people are migrating to big cities and the United States.

Project objective

To support access for young farmers with entrepreneurial potential to land and other productive assets within selected states, by establishing an efficient model for land transactions, while helping older landholders access social welfare schemes.

Project Design

The project aims to provide young farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and carry out productive projects related to the land. The support will be given as credits and grants, and will include technical assistance. As this is a project pilot, special attention will be paid to monitoring and evaluating results.

Expected impact:

• Young rural entrepreneurs will receive training and technical assistance. They will also receive credits and grants that will enable them to buy or rent underused and potentially productive land, and to implement productive on- and off-farm investment projects that are environmentally sustainable and increase their income and welfare.
• Older farmers who transfer their lands will be able to access social welfare schemes.
• Once the mechanisms have been successfully piloted, the project will be extended to other states.
• Indigenous people will benefit particularly from the project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CROPS - Delfina Nava shows off the tomatoes she is growing with help from the Access to Land Project in Acatlán, Guerrero.